As the dust settles on another successful World Mental Health Day 2019 , New Horizons Downpatrick would like to say a public thank you to all those who took part in a variety of events hosted to shine a light on mental health.
The annual event – which takes place each year on October 10 – focused on suicide prevention for 2019 and to mark the day, the Downpatrick service took the opportunity to host a health promotion fair.
Against the backdrop of a purple-lit leisure centre, many other local groups and individuals took great lengths to help make the fair a success, according to New Horizons Downpatrick Service Manager Joanne Stroud.
“I have so many people to thank,” she said, paying tribute to all those assisted to create a memorable day.
Joanne singled out a number of people, including Linda Owens, from Asda community, for supplying healthy snacks and allowing AMH the space to host its information stand in the Downpatrick branch of the store during the afternoon of WMHD 2019.
Joanne also named others who volunteered to make it a day to be proud of.
“We had a number of people who gave up their free time. Catherine, Sport Therapist from Peak condition, who gave advice on injuries, aches and pains; Steve for sharing with us his amazing performance skills; Tropic consultant, Mary Jane for giving complimentary hand massages using gorgeous greener and healthier products; and Aisling for providing Indian head massage tasters.
Joanne further expressed gratitude to Julie and Susan from NISSA, who joined New Horizons Downpatrick with a pop-up stand, outlining some of the services provided by the local Jobs and Benefits office.
“We had a gratitude tree for everyone to list what they are grateful for and positivity pouches to hand out on the day. Finally, a big thanks to Newry Mourne and Down council member, Deputy Chair Terry Andrews who called to show his support and to the council for lighting the local Leisure centre purple to mark WMHD.”
Staff and clients from Downpatrick all helped with preparation, provided music and activities on the day, making it a resounding success and one not to be forgotten.
The AMH New Horizons activities the client participates in are operated through the “Working it Out” project, which is part-funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts.
