In response to the growing demand for it s services De Exeter House is to bring a mental health/wellbeing seminar to west Donegal.
Hundreds of people at home and abroad can testify to having overcome a range of mental health challenges through their involvement with the unique therapeutic centre in Termon.
However, many, many others are still struggling daily with stress, depression, anxiety and alcohol-drug addictions.
The pressures of the recession have taken their toll on the mental and emotional health of many people and whilst local community groups and sporting organisations have to be commended for their efforts to address these issues, ultimately many people require more professional help and care.
De Exeter House, has organised a seminar ‘Finding Hope’ as a means of trying to bring people together and share publicly their experiences with mental health difficulties and addictions. The centre has been opened over five-years and has successfully helped hundreds to overcome a range of mental health problems.
Having been approached at the seminar to consider bringing an event to West Donegal, De Exeter House held exploratory talks and with the encouragement of Mr Patrick J. Doherty, owner of An Chúirt Hotel in Gweedore, the free ‘Finding Hope’ seminar will take place at the hotel on Wednesday, October 4.
Ms Angela Maguire, Psychologist and Managing Director of De Exeter House can draw on over 30-years of experience at the ‘coal face’ of treating people from all ages suffering from mental health/addiction issues. De Exeter House helps people to manage the stress and challenges in their life more effectively.
The seminar takes place from 7pm to 9.30 pm and is already filling up very quickly. De Exeter House, has brought together a range of lay people and professionals to provide advice, share information and create awareness.
Since it opened in 2012, De Exeter House, has gained an excellent reputation locally, nationally and internationally for quality professional care and long term positive results.
As part of the ‘Finding Hope’ seminar De Exeter House is offering a free assessment for attendees and their families to discuss their needs.
“Whether our clients come for counselling, time out or rehabilitation, our relaxed and professional service is available for everyone, at an affordable cost. We are aware that one size does not fit all. Every client is unique, and our response is individually planned to meet their needs”.
“The key to our success to date is having time, quality and depth of care,” Ms Maguire, whose family are from Meenacuing in Dunlewey said.
The MC for the evening is well known local community activist and businessman, Mr Charlie Boyle from Mullaghduff. A mental health advocate he sees the challenges on a daily basis in west Donegal.
“I see the devastating consequences of people struggling with a range of mental health challenges, almost every day. We all know somebody in the area, who has difficulties, it could be drink, gambling, the legacy of childhood abuse or bullying,” he said.
“The reasons are many, but for those in torment, it can be difficult to reach out for help. I see the seminar as a step in the process of tackling the problems,”
“There are growing nationwide initiatives and awareness campaigns to help remove the stigma that still unfortunately exists around mental health. We all have a collective responsibility to break down those barriers and do our best to help people get the help they badly need,” he added.
Key speakers for ‘Finding Hope’ will include well known G.P and former government minister, Dr. James McDaid, who will share his experience around mental health and medicine. Dr. McDaid, and the highly respected and long established Scally Practice in Letterkenny, are the medical services linked with De Exeter House.
Eamon McGee, is an All-Ireland medal winner with Donegal. From Gaoth Dobhair, he is a strong mental health advocate whilst also espousing the benefits of physical exercise to cope with life challenges. Eamon, a well known GAA football pundit, struggled in the past with alcohol abuse, and is well placed to offer advice and support.
Mark Maguire (30) is a Life Coach and he will talk about ‘Keeping it Real’. Mark, has helped many young people to find a balance in their lives through their challenges with mental health and addiction problems. Mark, has personal experience of having overcome difficulties in his own life and now seeks to help others do the same.
Michael Meehan from Manorcunningham has worked in the public service for 20 years. Michael is active in the local community, sitting on the local History Society, and is active in his local church community also. He has, over the last 19 years, been a carer to his mother who has multiple sclerosis, and has liaised with many of the support services as a result.
Alisson Devine, will share her ongoing journey and recovery from alcohol addiction. The 41-year-old mother of two young children will speak in a public forum for the first time about her addiction to alcohol in the past.
She will share her experience in the hope other young women suffering with mental health and/or addiction problems will get professional help.
After spending three weeks in De Exeter House in early April, and with the help of Angela Maguire and her team, she has now found an ‘inner peace, balance, and a platform upon which to build a much richer life, free from the grip of alcohol’.
Pat Peoples is a local man who will speak on his own personal journey. Pat works with Donegal County Council and will share his challenges with alcohol.
C.J. McGinley, is a well known local journalist for almost 30 years. He too will share his journey to recovery from stress, anxiety and clinical depression in public for the first time.
“From someone who was living life in the ‘so called’ fast lane middle- management level, I have now learned to ‘slow the bus down’, ease the mind, and take time to enjoy the beautiful people and landscapes of Donegal, where I have found my peace.”
Free refreshments, information packs, brochures will be available along with a ‘goodie bag’ and ‘stress-ball’ for everyone who attends the seminar on the night.
“We want people to feel at ease in a relaxed, positive and fun setting where they can sit, listen, observe, and engage with other people and professionals” -Angela Maguire.
“It could well be the catalyst that inspires somebody to take that vital first step on their journey of recovery.
You can find further information about the upcoming seminar and the services available at De Exeter House by calling 074-91-19868 or by checking out the De Exeter House Facebook page.
You can also email Angela Maguire in total confidence at angela@deexeterhouse.com.
