Fresh calls have been made on the government to add more support in the Donegal for people who are suffering from a mental illness.
The event was held with an aim to engage with young people, HSE staff, community and voluntary groups working with young people and to discuss services in the CHO 1 area and to inform the CHO 1 Mental Health Services Reform funding application to Genio.
Speaking on Wednesday, Councillor Frank McBrearty said: “As someone who has suffered from mental health issues and still has to deal with it daily, I believe we need more support in the community.
“As Mayor of Donegal in 2013, I ran a conference on sport aiding mental health “SAM”.
“This was a hugely successful conference for Donegal county council but I was very disappointed that it wasn’t picked up and rolled out all over the country,” he added.
“Exercise plays a big part in mental health issues even if it’s going for a walk. Suicide, Depression and anxiety don’t discriminate against young or old so we need to do whatever we can to protect them and the people around them who try their best to look after and support them.
“I recently took part in a safe talk course in St Johnston and Carrigan’s resource centre that helps give you a better understanding on the sad issue of suicide.
“I would like to see more support services for people in each individual area and not just in Letterkenny,” McBrearty said.
“I have always made my views quite clear on Letterkenny university hospital getting regional status so they can avail of the funding they need to make this possible .
“If I am re-elected to Donegal county council I can assure you I will be lobbying the government constantly for this to happen and to anyone who knows me, they know I don’t give up very easy.”