2020 will see Donegal hosting events as part of First Fortnight – a mental health, arts and culture festival which aims to challenge prejudice and stigma.
The event uses arts and culture to challenge mental health stigma while supporting some of Ireland’s most vulnerable people through creative therapies.
Donegal Mental Health Services together with Donegal Local Mental Health Forum (a group of people with lived experience of mental health services in Donegal) work collaboratively to identify and discuss matters of importance to service users and their supporters (family and carers) with the aim of improving mental health services for all.
They identified First Fortnight as an excellent opportunity to address stigma associated with mental health issues in a public facing manner.
Through working with a number of stakeholders in Letterkenny as part of an interagency working group including Pramerica, Donegal County Council, CAWT iRecovery Project, Intercultural Platform, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Worklink and hosts, An Grianan Theatre, Sonder Cafe and Create-a-link the events for the First Fortnight Festival Letterkenny were put in place.
The launch of the First Fortnight Festival will take place at An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny on January 8, 2020, at 7pm.
On the launch night speakers will include, artists from the exhibition, event leaders, representatives from mental health services and a special guest TBC.
Patrick Nwaorkorie, HSE Mental Health Engagement Lead, CHO 1, said he wishes to encourage people from all walks of life to attend the launch to hear from speakers and see the beautiful and thought provoking pieces of art that often communicate more than words are capable of.
“You will also hear perspectives on mental health and the role we all play as well as some words from the organisers of the other events in Letterkenny and wider Donegal,” he said.
For further information on the launch night and to register to attend the events the events please click on the link below.
Please be aware to attend the launch night or take part in the events you must register online.
All events are free of charge.
https://www.firstfortnight.ie/events/draw-away-from-worries-launch-night
https://www.firstfortnight.ie/events/wellness-trail
https://www.firstfortnight.ie/events/words-from-the-wise-ones
