A major event focusing on women’s health is taking place in Donegal on St Brigid’s weekend.
Minding Brigid is a holistic health expert-led event designed to empower women to take charge of their health and well-being and discover local supports.
The event will be held at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town on Saturday, February 1st, from 9.15 am to 12.30 pm. Celebrity MC Lorraine Keane will be the engaging host, introducing local health professionals, fitness and wellness advocates.
Bridin Bell, a member of the organising committee and an advanced nurse practitioner at Women’s Health in Sligo University Hospital, aims to empower women to explore holistic care options they may not already know about.
“It’s a great event for women to support each other, it’s on our doorstep, and there are lots of different professionals coming together to provide information on the challenges women encounter throughout our lives,” Bridin said.
“Challenges change as we go through life. It’s important to name what we are experiencing, get the facts, and the options of care and management.
“There is also a decision-making strength to take away from this – how can we manage our holistic health? What can we do for ourselves? And, what professional supports are out there that maybe we weren’t aware of?”
There will be important messages to be gained from the day such as the value of breast and cervical screening along with how to investigate personal concerns.
Bridin says: “People don’t realise that many women are experiencing exactly the same problems and they are afraid to speak openly about them, they don’t know who to turn to and they can face barriers to accessing the care and support.
“The financial aspect of women’s healthcare a huge burden – I know of women going privately for investigations of their concerns and they are not aware of fantastic services in ambulatory gynaecology in Letterkenny and in Sligo – it’s free care where women have to be seen within a certain time timeframe.”
Speakers at the event will include Dr. Ravi Garrib, clinical lead consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sligo University Hospital, along with Grace O Callaghan (Dance Teacher), Jennifer Glenn (Grove Medical Practice), Ciara Mooney (Physio Eireann), and Eddie Gorman (DT Fitness).
Tickets are €25 for the morning. However, organisers understand that not everyone may be able to afford the fee. Women wishing to attend the event who may not have the financial means to pay are invited to private message any member of the organising committee or contact St Vincent de Paul (Donegal Town) and arrangements will be made to ensure free admission on the day. Complete respect and confidentiality guaranteed.
Proceeds from the event will be used to fund a separate event called Minding Little Brigid, which will be held on Friday, January 31st. Girls from local secondary schools have been invited to learn about issues related to menstruation, seuxal health, mental health, and personal safety.
The goal of Minding Little Brigid is to empower young women to navigate health issues and seek support when needed.
Any remaining funds from the weekend will be donated to charity.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Minding Brigid, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minding-brigid-tickets-1109219739099
