LAUNCH: Pictured at the launch of Kerry's Mental Health and Well-being Fest is Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, Cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council with from left: Geraldine O'Sullivan (Kerry Volunteer Centre), Deirdre Hegarty (Healthy Ireland Coordinator, KCC), Donagh Hennebry (Resource Officer - Suicide Prevention, HSE), Pat O'Brien (Kerry Mental Health Association), Caoimhe Keogan (Jigsaw Kerry), and Lorraine Bowler (NEWKD). Photo: Pauline Dennigan

By Michelle Crean

Promoting good mental health this October is the aim and it's never been more important than ever with the year that's in it.

Between October 10 and 17, Kerry's Mental Health and Well-being Fest has planned a week-long programme of events - but it will be a bit different to previous years due to the current restrictions.

Organisers are planning a number of events outdoors and online which will coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10.

Since it was inaugurated in 2018 hundreds of people have attended Kerry’s Mental Health and Well-being Fest each year.

An interagency committee, which is supported by Cork-Kerry HSE and Kerry County Council, have organised a range of events including well-being workshops, Forest Therapy, seminars, walks, coffee mornings, meditation and mindfulness, activity sessions, workplace workshops, self-care workshops, Zumba and yoga classes and more.

Launching the programme of events this week, the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Patrick Connor-Scarteen, explained that he is hugely aware of the mental health and well-being impact that this pandemic has had on people across the county.

"It is very important, this year especially, that the Mental Health and Well-being Fest is held to highlight the mental health services and supports that are available to people across the county. While observing the public health guidelines, the Fest offers an opportunity to connect with people and engage in activities that support people’s overall health and well-being," he said.

Donagh Hennebry, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare with the HSE, added that the programme of events has come together with the support of all the local statutory agencies working together with the very positive input of community and voluntary groups all over Kerry.

"This year the Cork and Kerry Fests will be held simultaneously in an effort to further highlight the support for mental health and well-being across the region and extend the reach of the message of the Five Ways to Wellbeing."

The Five Ways to Well-being are:

* Connect – with the people around you at home, work, school, and in your local community.

* Take Notice – Savour the moment whether you are walking, eating, or talking. Be aware of the world around you and what you’re feeling.

* Be Active – Step outside. Go for a walk, cycle, garden or dance. Discover a physical activity that suits your lifestyle.

* Give – Do something nice for a friend or a stranger. Thank someone. Volunteer. Join a community group.

* Keep Learning – Try something new, rediscover an old interest. Take on new responsibilities. Fix a bike. Learn how to cook your favourite meal.

Full details of the programme of events are now available on the Healthy Kerry and Kerry County Council websites www.healthykerry.ie.