Mental Health and Wellbeing Event ‘Together at the Lodge’ Returns to East Cork

Mental Health and Wellbeing Event ‘Together at the Lodge’ Returns to East Cork

Cork County Council and Cork Kerry Community Healthcare has officially launched the second annual ‘Together at the Lodge’ mental health and wellbeing event at Midleton Lodge Park. The free community event takes place on Sunday, September 29th, from 12pm to 4pm. 

It will feature an array of entertainment, recreational activities, workshops, and informational spaces provided by over 30 local community groups and organisations. The event aims to foster a sense of community throughout East Cork and raise awareness about the support services available for mental health and wellbeing, along with being a fun day out for all the family.  

The event is organized by Cork County Council in partnership with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Connecting for Life, Midleton & Area Chamber of Commerce, Midleton Family Resource Centre, and SECAD.  

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, expressed his support for the event,

Cork County Council is proud to support this initiative, recognising the crucial role it plays in fostering positive mental health. Let us come together to promote a culture of openness and support mental health. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and our community.

Deborah Harrington, Head of Service, Mental Health Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, shared her enthusiasm, “I am delighted that Mental Health Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, HSE is supporting Together at the Lodge. Working collaboratively with our colleagues in the statutory, community, and voluntary sectors in the East Cork region is vital in promoting mental health and wellbeing and reducing stigma. I hope this event raises awareness of the mental health services and supports available, while also providing an enjoyable and fun day for the community.” 

Adrianna Hegarty, President of Midleton and Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the event’s importance, “This event is dedicated to shedding light on mental health services and reinforcing the ties that bind us. Gathering, sharing personal journeys, and discovering the myriad resources available is profoundly important. Together at the Lodge promises a day of entertainment, workshops, and activities that foster connections and underscore the significance of mental health.” 

Martin Ryan, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, shared his excitement about the collaboration, “Over the past few months, we have gathered a wide community team to work collectively to ensure this event offers a practical and positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the local community. Our goal is to promote hope and recovery within our communities and remind people of the immense benefits of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Numerous supports are available to help us achieve that goal. We are delighted to work with Midleton Chamber of Commerce as we believe that mental health and wellbeing needs to involve everyone. Over 30 local and area community-based services will be happy to engage and support the general public. I look forward to seeing and meeting people on the day where we can build a successful connection to support our local communities together.” 

Niall O’Callaghan, Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Cork County Council added, “Through our leadership and continued collaboration with other local and regional services, we are proud to continue this event again following its success last year. It brings together services to assist in supporting our communities in East Cork.