Mayo mindspace new support service for young people
THE importance of mental fitness as well as physical fitness was stressed by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny who performed the official launch of a new facility in Castlebar for people experiencing mental health issues.
Mindspace Mayo is a free and confidential support service for young people’s mental health and wellbeing with the aim of supporting young people aged 15 to 25 who are going through a difficult time to ensure they get the support they need.
An Taoiseach said people today were facing different pressure than in his day when the general attitude towards peope with mental health issues was ‘what’s wrong with him or her’.
Deputy Kenny said the most important thing for people to do is to seek help. “There is no shame in asking for help and that is what this facility is here to provide - a supporting and a listening ear,” he said.
The provision of the new facility was made possible by pooling the human resources of various agencies such as the HSE, Mental Health Ireland, the Mayo Mental Health Association and a number of other community-based voluntary bodies.
Deputy Kenny said when people injured a leg or were suffering from other physical ailments, they go to their doctor. “A person’s mental health is no different and that too can be mended and people with anxieties or problems they feel they are struggling to cope with will find positive supoort at this facility.”
He said the biggest worry for parents was their children, and parenting in today’s world was particularly difficult with so much happening on social media outlets, including cyber bullying, the impact of telvision, while so much information now becoming available - not all of it good - means young people, in particular, can find it difficult to cope.
Peadar Gardiner, project manager, said the centre in the Market Square, Castlebar, provides a welcoming space for young people to call in, get information or have a chat one–to-one with a support worker.
“If a young person wants support, our staff are there to listen, without making judgements, and to provide supportive guidance. They also provide information and advice to anyone who is worried about a friend or young person in their life.
“As well as directly helping young people in tough times, we want to work towards a community that is supportive of mental health and well being. Presentations and talks in schools, workplaces and community groups aim to open up a discussion on mental health and raise people’s awareness of the support that Mindspace Mayo can offer. We also work to improve the support available to young people by connecting with the many organisations throughout the county.”
John Fitzmaurice, regional manager, Mindspace, and Frank Murphy, area manager with the HSE, also spoke.
Mindspace is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone (094) 9067001.