'Better Together’ event in the Southern area promotes greater connections for those working to promote positive mental health.
On Friday 11th October a networking event was held in Seagoe Parish Centre, Portadown. The Public Health Agency (PHA), Southern Health & Social Care Trust, Councils (Armagh Banbridge Craigavon, Newry Mourne and Down and Mid Ulster) and the Protect Life Community & Voluntary Forum came together to organise and participate in the promotional event.
The aim of the event was to provide an opportunity for those working to promote positive mental health in the Southern area to raise awareness of the various services available in their locality and connect and support eachother.
Participants heard from a range of statutory, community and voluntary sector providers about the services they provide and how to access them. The event also provided a platform for around 30 organisations across the Southern locality to showcase their services using a range of information stands.
Fiona Teague, Public Health Agency said:
“The networking event has been a great opportunity for local organisations to showcase their work in mental health promotion, whilst also promoting better connections in the Southern locality. We are very fortunate to have a range of quality services available in our area that work hard to improve health and wellbeing, and I would encourage local communities to find out what local services are in their area”.
Colin Loughran, Chair (Protect Life Community & Voluntary Forum) said:
“The Community and Voluntary sector play a key role in providing support to local people and communities in partnership with our statutory colleagues, to ensure a comprehensive, complete service, and we look forward to building upon existing relationships and forging new relationships with all service providers in meeting the needs of local people”.
Photo caption:
Back row Left to Right: Seamus McCabe, PIPS Hope and Support; Dora O’Loan SHSCT; Nuala Quinn, SHSCT; Michelle Moult, Carers Trust; Nicola Mitchell, Connected Health; Sarah Hillen, PIPS Hope and Support; Deborah McCready, Action Mental Health; Julie Quaile, Lifeline; Colin Loughran, Action Mental Health;
Front row Left to Right: Fiona Teague, Public Health Agency; Stephen Barr, Start 360; Ryan Flynn, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Lorraine O’Neill, Parenting Partnership; Gerard Rocks, SHSCT; Laura Taylor, Public Health Agency.