Limerick Mental Health Week launches

The University of Limerick, along with Limerick Suicide Watch, Samaritans, Mary I, Lit, Limerick City and County Council and Jigsaw among others, have joined forces to promote Limerick Mental Health week.

Emer Casey, one of the organisers of Limerick Mental Health Week, said “it’s a difficult issue to broach, especially in light of what’s been happening in this city recently, but now is the time to have a conversation surrounding mental health in Limerick.”

Limerick Mental Health Week is celebrating it’s 14th year this year, having begun in 2005.

Speaking at the event launch, Spin South West DJ Louise Cantillon said that from her past experiences as a teacher and now a radio DJ, “it doesn’t matter if you’re ‘living your best life’ or down in the dumps, taking care of your mental health is important.”

**Spin South West DJ Louise Cantillon speaking at Tuesday afternoon’s launch of Limerick Mental Health Week**

Speaking to An Focal on Tuesday afternoon at the Hunt Museum, Gerry Linnane, Project Manager with Jigsaw Limerick said the week is aimed at “getting everyone talking to each other more – to talk to each other about mental health the same way we talk about football.”

Catherine Slater, Deputy Director of Limerick Samaritans, said events like Limerick Mental Health week is “vital in for ensuring a conversation is had regarding mental health in the culture.”

Limerick Mental Health Week officially kicks off Friday, October 4th, with the highlight of the festivities being the “Shine A Light On The River” at Arthur’s Quay Park in the city on Thursday, October 10th at 5:30pm.

“Shine A Light On The River” coincides with World Mental Health Day, which takes place on October 10th every year.