Bealach Nua Family Support Service decided to develop a webinar as a response to the crisis families found themselves in throughout the Covid 19 pandemic as living at home brought about a unique set of pressures for every family. This event was open to the public and included family members being supported by the Bealach Nua family service.
The aim of this event was to offer information on supporting family members and their loved ones mental health in knowing how to spot emotional distress as well as knowing how and when to seek help. How to practice best self-care, through nutrition and exercise and tips on why they are so important in helping us mind our mental health were further aims of this online webinar. We hoped to reinforce the important and unique role families have in helping each other in exceptional times and to provide information that may help strengthen the health and wellbeing of the whole family as a unit.
As part of the day’s event, we presented a video which is below called “What Makes Me Happy,” where we invited members of the public to submit short videos of what made them happy during these exceptional times. The video was played during a brief interlude to not only remind people of the joy that could be found anywhere, but it also put a smile on everyone’s face while watching it.
Psychotherapist, Loretta Bracken did a presentation which included minding you and your family’s health. Loretta has a keen interest in accompanying people on a journey to self- discovery through art, meditation and mindfulness.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Peter Livingstone at Mayo Mental Health Services discussed spotting the signs of distress and knowing how and when to seek help.
The morning was brought together with a great discussion delivered by Noel Feeley, co-ordinator with Roscommon Sports Partnership who gave some very practical advice on making the connection between exercise, nutrition and how it impacts our mental health. https://rosactive.org/contacts/
If you are interested in making the connection between exercise and the impact it has on mental health, you can find a Sports Partnership near you here. https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/local-sports-partnerships
Bealach Nua Family Support Service provides an important service in the community to family members and friends of loved ones using the Adult Mental Health Services in County Mayo and its offices are located at St. Mary’s, Castlebar, County Mayo.
