Walk and talk your way to a better life

ANYONE interested in promoting awareness of mental health issues have been invited to take part in the fourth annual Green Ribbon Walk in Portumna Forest Park this weekend with country singing star, Mike Denver, the special guest.

The walk takes place this Sunday, May 1, starting at 3pm, and is geared at being family friendly, leisurely and informative for all those taking part.

According to one of the main organisers, Maura Canning – Chairperson of the IFA’s National Farm Family Committee – the walk is not a fund raising exercise and she added that everyone is welcome to take part.

“The walk is designed to be a very happy family occasion and it is suitable for buggies with people waiting around for an informal chat afterwards and light refreshments.

“This is part of our annual drive to increase awareness of mental health issues among the rural community and the event is now in its fourth year.

“People in rural areas we feel have a tendency to bottle up their feelings and not to talk to anyone if they are not in good form and feeling a bit down.

“The one simple message we want to get across to people is that they should speak to someone if they have any concerns,” said Maura Canning.

The ‘Let’s Talk and Walk’ event at Portumna is one of a number of such walks being organised across the country with the support of the IFA, See Change (The National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership), Coillte and Mental Health Ireland.

John Saunders, Director of See Change, said that sometimes just listening was oftenthe most helpful thing that someone can do to help.

“Joining in with these walks and wearing the Green Ribbon during the month of May is a simple way to show support for anyone experiencing mental health problems and of starting a conversation,” said John Saunders.

Ciaran Fallon of Coillte said that they were encouraging everyone to take part in the walks and to experience the peaceful and beautiful surrounds of some of some of Ireland’s forest parks.

According to Orla Barry, CEO of Mental Health Ireland, the forest ‘walk and talk theme’ allows families and communities to connect while being mindful of their own and other people’s mental health and wellbeing.