Mental health on centre stage

“It is okay to ask for help, and yes there is support available.”

Those were the words of Aisling Keane, Promotions Officer with Cork Mental Health Foundation which is once again the proud sponsors of Joy In The Park.

The free event returns for its third year to Fitzgerald's Park on 21 July, promising another magical day of music, art, entertainment, wellbeing and joy.

“Joy in the Park is such an important event for the whole community,” said Ms Keane. “It is about strengthening the community in support of each other. For us, the event is about bringing people together, showing unity in our passion to protect and promote our mental health,” she added.

Cork Mental Health Foundation supports programmes which provide peer support, crisis prevention, and promote wellbeing across Cork. The charity also provides free mental health and wellbeing presentations to primary schools, workplaces, and communities.

As with previous years, at the heart of Joy In The Park 2024 will be the Wellness Hub where local and national mental health organisations will gather to provide info on the mental health supports/services available in Cork. Joining Cork Mental Health Foundation this year will be HSE Cork & Kerry Community Health Care team, PIETA, GROW, SHINE, Samaritans, MyMind, Cork Counselling Services, JIGSAW, Shine A Light, AWARE, ADHD Ireland, HUGG, Féileacáin, LINC, and Mental Health Ireland.

Headlining this year are Aslan, with Paddy Casey and his daughter Saoirse.

Running from 12-6pm on 21 July in Fitzgerald’s Park, Joy In The Park is set to deliver another diverse programme of music, family entertainment and much more. The Cork Independent are proud print partners. For more, visit joyinthepark.com.