The joy and sorrow of counselling
While the Cork hurlers face Clare in Croke Park on Sunday, members of Cork Counselling Services in Fr Mathew St will be in Fitzgerald’s Park for Joy in the Park, although one of the team will be in Dublin.
“I’ll be there,” said Hugh Morley, Head of Business at the charity and a season-ticket holder, “just as I’ve been to most games since they last met Clare in the 2013 final. There are trials and sorrows for ages and then it begins to come right again. What a strong message for counselling and mental health, as well as sport!”
While Hugh is in Croke Park, his colleague Marilien Romme will be participating at the Joy In The Park festival to promote good mental health. Marilien has been rounding up volunteers to schedule joy throughout the day at the Cork Counselling Services stand.
“There’s mask-making and flower-making, sign-making and drum making, friendship bracelets and pebble painting amongst other things,” said Marilien. “We look to engage with the public in a fun way so that the topic of mental health becomes discussible and so they know that help is there.”
This is the third year the charity has participated in the festival with very positive outcomes.
“We see about 400 clients a year in Fr Mathew St,” explained Hugh, “and they are from all walks of life. We exist so that money is not a factor in accessing quality mental health support for the people in our county. Our counsellors work with clients on issues like anxiety, relationship breakdown, depression, anger, suicidal feelings and bereavement on a daily basis. Things can begin to come right for people when they look to access the help they need.”
As Marilien prepares for Sunday, she draws her volunteers from the student population at Cork Counselling Services Training Institute.
“They are studying for a degree in counselling and this kind of experience is a really practical grounding in dealing with the public and promoting mental health. We’ll all be busy hoping there’s Joy in Fitzgerald’s Park as well as Croke Park on Sunday!”