Armagh woman Gráinne O’Neill, founder of Recharge You, tackles men’s mental health head on in partnership with the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to present Recharge It Man! – an event specifically for men, on Thursday, October 10 from 7pm to 9pm at the Palace, Armagh.
“I am very grateful to our Lord Mayor Mealla Campbell for hosting this event for World Mental Health Day,” said Grainne.
“I made myself sick with anxiety due to my negative mindset, I don’t want others to go through that.
“I want to help others and continue to break the stigma related to mental health.
“Men are less likely to ask for help and speak out about their struggles, this has given me the drive to help change the ways for men and our future generations.”
This free men’s only event will give you the opportunity to hear from guest speakers Armagh GAA legend Oisin McConville and former Manchester United & Northern Ireland footballer Pat McGibbon.
The 26-year-old added: “Events like these are so important as NI mental health statistics show that people in NI experience 20-25% higher levels of mental health illness when compared to the rest of the UK.
Oisin McConville, who is encouraging men all of ages to attend, said: “It’s very seldom that you get the opportunity to speak at an event purely for men.
“The perception is that young men and older men don’t speak or talk about anything of any substance, certainly any subject relating to feelings or emotions were strictly off limits for me when growing up and that fact kept me imprisoned in addiction for 16 years.
“Things have changed for me in that regard now and society is certainly changing also, events like this help lift the stigma even further, you don’t need to be struggling to attend, just a hunger for personal development.”
Lord Mayor Mealla Campbell speaking about the event added: “As Lord Mayor I am delighted to be able to host this men’s health and well-being event. Mental health is one of my priorities for my year in office and this event organised by Recharge You will not only deliver greater awareness of mental health but will also promote ways we can cope with the daily stress and pressures that are prevalent in everyday life.
“I want to thank Grainne from Recharge You for organising this event at the Palace and for all the work she has done to secure two high profile speakers. I also want to thank our Investing in Health council officers for all of their support to help facilitate this free public event.
“Finally, I want to pay tribute to both Oisin McConville and Pat McKinnon for taking time out of their busy lives to speak out to raise awareness of mental health and in doing so help others by telling their own stories.”
“Don’t miss out on this great event and take two hours out of your busy week to listen to others and check in with yourself. Register for this FREE event now: https://bit.ly/2kskq9h
For further information visit: www.facebook.com/rechargeyouevents
