Tuam Mental Health Association marks 25 years with opening of new information office

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN CELEBRATING 25 years since it was first formed, Tuam and District Mental Health Association has officially opened its new information office. [private] The ribbon to the centre on Bishop Street was cut by successful businessman and more recently suicide prevention awareness campaigner John Concannon. He said progress was being made on locating a Pieta House in Tuam and that while a support mechanism like it was needed in the area, he envisaged Tuam becoming a hub for mental health support services for the satellite areas of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. 'This is a community problem and we need to have the community behind it,' commented Mr Concannon. He said if Pieta House comes to Tuam it would be the happiest day and highlight of his 25 years in business. Chairperson of Tuam and District Mental Health Association John Feely said that the organisation had been given a new lease of life through the amazing work of new, young volunteers who have become involved in the past few years. He said a successful link has been made with the Galway Volunteer Centre which has a bank of suitable volunteers who are always ready to help. John Feely said it was apt that the information office was opened on World Mental Health Day and that it is an event the Tuam organisation tries to mark each year and use to highlight issues at local level. He stressed the importance of the Community Employment Scheme sponsored by TDMHA and Vincent de Paul, which now employs 38 people who are deployed to 14 different charity and sporting organisations around the town. 'We are very proud of the scheme's achievements and it delivers real value to ­people,' he remarked. The information office is the product of a year of planning and aims to be the focal point for providing information and support regarding local mental health services and how to access them. Other groups The office and its rooms will also be available for other groups to use and TDMHA will continue to offer workshops, guest talks, information on resources and treatment as well as provide support to organisations such as Aware and the Jigsaw Youth Forum. He hoped the new office will help to raise the profile of Tuam and District Mental Health Association. John Feely added that the group plans to liaise more with schools in the area not only to promote educational projects but to raise awareness of mental health. The chairperson commended everyone who has been involved with the branch over the years and said the centre was able to open throughout the day thanks to staff and volunteers. The organisation is also working with the HSE in further developing the plans for the Toghermore campus where a range of local mental health services are now based. 'We hope to see more change and more community developments there such as activities and amenities for families and local groups,' he added. [/private]