Last week, West Limerick Resources CLG hosted MIND YOURSELF; the first annual Men’s Health and Wellbeing event in Newcastle West. The gathering drew men from across the region for an afternoon of honest, engaging, and thought-provoking discussion on mental health, connection, and resilience.
The impressive panel of speakers included Finbar Chambers from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences (ICHAS), Cillian Keane from Mental Health Ireland, Phelim Macken from Limerick Sports Partnership, Patrick Mulcahy of The Mindful Farmer, and Dr. Ben Goodbody from Cedarville Medical Centre.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Finbar Chambers said, “It was an honour to be part of it. When an event like this goes well and the feedback is positive, people do spread the word. There’s a huge appetite for mental health assistance out there due to the uncertainty and difficulties people are experiencing. To see so many men open to events like this is hugely encouraging.”
Throughout the event, speakers explored key themes such as challenging negative self-talk, reframing the stories we tell ourselves, building community connections, and increasing awareness of available supports.
The strong turnout demonstrated a clear need, and enthusiasm, for open conversations around men’s mental health in West Limerick. Organisers expressed gratitude to the speakers for their honesty and vulnerability, noting that their personal stories deeply resonated with participants.
Andi Mothersoul, Community Development Officer with West Limerick Resources, said, “We were delighted with the response to this first ‘Mind Yourself’ event. It was inspiring to see men from all walks of life coming together to talk, listen, and support each other. Our goal is to create spaces where these conversations can happen openly and without stigma and this event showed just how ready our community is for that.”
Local organisations including ALONE Ireland, TFI Local Link, GOSHH, Grow Mental Health, and The Men’s Development Network were also present, providing information and resources. Attendees were treated to free spot prizes kindly sponsored by the Arena Gym, Scanlan’s Menswear, and Locomotion Bike Hire.
Mind Yourself marks an inspiring first step in what organisers hope will become a lasting tradition of community, connection, and support for men’s wellbeing in West Limerick.
This event was funded through HSE Lottery Funding with support from SICAP. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027.