Minister Jim Daly TD was on hand to support the National Learning Network Focus Programme during its Open Morning at the Supervalu Complex in Clonakilty on Monday, September 11.
The Focus programme offers rehabilitative training to those who are dealing with mental health difficulties, anxiety and isolation, among other personal issues.
A 12-month programme, it is beginning with a new group of students who will work towards developing wellbeing and recovery strategies, stress management, confidence building, self-advocacy, as well as organising and pursuing cultural and leisure activities outside of the centre.
In October, the group will be participating in the Meitheal Mara boat-building project outside Cork City.
In dealing with mental health issues, many people find the need to try and re-establish connections with the community, build routines and meet peers in an atmosphere conducive to wellbeing. Working at your own pace, this person-centred approach to training has proven successful time and again for the almost one hundred students who have gone through the Focus programme in Clonakilty over the past six years.
The programme does not offer clinical support but the support of a team of instructors, as well as support from the Rehabilitation Officer.
Attended by members of the public and the health services, including Professor Smyth, Executive Clinical Director of West Cork Mental Health Services, the Open Morning proved a huge success.
Minister Jim Daly spoke about the ‘light bulb moment’ that we all crave: looking for that sense of direction. He congratulated all involved in delivering a programme, as vital as Focus is in the West Cork area.
Enquiries to Focus Clonakilty Lee/Elva 087 2316919.
l-r: Elva Barron, Lee Cole, Professor Marcellino Smyth, Jim Daly TD, Fiona Brennan, Toufik Messabih, Mary Russell at the NLN Open Day in Cloankilty.
