WATCH 2026 Limerick Mental Health Week celebrates ‘Connecting communities’ from October 4 to 10

Limerick Mental Health Week takes place October 4th to 10th, 2026. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Limerick Mental Health Association announces Limerick Mental Health Week 2026 under the theme of ‘Connecting Communities’, marking its 22nd anniversary this year

Limerick Mental Health Association (LMHA) is proud to announce the return of Limerick Mental Health Week, marking its 22nd anniversary this year.

The annual event, which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing across Limerick City and County, will take place from Sunday, October 4, until Saturday, October 10, with the official launch on Sunday, October 4, featuring a Family Fun Day.

Organisers are delighted to announce Jackie McCarthy-O’Brien, former Irish International football and rugby player and author of “We Made It, Kid”, as their very special guest to launch MHW.

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The 22nd anniversary will be a landmark event, featuring a programme of free public events, talks and workshops under the theme “Connecting Communities”.

The week aims to involve every corner of the community, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to prioritise their mental health. The programme, developed in partnership and with the support of over 35 local organisations, educational institutions, and community groups, will offer a diverse range of activities.

Events will include online and in-person talks; workshops and wellness activities; community e; a Family Fun Day launch event; and musical events.

The week will kick off with a special launch event on Sunday, October 4, at the Milk Market from 12 pm to 3 pm, celebrating the start of MHW with a Family Fun Day featuring Súil Liom Equine Learning Centre, The Body Tree, an Adopt a Teddy Bear Wellbeing Clinic, Yoga, face painting, along with information stands from local mental health and community organisations, and much more.

The LMHA ‘Adopt a Teddy Bear Wellbeing Clinic’ will involve children adopting a teddy bear donated by national schools around the city & county. Children can learn about feelings by having their teddy’s wellbeing checked in a fun and age-appropriate way, before heading off to their new home and family.

Dr Kayla Cooley, Chair of Limerick Mental Health Association, for Mental Health Week 2026 said, “This is my first Mental Health Week as Chair of Limerick Mental Health Association, and I’m so very proud to be picking up where my predecessor, Dr Lisa O’Rourke Scott, left off after six remarkable years. This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Communities’, speaks to something I think and talk about often – how much our wellbeing relies on the relationships and social connections around us.

“Isolation can creep up slowly, quietly, and it’s often the smallest flicker of connection that can pull someone back from it. Limerick has always understood this and that’s why this week means so much to so many. It’s also why the businesses, schools, sports clubs, community groups, volunteers and staff behind it keep showing up year after year.

“From 4th to 10th October, I would love to see as many people as possible take part and I would also like to ask something specific of you. Reach out to a friend and ask them to come along with you. Bring someone who might be feeling a bit disconnected lately, or someone you simply haven’t seen in a while. That one text, “do you fancy coming with me?” could change someone’s whole week.”

Jean Flannery, Service Coordinator of Limerick Mental Health Association, for Mental Health Week 2026 said, “While this is our 22nd Annual Mental Health Week, it will be my first as Service Coordinator with Limerick Mental Health Association. This week will be a very special opportunity to come together as a community, to talk openly about mental health and most importantly to remind people that they are not alone.

“At Limerick Mental Health Association we are incredibly proud of the work our team does every day. Our staff, peer support workers and volunteers bring compassion, kindness and understanding to everything they do and we see firsthand the positive difference that a listening ear , a friendly face and a safe space can make to someone who may be going through a difficult time.

“The power of connection in a simple conversation, a cup of tea, a walk together or asking someone genuinely, ‘How are you?’ can mean so much. We are proud to be part of the Limerick community, and during Mental Health Week we hope to encourage everyone to look after their own wellbeing, reach out when they need support and continue to look out for one another. I look forward to connecting with you all and sharing in what promises to be a great community-driven Limerick Mental Health Week.”

Find a full schedule of events for Limerick Mental Health Week 2026 HERE.