Haven Hub brings mental health support to Limerick rural towns

Haven Hub brings mental health support to Limerick rural towns through new project

Haven Hub is bringing mental health support to rural towns across Limerick as part of a new project

Haven Hub will bring mental health support to rural towns in Limerick through a new project which aims at reaching more people in areas where access to these services can be limited.

Although there are free mental health services available in Ireland, accessing them can sometimes present difficulties. Long waiting times and transport barriers can affect the availability of care, particularly in rural areas.

Recent studies from Eurofound indicate that in Ireland, in 2023, 17 per cent of individuals who postponed seeking mental health support did so because services were insufficient in their area, particularly in rural communities.

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In light of these challenges, The Haven Hub, an organisation working to strengthen mental health in Limerick, is pleased to launch its newest project, which aims to provide information and enhance mental health support across rural towns in County Limerick.

The project, funded under the LEADER programme and the LCDC, involves the delivery of three evidence-based courses offered free of charge to participants: Mental Health First Aid, 6-Week Mental Health Workshop, and Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).

Leona O’Callaghan, founder of Haven Hub, stated, “We are extremely grateful to the companies supporting this project and allowing us to bring life-changing skills and workshops directly into rural communities at no cost to participants. Our goal is to remove barriers to accessing mental health support, both geographically and financially, ensuring that people in these communities have access to the resources they deserve”.

The first course to be delivered is Mental Health First Aid training for adults, presenting a two-day course preparing community members to better support those experiencing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance abuse.

The course takes place in Croom on June 11 and 18, at the Croom Civic Centre. To book your space, please reach out to Leona O’Callaghan at [email protected] / 083 3668582 for more information.

A 6-Week Mental Health Workshop will aim to equip you with tools to help you regulate your emotions, avoid unhealthy coping strategies, better tolerate distress, and improve your wellbeing. The course teaches 32 practical techniques for managing distress, preventing self-harm and gaining confidence in tough situations.

You will learn how to regulate emotions in the moment; tolerate distress without harmful behaviour; build healthy coping mechanisms; and support your teenager or loved one through emotional ups and downs.

The workshop takes place in Pallaskenry, starting June 11 at 6 PM to 8:30 PM in Pallaskenry Community Centre. To book your space, you can fill out this form online now.

WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) is a supportive, practical programme designed to help you strengthen your mental health and build daily wellness habits. After completing a WRAP course, you will have an action plan with steps that will help you respond to signs that you are struggling or experiencing a life crisis.

You will learn how to identify your own wellness tools; create a daily routine that keeps you grounded; recognise early signs of distress; and develop a personal crisis plan that keeps you safe.

The WRAP courses take place in Cappamore (3-Day Workshop) on 13th, 20th, 27th June from 12 PM to 5 PM at Cappamore Community Centre. To book your space, please fill out this form online.

A second 2-Day Workshop is also available in Croom on 29th and 30th June from 10 AM to 4 PM at Croom Civic Centre, Co. Limerick. To book your space, please fill out this form online.