Mensana Fest tackles the elephant in the room
A whole range of beautiful and thought provoking events will take place
MENTAL health will be at the front of people’s minds in Co Carlow this week as Carlow Mental Health Association hosts a series of events in its Mensana Festival. The association organises the Mensana Festival every year to promote positive mental health and to encourage people to open up about how they feel. The events are free and take place in Carlow town and beyond, and are all designed to get people to meet up and talk to each other.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the unveiling of a beautiful elephant on Friday 10 October, which is World Mental Health Day.
The sculpture is inspired by the adage about avoiding the elephant in the room, with the message being ‘Face the Elephant, Heal the Mind’. The idea is that the elephant will remind people to talk about how they’re feeling and so start meaningful conversations.
Local businesses around the county have sponsored the creation of the elephant and are seen as ambassadors for creating mental health awareness. It will be unveiled in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow at 7pm on Friday evening.
Other events at the festival include a crafting session in Tinryland Community Hub on Saturday 11 October at 4pm. Booking is essential, and places may be reserved through the Carlow Mental Health Association website.
On Sunday 12 October, Mary Clare Heart will take people on a calming walk through An Gairdin Beo, followed by a sound bath session which is designed to help people pause, rest and reconnect with themselves. Booking is also essential for this event.
The following weekend, on Saturday 18 October a ten-kilometre walk has been organised, starting out at Milford Weir at 10am. It promises to be an opportunity to enjoy nature, share conversation, connect with fellow walkers.
For a full list of activities, go to carlowmentalhealth.ie.
