First Fortnight founders praise the volunteers who raise awareness
By Hayden Moore
Now in its 10th year, First Fortnight Festival secured the right to host the European Mental Health Art and Culture Festival and is running for the entire month of January, reports Hayden Moore.
At a special event in Tallaght Stadium, as part of the festival, a number of local mental health groups and advocates shared their experiences and advice before Professor Green sat down with the co-founder of First Fortnight, JP Swaine.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Cathal King welcomes Professor Green and JP Swaine on stage
JP co-founded the charity alongside fellow Old Bawn man David Keegan in 2009, and he told The Echo after the event about how it all transpired on the day.
“I thought it was great! I’m delighted that an event like this brought together a number of community groups to discuss such an important issue,” said JP.
“It was good because it was an opportunity for the local people at the event to meet each other and hopefully start some new networks between the already existing groups.
“I didn’t think we’d need to do this for 10 years to be honest, but it has gone by so fast. We catch these moments in time where we see how much it mattered and that’s what keeps us going.
“It’s not just me and Dave [Keegan] who run this, it’s also the 140 volunteers who are out there year-round fundraising, putting on events and raising awareness, and I’m really proud it’s still going.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Cathal King who hosted the event said during his commencement speech that they “want to ensure people know they belong” and that there is a “listening ear and a helping hand nearby” for them in the community.
Welcomed to the stage by Cllr King was the founder of HOPE Suicide Prevention Drop-in Centre in Tallaght, Mary McLoughlin, who told others that their service is “there for anybody who is feeling down or depressed, alone or isolated” and that if anyone in need messages their Facebook page – they “will get a response within half an hour.”
Jeff O’Toole of Jobstown Safetalk Programme and JP also addressed the room before local performing artists Justin Casey and Stephan James Smith performed.
Also showing their support for the event was Cllrs Charlie O’Connor and Kenny Egan, Sean Crowe TD and Lynn Boylan MEP.
The special event culminated with Professor Green meeting with Jigsaw, to discuss how they can make a better approach to mental health in the local area.
If you have been affected by this piece, contact HOPE Tallaght on 087 136 3082, Samaritans on 116 123, or Pieta House in Ballyfermot on 01-6235606 or in Lucan at 01-6010000.
