Positive posters drawn up from users’ life experiences
By Maurice Garvey
SERVICE users helped to create positive mental health posters, which will be on display in Ballyfermot and Cherry Orchard over the Christmas period and New Year.
The initiative is a collaboration between health and wellbeing group D10 Be Well and Ballyfermot STAR, who provide support, guidance and education to drug-users, their families and the community.
Barry, Stacey, Una, Noel, Tara, Michael, Andrew and Amanda
The messages and images were devised in a brainstorming session with participants and staff of Ballyfermot STAR and a representative from D10 Be Well.
Their aim was to come up with posters relevant to all age groups.
They were inspired by their own experiences of things that are helpful to them when they are facing challenging times. Graphic designer Philip Cullen finalised the designs and brought the images to life.
One service user said they realised during discussions, that “mental health is nothing to be ashamed of, neither is talking about it.
“We hope these posters will have a positive effect on the community and show people that they are not alone.
“We hope that every generation will know that the supports are there for them and will use them when needed.
“Hold your head high and don’t be ashamed to cry. We are all in the same game, just on different levels. If you’re feeling low, you know where to go.”
The posters also include the www.yourmentalhealth.ie website where a range of mental health supports and services are listed and are available to order free of charge.
Contact Una in Ballyfermot Chapelizod Partnership – email urafferty@bcpartnership or call 6238105.
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