CONNECT CAFE INFORMATION SESSIONS online

26th of September – 10.30am to 11.30am

28th September – 14.30pm – 15.30pm

Mental Health Ireland is inviting you to an information session for event organisers interested in hosting a Connect Café this World Mental Health Month – October 2023. A number of information sessions will be rolled out throughout September 2023, which will explore the following questions:

• What is a Connect Cafe?
• Why host one this October?
• What resources do I need for Connect Cafe.

To register for one of the Connect Café information sessions, please click here. 

World Mental Health Month takes place this October and October 10^th marks World Mental Health Day.The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) started this mental health awareness campaign in 1992 and it is being celebrated yearly since. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health issues and creates the opportunity for people to call for action and advocate for change in mental health. Every year the World Federation for Mental Health sets a theme for World Mental Health Day, this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.

This year’s World Mental Health Day celebration coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the the WFMH in 1948, which was an important year for human rights because the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948 by the United Nations Assembly.

However, despite all efforts by international organisations, governments, institutions and other agencies, mental health discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace still persist. The same prevents healthy relationships, social interactions and inclusive environments needed for the wellbeing of all members of society and presents barriers to the enjoyment of full wellbeing for all, especially those with mental health challenges.

The 2023 World Mental Health Day theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” provides us with the opportunity for us to have courageous conversations and connect with others and to promote and improve mental health. This year’s theme highlights that all the individuals have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standards of mental health.

Mental Health Ireland have chosen to extend the campaign and theme to the whole of October. We are working in co-production to launch a World Mental Health Month programme that ensures mental health and wellbeing become a priority for us across the country.

We can all play a role in increasing our awareness of mental health, to have open conversations about mental health and in reducing the stigma attached. This campaign provides the ultimate opportunity for us all to build mental health awareness, united as one.