Bressie brings message of powerful mental health discussion to Leitrim during Health is Wealth event
In 2017, Hubert was named Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year for his work in the mental health sector for over 40 years.
While chatting with his colleague Valerie Cogan, the idea of raising awareness of mental health struggles and the supports available was discussed.
A few days later, Leitrim Health is Wealth was founded.
The pair received very little funding and relied heavily on donations and the support of the local community to make the event possible.
However, their aim remained clear - to start a conversation around mental health issues in an attempt to reduce stigma associated and to try and encourage people to believe that 'it was ok not to be ok and it was ok to look for help.'
And since its foundation in 2017, the event has gone from strength to strength, growing in popularity each year.
This year, acclaimed musician and mental health advocate, Niall Breslin, known as Bressie, brought his captivating podcast "Where Is My Mind?" to Leitrim on May 3, 2025, at the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
The show which is free to attend was filled to capacity with a large crowd of people attending the important event.
As a life transformation expert, Bressie has devoted his life to helping people reach their true unlimited potential.
ADVERTISEMENT
The evening was filled with both raw and uplifting moments, as Bressie blended music with compelling conversations.
His aim with 'Where is my Mind' is to connect with the audience on a human level, helping individuals to recognise the importance of seeking help, opening up and taking steps towards self-care.
Special guests on the night were former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and Dr Catherine Dolan, Consultant Psychiatrist with Sligo Leitrim Mental Health service who both gave insightful and thought provoking insights during the conversation with Bressie.
The live performance combined Bressie's powerful music with his commitment to raising awareness about mental health.
Local mental health organisations such as Mental Health Ireland, Samaritans, North West Stop and M-PACT were available on the night to shed light on the services that are available to those who need it.
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Paddy O'Rourke said it is 'more than just an event' but an opportunity to work together to build a community where mental health is prioritised.
He added everyone should feel valued and supported, encourage conversations and promote mental health and wellbeing.
Olwny O'Toole, Health Ireland Co-ordination for Leitrim County Council praised the event.
"When it comes to mental health, we still have a lot to learn and we were when the opportunity arose to work with Leitrim's Health is Wealth on this inspiring event.'
Over the years, the event has seen Irish names from all walks of life taking to the stage to tell their story including Mary McElvoy, Oisin McConville, Charlie McGettigan, Alan Quinlan, Mickey Drennan and Valerie Cox.
Ahead of the event, organiser Hubert McHugh, a retired community mental health nurse, called for a vital programme to be put in place aimed at reducing the number of suicides occurring in the local community.
A call was also made for extra funding to be pumped into the mental health services in the Northwest, particularly in step down and community facilities for people who have been hospitalised due to mental health issues.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
11-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Firefighters in Leitrim set to conduct free home fire safety visits for older residents
Leitrim County Council, in partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, has announced a new joint initiative aimed at improving home fire safety for older adults across County Leitrim. This groundbreaking partnership will see firefighters from all five fire stations in County Leitrim conducting free Home Fire Safety Visits for older residents who are referred through the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme. Each visit will be delivered by two uniformed firefighters from the local brigade and will be attended by a friend, neighbour, or support person to ensure the comfort of the resident. During the visit, fire service personnel will provide tailored guidance on fire escape planning, install or test smoke alarms, identify potential fire hazards and offer practical advice and promote awareness of nighttime fire safety routines. The visits last approximately 30 minutes, and older adults are encouraged to have someone present who can help take notes or clarify information. If you feel that you, or someone you know, would benefit from a Home Fire Safety Visit, please contact Leitrim Fire Service on communityfiresafety@ and a member of your local Fire Service will be in touch. On Wednesday, August 6, a Local Protocol of Cooperation was formally signed at The Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Co Leitrim. The signatories included Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, and Ms. Eimear McCormack, Acting National Manager of the Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme with Age Friendly Ireland. The Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme aims to support older people to live in their own home with dignity and independence, for as long as possible. A spokesperson for the project said, 'The programme's ambition is to enable everyone to live longer healthier lives by keeping care close to home and expanding the range of health and social care services in the community. "It is about providing a range of alternatives for older people who may otherwise transition into long term residential care prematurely.'
Irish Independent
11-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Private hospital to discuss healthcare options in Northern Ireland for Leitrim residents
ROI patients can now access world-class medical care with minimal waiting times and 100% of the medical costs reimbursed by the HSE on hip replacements, knee replacements, ACLs, hysterectomies, gall bladder procedures and other surgeries, with partial reimbursement available on a range of additional procedures. Patients do not need to be on a waiting list to access treatment via the NIPHS. Cross Border Healthcare Public Drop-In Information Talks will be taking place at The Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon on Tuesday 12th August (10am - 6pm) There will be a group presentation at 2pm on Tuesday 12th with one-to-one sessions throughout the day. Amongst the issues which will be addressed are: How to apply for Cross Border Healthcare Treatment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast or Ballykelly The types of treatments and surgeries that qualify Treatment costs and reimbursement rates including fully reimbursed surgeries What to expect when travelling to Kingsbridge Hospitals for treatment Kingsbridge-commissioned research highlights a significant lack of awareness among ROI residents: 66% of Leitrim residents have never heard of the NIPHS (compared to 69% of ROI responders have never heard of the NIPHS) 33% of people from Leitrim are unaware of any cross-border treatment options (compared to 54% of ROI responders who are unaware of any cross-border treatment options) ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'This data shows a major gap in awareness around cross-border healthcare,' said Mark Regan, CEO of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. 'With long waiting lists still a challenge in the Republic, we're committed to educating patients about how they can access timely, high-quality care at Kingsbridge, fully covered under the NIPHS. We know this will literally change people's lives - we see it firsthand. Over the last three months, we've had patients in all our hospitals from every county in Ireland. There's no need for patients to fly to Europe for treatment when access to high-quality care is just up the road.' Kingsbridge is launching a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of this accessible, high-quality healthcare option. With cross-border hospitals located in Belfast and Derry, Kingsbridge combines state-of-the-art medical facilities with clinical expertise, delivering a seamless and stress-free patient experience, whether patients are in need of orthopaedic surgery, diagnostics, urology, ENT or general surgery.
Dublin Live
17-05-2025
- Dublin Live
Graham Norton shares agonising health update after sparking concern at BAFTAs
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Eurovision's UK presenter, Graham Norton, has revealed he underwent surgery mere weeks after suffering a debilitating health setback. Graham, known for interviewing A-list celebrities from across the world on his renowned BBC chat show, has revealed a recent health scare. As Eurovision fever grips fans with the grand final in Basel, Switzerland scheduled for tomorrow (May 17), Graham is set to charm audiences once more as the UK's presenter for the occasion. But, on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show, ahead of Eurovision's climax, Graham had some unexpected news to reveal. After a moment's pause, he divulged on BBC Radio 2: "This is my left shoulder's first appearance on radio, (it's) a brand new shoulder. It's less than two weeks old." (Image: Eamonn M. McCormack, Getty Images for P&O Cruises) Asked about how it was feeling now, he humorously responded: "It feels a bit new, it's a little owie (painful), but forgive me, I'm on many, many medications right now, so if I say anything bad, it's not my fault!". Although the 62-year-old made light of his shoulder's 'radio debut,' speculation was sparked last week following his appearance at the BAFTA Television Awards sporting a black sling. The cause behind the celeb's shoulder surgery remains a mystery, as most shoulder problems don't usually lead to an op unless the pain is intense. (Image: Lia Toby, Getty Images) Yet, specialists point out that certain conditions do necessitate surgical intervention. When is shoulder surgery required? Mr Toby Baring from King Edward VII's Hospital states on their site that surgery may be essential when other treatments haven't been successful. A typical condition that might call for surgery is "frozen shoulder", where the shoulder's lining gets inflamed, causing pain and restricted movement. If this persists despite six months or more of treatment, surgery could be the next step. Another frequent shoulder issue that may need an operation involves the rotator cuff, which comprises muscles and tendons encircling the shoulder joint. Some individuals with rotator cuff disorders might need surgery, especially in cases of a complete tear. Other shoulder ailments that could require surgical solutions include recurrent dislocations and various conditions that hinder everyday activities.
