Latest news with #Aware
Agriland
08-08-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Tipperary dairy farmer's long walk for mental health awareness
A Co. Tipperary dairy farmer is undertaking a solo 550km walk of the entire Beara-Breifne Way, Ireland's longest inland trail from west Cork to Cavan in just over two weeks. John Wallace is walking between 30km and 50km a day, embarking on the journey unsupported, carrying his own supplies and relying on the kindness of local communities for food and accommodation. The fundraiser, titled 'Miles for Minds', is being undertaken ahead of the 10th anniversary of the passing of his father, William Wallace who died by suicide in 2015. Source: milesforminds2025 Instagram Wallace began the walk on Tuesday (August 5), with the hope of raising funds and awareness for mental health. He said: "I'm hoping do the Beara-Briefne Way, from Castletownbear to Blacklion in Co. Cavan. It's 550km of a trail which has historical significance to it. "It goes through my own farm which put it in my mind in the first place. I always wanted to do it, and if I ever did I said I'd raise money for mental health charities." Wallace explained how farmers' mood is heavily dependent on the weather, with farmers' morale being particularly low from autumn 2023 until autumn 2024 due to the poor farming year. He said: "In 2024 the mood in farming was very bad, and then in 2025 the mood was good. There's also a lot of external pressures and regulations as well. "Farmer's don't often talk in time, it's a kind of solitary lifestyle and you're not meeting people." The dairy farmer feels that people need to be more open about mental health and lift the stigma about not speaking. Wallace worries that some farmers see it as a 'manly' thing not to speak, and try to carry the weight of the world and get on with it. He said: "Farmers should talk to your neighbouring farmer, or a friend, or call any of the services I'm raising money for." Wallace will donate all funds raised evenly between three mental health charities - Aware, Jigsaw, and Pieta House. He stopped in Ballingeary yesterday (August 7), having walked over 100km. When asked how he was feeling so far, he said: "I'm finding it tough, but the body is starting to get used to it." Source: John Wallace The Tipperary man is seeking overnight support in local towns and villages along the way, and is asking for the offer of a bed, shed, field, meal, or even a cup of tea near any of the towns he is passing through. Full details of how to provide support, and donate to the fundraiser can be found on the 'Miles for Minds' idonate page. So far Wallace has raised over €11,000 and donations can be made up until September 30.
Scottish Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Stunned silence at Goodwood as 150-1 no-hoper packemaker Qirat pulls off one of the biggest upsets ever
No one saw it coming NO WAY Stunned silence at Goodwood as 150-1 no-hoper packemaker Qirat pulls off one of the biggest upsets ever Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE was a stunned silence at Goodwood as 150-1 Qirat saw off 1-3 Field Of Gold to win the Group 1 Sussex Stakes. Qirat was only in the race as a pacemaker for the John & Thady Gosden-trained Field Of Gold. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Qirat ridden by Richard Kingscote on their way to winning the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes during Sussex Stakes Day at Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester. Picture date: Wednesday July 30, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. Credit: PA 3 Qirat ridden by Richard Kingscote on their way to winning the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes during Sussex Stakes Day at Goodwood Racecourse, Chichester. Picture date: Wednesday July 30, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. Credit: PA 3 Field Of Gold was one of the most shocking losers of all time Credit: PA But he stole a march on the field and eventually Derby-winning jockey Richard Kingscote gave up waiting for Field Of Gold to appear. He ploughed on and saw off a fast-finishing Rosallion to seal one of the biggest shocks ever - a win worth £600,000. A stunned John Gosden said: "We were sitting back a long way and the pacemaker goes and wins it. "He ran on but didn't seem too well balanced on the track. "But I'm not making excuses. "We ignored the pacemaker and we paid the price. "William (Buick, jockey) said he didn't seem comfortable and as soon as he asked him for more, the engine wasn't there." The previous biggest winner of this race was 20-1 - showing the scale of the Qirat shock. Beckett said: "I'm sorry - but I'm not that sorry!" More to follow. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Irish Independent
29-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Mental health service in Limerick looking for volunteers
According to the HSE, one in four Irish people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime with depression being considered a very common condition affecting 450,000 people or one in ten people at any one time in Ireland alone. Dr Susan Brannick, Clinical Director at Aware told the Irish Independent: 'We're looking for volunteers across our support services, we have three main volunteer-led services that are seeking to recruit people for, the first is our support group, they run across the country, we offer them both virtually and in person and they are facilitated by two volunteers where people can come together for peer support and connection around difficulties like depression and anxiety. "We're also looking to recruit volunteers to our support line so that's online and runs from 10 in the morning til 10 at night offering a space where people can share their difficulties with their mental health and also maybe their concerns about a loved one.' She continued: "Our third service is our life skills online which is our self-help programme which is based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and the volunteer supports people who do that on a weekly basis for the eight weeks. "There's a variety of different platforms that someone might be able to volunteer with us if they choose to so whether that's in person or on the phone or doing something more online, there will definitely be something to suit you if you're interested.' Aware are looking for people who are over the age of 21 and have about three hours to spare each week. Volunteers are not required to have a background in mental health training or experience as Aware offers over 20 hours of initial training to support people into the role that they choose. Susan said: "Then we offer ongoing support and training, all of our support services have a support manager that supports volunteers as they go through so there's a lot of training that we offer to enable people to do those roles. She continued: "The main thing in being a volunteer is that you have an interest in people, an interest in mental health and a willingness to listen and to allow people that space to talk about their own difficulties.' "We know from the research that being a volunteer and volunteering in and of itself can help your own mental health so there's also benefits to your own mental health as well as the training and support that are available if you do volunteer so I guess if people are interested, maybe having a look at our website would definitely be something that would meet your interests if this is an area of volunteering that appeals to you.' When asked about how the current cost of living, inflation and the housing crisis has affected uptake of various services, Lisa explained that there is a high need for services. She explained: "There's generally a high level of need anyway across the services in Ireland, some volunteers we've had with us for many years, others for one or two years so we ask that people maybe can commit at least 18 months or so. "I think there's an ongoing need for mental health support I suppose as mental health literacy increases, we're becoming better and more able to recognise conditions like depression, anxiety, so I guess it's the more people are more aware of these challenges, the more people, on a positive note are actively seeking help for them so certainly we've come a long way. "Since Aware began 40 years ago, we've certainly come a long way in our ability and willingness maybe to talk about mental health, that's a good thing. "Unfortunately, there's still a high need, people are facing very distinct challenges now maybe more so than 10, 15, 20 years ago so I guess there's an ongoing need for that support.' Susan concluded: "In the health budget, typically about 6 per cent of the health budget is allocated to mental health which is an under-investment really, the World Health Organisation, even Sláintecare would suggest that it should be at least 10-12 per cent of the overall health budget so I guess as long as there's an ongoing under-investment in statutory services there's going to be a continuing need across all the NGOs for ongoing mental health support.' Sláintecare is the HSE and Department of Health's overall improvement plan which outlines their strategies to reform Ireland's health and social care system and act as a pathway to universal healthcare.
Irish Examiner
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Tirlán and Aware launch ‘Grow Yellow' campaign to promote mental health awareness
Tirlán CountryLife has announced plans to collaborate with Irish mental health charity Aware on a campaign designed to promote mental health awareness through gardening and to raise vital funds. The 'Grow Yellow – Brighter days ahead' campaign will run with support from Tirlán's network of 15 CountryLife lifestyle and garden retail stores, with €2 from every plant sold donated to support Aware's vital work. Aware is a leading mental health charity supporting people impacted by depression disorder, anxiety, and related mood conditions. Founded in 1985, it was developed in response to the clear need for information, understanding, and support for individuals suffering from depression and other mood conditions, as well as their family members supporting a loved one. In 2024, Aware directly supported up to 40,000 people via its support and education services. The organisation offers services to include support and self care groups, a support line and support mail, along with a range of positive mental health programmes designed to empower people with the knowledge, skills and tools to manage their mental health and live well. The vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches for €7.50. The flower is characterised by its cheerful yellow blooms with purple centres and is available in distinctive yellow pots. The aim is to raise over €10,000 for Aware. A vibrant yellow-blooming Osteospermum or African Daisy plants are available now in all 15 Tirlán CountryLife branches with €2 for every plant sold donated to support Aware's support services. Photo: Finbarr O'Rourke As a dairy and grain co-operative, chairperson John Murphy said Tirlán was proud to support a cause that impacts so many people and so many communities throughout the country. 'Mental health is one of the most important issues facing Ireland today, whether you are living in a rural area, a town, or a city, and maintaining it must be a national priority. We're proud that our branches and our team of experienced horticulturalists can play their part in supporting the work of our charity partner Aware,' he said. Ann Meaney, chief marketing and customer experience officer at Tirlán, highlighted the important role of Tirlán's CountryLife branches and the expertise available to support gardeners of all levels. Commenting on the campaign launch, she said: 'Our CountryLife branches are serviced by experienced horticulturalists who are passionate about what they do. We invest in our branches to ensure our customers enjoy an excellent experience every time they visit. Gardening is not only a joy — it's a powerful way to support mental wellbeing.' Dr Susan Brannick, Aware's Clinical Director, spoke about the therapeutic benefits of gardening on overall mental wellbeing. 'Gardening can be a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness. It allows individuals to connect with nature, reduce stress, and nurture their overall mental health. We are excited to partner with Tirlán CountryLife in this meaningful campaign to highlight the importance of protecting your mental health, enjoying the outdoors, and raising funds for our vital services,' she said. The campaign is a seasonal one and will run for a short period of time in participating centres. Tirlán and Aware hope to sow the seeds for brighter days ahead, one plant at a time.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘She's bred to be speedy and is drawn well' – Templegate's NAP a winner-in-waiting
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'She's bred to be speedy and is drawn well' – Templegate's NAP a winner-in-waiting TEMPLEGATE tackles Wednesday's action confident of building the bank for Royal Ascot. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. WATEEN (4.00 Lingfield, nap) This sharp filly improved markedly to finish second at Doncaster last time, posting a strong speed figure in the process. She's bred to be speedy, is drawn well, and has more to offer in a race where most of her rivals lack experience. MAKES ME WONDER (2.45 Yarmouth, nb) She showed her liking for this track when scoring here over seven furlongs in April. The form of that contest has worked out very nicely and anything like that performance would be good enough. BANKSMAN (5.15 Yarmouth, treble) He has his sights lowered slightly here after going down in a photo at Brighton last time out. He is drawn to attack and this looks a cracking chance to get off the mark for in-form trainer Jack Channon. SAWGRASS (3.30 Lingfield, Lucky 15) Has been knocking on the door and looked in need of this longer trip when third at Beverley last time. She can score off this mark. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
