07-05-2025
Bressie brings message of powerful mental health discussion to Leitrim during Health is Wealth event
Niall 'Bressie' Breslin brought his well known show 'Where is my Mind' to The Landmark Hotel on Saturday night as part of the annual Leitrim 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.
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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.
