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24 Mar 2026
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A festive woodwork workshop underway for the December market in Portlaoise Macra Hall.
A special two day Christmas Crafts Fair will take place in Portlaoise next week that champions mental health service users in Laois.
The R+R Mental Health Recovery Christmas Market is organised by service users, staff, and supporters, in in the HSE Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation & Recovery Services in Laois/Offaly.
Social Worker David Coss told the Leinster Express / Laois Live about it.
“This event will showcase handmade crafts created by our service users, celebrating their creativity and achievements.
“It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health recovery within our community and demonstrate the positive outcomes of recovery-focused mental health services,” David said.
Handcrafted products will include Christmas wreaths, decorations, cards, bookmarks, planters, reindeer, candles, jewellery, and grave flower boxes.
There will be a recovery tree where people can add their hopes and wishes for 2025. There will also be a selection of delicious treats.
The event will include a choir performance by Community of Sound, a highlight on Friday, December 13 from 12 to 1pm.
“Creating these items has been incredibly beneficial for the mental health recovery of our service users. They have developed skills, expressed creativity, hope, and a sense of purpose.
“A strong turnout at the fair would mean so much to them, to connect with the community.
“There is great excitement and anticipation as they prepare for it. We hope it will also raise awareness of the importance of mental health recovery and community support.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Macra Portlaoise for their generosity in donating the hall.
The fair will also feature a raffle with lots of great prizes sponsored by businesses in Laois and Offaly.
It is on Thursday and Friday, December 12 and 13 at the Macra Hall on Well Road, Portlaoise 11am to 3pm.
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