Making connections to mental health

The fifth week of the Irish Times / Pfizer Healthy Town programme will focus on mental well being.

The Healthy Town organsers say they are delighted to support Laois Connects 2014 which runs from Monday to Sunday, October 6-12.

On Wednesday, October 8 there will be a free public talk with renowned psychotherapist Dr Trish Murphy on Relationships and your mental well being in The Heritage Hotel, 7pm. To book a place, please contact Rachel Ahearne on 01 669 0030 or email [email protected].

Portlaoise Youth café will hold a series of events this week aimed at promoting positive mental health amongst young people. On Thursday 9th the Youth Café will host two one-hour workshops to introduce mindfulness meditation practice:

· An Introduction to Mindfulness”- Portlaoise Youth Café, 1pm.

· An Introduction to Mindfulness”- Treo Nua Family Resource Centre, 7pm.

For more information please contact Claire O’Rourke on 085 -7404788.

Youth Work Ireland will also host a free public talk on mental health in the Portlaoise Youth Café at 5pm on Friday 10th. This one-hour public talk is aimed at young people and will explore the benefits of communication and positive mental health. For more information please call 057 8665010.

The Irish Heart Foundation will continue the Free Health Checks on Friday, October 10 in An Treo Nua Portlaoise Resource Centre. These comprehensive checks are open to the public. To book your appointment, please contact Annie Phelan on 057 8686145

Throughout the duration of Healthy Town, Portlaoise Leisure Centre will offer discounted rates on a number of classes.

For more information please contact 057 868 1200

For a full list of events, please see www.irishtimes.com/healthytown