Balbriggan at the heart of discussion on Our Mental Health and the City

Thrive Balbriggan hosted an Open Table discussion on Our Mental Health and the City on Monday, October 14, at the Open House Info Hub on Charlemont Walk.

Open Table is a series of expert-led lunchtime conversations to encourage people to discuss different issues facing Dublin.

These meetings are part of Open House Dublin, Ireland’s largest festival of architecture organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) since 2005.

Thrive Balbriggan was invited to host one of the talks and was represented by Joe McKenna, Thrive Balbriggan Chairperson and Team Leader at Empower and Lisa Kelly, Thrive Balbriggan member and the HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Officer.

Alongside Thrive Balbriggan members, two students Paula and Amy from Balbriggan Community College contributed to the discussion on creating a?mental health friendly?community for all.

Both students attended a focus group for young people organised by Thrive Balbriggan the previous week and expressed their interest in participating in today’s event.

The Open Table discussion was led by Caroline Brogan, Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland and Lead for Thrive Ireland who said: “We’re thrilled to be part of the ongoing conversation about mental health and the role our built environment plays, particularly in supporting the wellbeing of young people.

“It’s encouraging to see growing interest in recognising how the design of our towns can better address mental health needs.

“When we prioritise mental health in design, we help foster stronger, mentally healthier communities”.

During the conversation, participants explored the character and identity of Balbriggan and shared their insights on the urban planning and its impact on the mental health of the local community.

The group also discussed ideas on how to create mental health friendly workplaces as well as habitual places.

Thrive is a community-led movement to create happier and healthier communities by conducting projects and events aiming at improving mental health and wellbeing.

Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland and currently operates in two locations in County Fingal in Balbriggan and Swords as well as in Connemara.

Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council.  For further information please visit Thrive Ireland – Mental Health Ireland.