Laois PPN hosted their Laois CONNECTS event with Brendan Courtney (RTE presenter & fashion designer) interviewing Angela Hayes of the Thomas Hayes Trust ahead of their annual weekly event, which promotes mental and health and wellbeing, that will take place from October 7-11.
Angela established the trust in 2014 following the tragic loss of her son, Thomas to suicide (2011) on the anniversary of his dad’s suicide.
At that time she was unaware of the suffering within the community experienced by others in similar circumstances.
The trust’s goal is to offer free and immediate counselling, in a safe and nurturing environment, within statutory regulations especially the child protection act.
The event, with was organised by Laois PPN intended to promote Laois CONNECTS week and the importance for us as a community to learn more about our mental health and understand its impact in our daily lives.
The overall aim of Laois CONNECTS is to encourage our communities to talk about mental health, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health difficulties and to encourage the seeking of help at times of crisis.
It is also important that we learn how to support a person experiencing mental health difficulties and are therefore in a position to contribute to the overall mental wellbeing of our communities.
The Laois CONNECTS brochure highlights the many activities that will take place during the week.
There are events for all ages to attend free of charge. A list of support agencies that can be accessed in County Laois is also outlined.
The brochure is available through Laois County Council and Laois PPN.
To book a place on any of the events which are available throughout the week of Laois CONNECTS programme please contact the relevant contact for the event or the Community Development Section, Laois County Council, Tel: 057 86 64107 or email: dce@laoiscoco.ie.
Check out all of Michael Scully’s pictures from the event below:
Angela Hayes (Thomas Hayes Trust) speaking with Brendan Courtney (RTE) in the Laois Connects Interview in Castle DurrowPictured at the Laois Connects – Interview with Brendan Courtney (RTE) and Angela Hayes (Thomas Hayes Trust) in Castle Durrow, were: Angela Hayes and Suzanne O’Connor (Laois PPN) . Photo: Michael ScullyValerie Sheehy, Kathleen Sheridan, Suzanne Scully and Jules Fitzpatrick . Photo: Michael ScullyAngela Hayes (Thomas Hayes Trust) and Brendan Courtney (RTE)Ms Frances Kerry (Dep. Principal, Mountmellick CS), Hannah Ledesma (student), Angela Hayes, Eric O’Connor (student), Brendan Courtney (RTE), Helen Shortall (HSCL) and Conan Kirwan (student). Photo: Michael ScullyBreda Dunne and Ann Munnelly (Laois Alzheimers Branch ). Photo: Michael ScullyPictured at the Laois Connects – Interview with Brendan Courtney ( RTE) and Angela Hayes ( Thomas Hayes Trust) in Castle Durrow, were: Clr. Thomasina Connell, Donal O’Shea ( Laois PPN ) and Sheila Coyle ( Laois PPN ). Photo: Michael Scully- no reproduction fee.Pictured at the Laois Connects – Interview with Brendan Courtney ( RTE) and Angela Hayes ( Thomas Hayes Trust) in Castle Durrow, were: Clr John King, Paddy Buggy ( Laois PPN Secretariat), Clr. Thomasina Connell , Clr. Willie Aird ( Cathaoirleach ), Suzanne O’Connor ( Laois PPN ), Clr. Padraig Fleming and Brendan Courtney( RTE) . Photo: Michael Scully- no reproduction fee.Maria Mc Cormack and Carmel O’Connor , at the Laois Connects Interview in Castle DurrowClaire Mc Intyre (Laois Co Council), Josephine Rigney (Suicide Prevention Officer – HSE ), Brendan Courtney (RTE), Angela Hayes (Thomas Hayes Trust ), John Mulholland (Chief Executive, Laois Co Council ) and Suzanne O’Connor ( Laois PPN)Pat Farrell, Marie Moylan, Emer O’Brien, Irene Phelan and Evelyn Clancy. Photo Michael ScullyBernie Foran (Laois Library Service), Suzanne O’Connor (Laois PPN) and Finola Colgan. (Development Officer MHI)Frances Kerry (Dep. Principal, Mountmellick CS), Claire Mc Intyre (Laois Co Council ) and Roisin Lawlor (Laois Sports Partnership).Michael Rainey (Director of Services, Laois Co. Council), Orla Barrett (Senior Executive Officer, Laois Co Council) and Josephine Rigney (Suicide Prevention Officer, HSE ). Photo: Michael ScullyPictured at the Laois Connects Programme launch in County Hall , were Seated: Finola Colgan (Development Officer MHI), Michael Rainey (Director of Services, Laois Co. Council) and Josephine Rigney (Suicide Prevention Officer, HSE ). Back: Ailish Keane (Laos PPN), Bernie Foran (Laois Library Service), Emma O’Connor (Laois Co Council), Orla Barrett (Se. Ex. Officer Laos Co Council), Frances Kerry (Deputy Principal, Mountmellick CS), Claire Mc Intyre (Laois Co Council), Roisin Lawlor (Laois Sports Partnership), Claire McIntyre (Laois Co Council) and Suzanne O’Connor (Laos PPN)
