Mental health emergency info on display in pubs and clubs

More than 200 pubs and nightclubs in the midlands are to be asked to display new signs inside, containing emergency contact details for organisations helping promote mental health.

“The idea of the sign is that it will reach someone when possibly at their lowest ebb, which can often be when alcohol is on board and late at night,” said Tomás Nally, chairman of Good2Talk Westmeath at the launch of the signage.

The sign contains contact information for Good2Talk and also 24-hour national numbers for Pieta House, Samaritans, Aware, Midoc and An Garda Síochána, and creation of the sign is the latest project of Good2Talk Westmeath, which has established itself as one of the best known and most innovative mental health organisations in the country.

The launch took place on Friday December 21 in Mullingar Credit Union. Speaking there Mr Nally, and new CEO Kathleen Poynton, spoke about how they wanted to build networks with other organisations and with the community in a project that would provide crisis information at the most important times.

With this in mind and with the support of the local Garda Síochána, Mullingar Credit Union and Michael Hynes of Revolution signs Mullingar, the emergency information sign was created.

“Now that the project has been created and the signs manufactured, Good2Talk needs the support of volunteers and publicans who can install these permanent signs in a prominent location in both ladies’ and gents’ toilets across the region,” said Tomás.

It is hoped we can get the help of around 10-15 people and blitz all the pubs and clubs in one weekend to get the project finished,” he added.

Good2Talk CEO Kathleen Poynton spoke of her delight that other mental health organisations had been eager to join the project and she looked forward to liaising with them on future initiatives.

She also sincerely thanked the HSE’s Suicide Prevention Office, Mullingar Credit Union, Mullingar Garda Norma Feery (Community Garda Mullingar Gardaí) and Revolution signs for their help and support with bringing the project to fruition.

The Good2Talk team were eager to emphasise that none of its Board receive any type of payments or expenses and that all money raised by the organisation goes directly into counselling and keeping its doors open.

If you would like to volunteer with this project or help out in any way with Good2Talk they would be delighted to hear from you.

They can be contacted at their office in College Street on 044 9332531 or on their Facebook page Good2Talk Westmeath.