Tackling stigma of mental health among priorities

Looking back on 30 years of Mullingar Soroptimists

Mullingar Soroptimists have long been to the forefront in tackling mental health problems and the stigma surrounding suicide, and have won international awards for their endeavours.

They have partnered with the Mental Health Association to create awareness and reach out to those in need of support. Aware of the stigma attached to mental health, the Soroptimists organise events to attract women without mentioning mental health. They held a beauty morning in the Annebrook House Hotel and invited various cohorts of women.

Anne Melly, president of Mullingar Soroptimists, said that there was no stigma attached to attending a Soroptimists’ beauty morning, but there were professionals on hand to speak to the guests about mental health, depression and such matters, and on how to reach out for help if needed. New mothers and their babies were invited and a speaker gave a talk on postnatal depression.

The Soroptimists were partners in a major event addressed by Dr Eddie Murphy, psychologist, of Operation Transformation fame. In that, they partnered with Deputy Robert Troy, who had established a group to break down the stigma of mental health.

Sarah McCormack is national lead for Healthy Ireland with the HSE and is the only member of Mullingar Soroptimists to have held the post of national president of the soroptimists and organisation and development officer on the national executive.

During her term as national president, the organisation had an “extraordinary event” in Bloomfield House Hotel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North South Soroptimist Annual Conference.

Sabina Higgins, wife of President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and Mary Harney, former leader of the Progressive Democrats, were among the guests from around the world.

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Looking back on 30 years of Mullingar Soroptimists