Lots Happening At St Patrick’s University Hospital
There was a lot happening at St Patrick’s University Hospital (SPUH) this past week. “Walk In My Shoes” Radio studio was built; ready for its first broadcast this week. For those who have not heard the exciting news yet, “Walk In My Shoes” Radio will be airing as of Today, Monday the 5th October to Friday the 9th of October on 94.3 FM for 5 days only. It will be a week full of talk and discussions to help encourage positive mental health.
The new studio really looks amazing, and it is sad to think that it is only a temporary studio, but who knows it might become so popular, that “Walk In My Shoes” Radio stays on air. Having a station especially dedicated to address such a sensitive subject is something unique. Mental health affects many people in society, both those who get ill and also their loved ones. This should be a good show to tune into to get some insight and advice into the world of mental health and how to positively embrace it.
SPUH also launched the second ‘Frame of Mind’ Short-Film Competition on the 1st of October at the hospital grounds. The theme for the short-film competition is ‘Frame of Mind’, with mental health related topics and how to overcome it the objectives. Entries are now open and will close on the 30th October 2015.
“We are looking for original, wise, brave, eye-opening and creative outcomes that will inspire others. Whether it’s because your life has been touched by mental illness in some way, because you realise the importance of this global issue, or just because you want to make the world a better place, we would love to hear about your creative ideas,” St Patrick’s University Hospital.
Tony Tormey (Fair City’s Paul Brennan) was at yesterday’s launch and will also sit on the panel of judges. “I was delighted to be asked to get involved with this competition. Any creative outlet that promotes mental health is a positive step forward. Ireland has a great pool of film-making talent, so I’m looking forward to judging the entries when they come in.”
There are some great prizes up for grabs. The winner will receive €1,000 with the 2nd runner up getting €500 and the third runner up €300. Last year’s winner was Lisa Keegan with a short-film called Bottled Up. It is about a barman who keeps his emotions bottled up, he goes to work every day, hangs out with his friends, but all the while he keeps his secret bottled up. He makes his way to the beach and sends a message in a bottle, only to realise seconds later that there are many bottles lying all over the beach, each with a message in them. He is not alone; he is not the only one who keeps his mental health problems bottled up. ‘The Mad Hatter’ by Gavin Butler took second prize and Stephen Gaffney’s ‘Outside’ won the third prize.
Sarah Surgenor, Head of Communications at St Patricks Mental Health Services, said: “We were blown away by the quality of last year’s entries some of which have gone world-wide, from the film festival circuit to in-flight entertainment on Aer Lingus flights! We’re looking forward to seeing what ideas are brought to life this year.” If you would like to enter the competition or watch these three 3 minute movies go to: http://www.stpatricks.ie/frame-mind.
On Wednesday 30th September St Patrick’s released an album called ‘It Made You’, a song-writing project. Singer-songwriter Sean Millar and over 90 service users at SPUH who were residents there between December 2014 and May 2015 came together to create this album. The album was launched in the Conservatory Room at House 27, Leeson Street.
“’It Made You’ is a collection of 9 very beautiful and poignant original songs about life, love, loss, strength and recovery. The album is also a celebration of the creativity that exists within each of us, the creativity that connects us so meaningful to each other. We are incredibly proud of every person who participated in the project for creating such a wonderfully powerful piece of art,” Paula Higgins who works at Twilight Music as a therapist said. The album is available online to buy at www.walkinmyshoes.ie for €10.
It is wonderful to see that St Patrick’s has all these lovely activities going on and by the “sound” of things October promises to be a month of good and positive mental health!
