Tipperary Mental Health Week launched in Thurles
The week takes place from October 5th to 11th
Tipperary Mental Health Week 2026 will take place from Monday 5th to Sunday 11th October, bringing together free and accessible events across the county under this year’s theme, “Creating Meaningful Connections”.
The programme was officially launched in Thurles by members of the Tipperary Mental Health Network. Throughout the week, communities will be invited to connect, learn, reflect and discover practical ways to support mental health and wellbeing.
The theme highlights the importance of connection, belonging and community. It reflects the Network’s shared vision of promoting and advocating for mental health and wellbeing through collaboration between statutory, voluntary and community organisations, while helping people across Tipperary find services, resources and opportunities to participate.
Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Fiona Bonfield said: “Meaningful connection can begin with something very simple: joining an activity, sharing a conversation or finding a place where you feel welcome. This year’s programme gives people across Tipperary many ways to take that first step. We are grateful to every organisation, speaker and community partner making the week possible.”
Flagship public event in Thurles
The main public event, Creating Meaningful Connections, will take place at TUS MidWest Campus, Nenagh Road, Thurles, on Wednesday 7th October from 10.00am to 1.30pm. The free event will feature guest speakers Michael Brennan, Cathal O’Reilly and Karl Clancy (regular columnist with this newspaper, The Everyday Mystic) along with Social Prescribing, activities to support mental wellbeing and the TUS MidWest Counselling Service annual Mental Health Fair. Light refreshments will be provided.
Cathal O’Reilly is a Clonmel-based mental health advocate, author, poet, spoken-word artist, musician and workshop facilitator. Drawing on lived experience, creativity and storytelling, his work explores mental health, recovery, loneliness, stigma and human connection. Cathal, who wrote A Funny Thing About Depression and the poetry collection Catching the Thought, was nominated for a Mental Health and Wellbeing Ireland Award in 2026 in recognition of his advocacy.
Karl Clancy is a writer, speaker and “Everyday Mystic” who speaks about mental health through the lens of lived experience, trauma and healing. His work explores masculinity, identity, relationships, empathy, responsibility and meaning, including how people can challenge inherited stories about themselves and imagine a different ending. Karl is a regular contributor to Tipp FM and has written a newspaper column for the past six years.
Booking is free but required, and can be completed through Eventbrite.
A week of events across Tipperary
The county-wide programme offers creative, social, educational and reflective activities throughout the week:
- Monday 5th October – Colour and Connect Art Group, 11.00am–1.00pm, Thurles Mental Health Association, St Mary’s Health Centre, Parnell Street, Thurles. Drop-in welcome.
- Tuesday 6th October – Mindful Movement Yoga Group, 2.00pm–3.30pm, Thurles Mental Health Association, St Mary’s Health Centre. Drop-in welcome.
- Wednesday 7th October – Creating Meaningful Connections, 10.00am–1.30pm, TUS MidWest, Thurles. Free public event and Mental Health Fair; advance booking required.
- Thursday 8th October – TUS MidWest Counselling Service Mental Health Fair, 10.00am–2.00pm, TUS Clonmel Digital Campus, for staff and students; plus a free Self-Care workshop: Building My Resilience workshop at Newport Community Centre, Clonebaly, delivered with Mid West ARIES. Contact Silver Arch Family Resource Centre on 067 31800 to book the Newport workshop.
- Friday 9th October – Falling Forward with Sona Wellbeing, 11.00am–1.00pm, Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, 52 Silver Street, Nenagh. Contact 067 31800 to reserve a free place.
- Saturday 10th October – The Power of Believing in Recovery, a free online international gathering featuring authentic stories of recovery, resilience and hope https://bit.ly/4xINMi0 ; and the Cahir Remembrance Walk, meeting at 6.00pm at The Mall, Cahir.
- Sunday 11th October – Would You Be Well?, 10.30am–5.00pm, a holistic mental health and wellbeing day offering natural approaches, relaxation and connection. Tickets are €10 and include access to all activities.
If any group or organisation has an event to highlight during Tipperary Mental Health week, please contact: [email protected]
Working together for mental health and wellbeing
Tipperary Mental Health Week is coordinated by the Tipperary Mental Health Network, a collaboration of statutory, voluntary and community organisations. The Network works throughout the year to share information, develop partnerships, coordinate World Mental Health Week activity, support recovery and co-production, and promote services and resources across County Tipperary.
Eoin Kaar, Healthy County Coordinator, Tipperary County Council, said: “Tipperary Mental Health Week shows what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together. By creating welcoming opportunities to meet, take part and learn about available supports, we can strengthen connection and wellbeing across the county.”
Rosemary Ryan, Area Lead Mental Health Engagement, HSE, said: “Meaningful connection is central to mental health and recovery. When people feel heard, included and supported, it becomes easier to reach out and find the help that is right for them. Nobody should have to face difficult times alone.”
Cillian Keane/Gina Delaney, Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland, said: “Connection is one of the strongest resources any community can offer. Tipperary Mental Health Week creates welcoming spaces where people can meet, listen, learn and find support. We encourage everyone to look through the programme and choose an event that speaks to them.”
Further programme updates will be shared through participating organisations and the Tipperary Mental Health Network.