We are delighted to announce the launch of WIMS Live, our new week-long programme of online events, activities and resources to mark World Mental Health Day.
We are delighted to announce the launch of WIMS Live, a week-long programme of online events, activities and resources to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Coming to you throughout the week of 5-10 October, WIMS Live aims to bring people together after what has been a challenging year for everyone, and shine a light on the things we can all do to look after ourselves and each other.
The WIMS Live presenters, experts, special guests and mental health ambassadors will deliver a diverse, interactive programme across a variety of channels, exploring a range of mental health topics and perspectives and coming together to raise awareness of and reduce stigma around mental health in Ireland.
A key feature of the online programme comprises a series of school sessions for primary and secondary level, all with a theme of promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, which kick off with a live yoga session from the students of Mercy College in Dublin's Coolock.
The school sessions will include:
- a clinician-led workshop for teenagers on supporting a friend in difficulty
- interviews with young adult authors, Louise O’Neill and Dave Rudden
- an interactive student friendly webinar, hosted by Eoghan McDermott, which will engage young people on how science affects mental health
- an online Reading Corner for younger students, and much more.
The remainder of the week-long programme targets a general audience and includes:
- podcasts with mental health ambassadors sharing experiences of recovery
- wellbeing wake up workshops
- a live talk and quiz on mental health in the movies
- Instagram celebrity takeovers
- several live webinars, with a focus on workplace wellbeing and how to manage anxieties in 2020.
There will also be a surprise announcement (or two!) on Friday, 9 October ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Showcasing the importance of positive mental health
"I am very proud to be part of WIMS Live, bringing some much-needed positivity to us all in advance of World Mental Health Day, and there is truly something for everyone. From powerful personal stories of recovery, to Instagram takeovers from some of Ireland’s much loved influencers, WIMS Live is creating a week-long event stream of inspiration, entertainment, and everything in between".
Tamara Nolan, Head of Communications at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), said: “Since 2014, we have run a pop-up radio station, WIMS FM, during the week leading up to World Mental Health Day on 10 October, broadcasting over 70 hours of diverse programming from a studio in St Patrick’s University Hospital. It’s always been such a positive, uplifting week and an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of and reduce stigma around mental health, with the incredible support from many well-known broadcasters, mental health experts and advocates. While the vibrant atmosphere the pop-up station brings to the campus will we missed this year, we hope that the WIMS Live programme will deliver an engaging and safe alternative which our service users, their families and schools and communities across Ireland can access online.”
Paul Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of SPMHS, said: "We know that the past year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, with the COVID-19 pandemic having significant impacts on mental health. For some, existing mental health difficulties have been exacerbated and others may be experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time.
He added:
"WIMS Live is about showcasing the importance of positive mental health, and highlighting all the small but vitally important things we can all do to support our mental health, and that of our friends, families and colleagues as we continue on this journey".
