A ‘feel good fair’ will be held at the Termon Complex in Pettigo next Saturday in response to concerns about mental health and well-being in the north Fermanagh area.

Organised by former psychiatric nurse Mary Leonard and local mental health practitioner Raymond Farrell, the ‘feel good fair’ will feature inspirational speakers, a free health check and a range of taster therapy sessions.

“If this event helps improve the circumstances of one person, it will be worth it,” said Raymond Farrell, the DUP Councillor who has been appointed as the Mental Health Champion on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

“The event came about following a discussion between myself and Mary Leonard around mental health in the Pettigo, north Fermanagh area, where, sadly, there have recently been a number of deaths involving suicide,” Mr. Farrell explained.

“It will be a day in the local community where people can listen to the speakers talking about looking after their mental health and well-being; youth, senior citizens, all the local community are invited to come along. Local organisations will have stands around the hall to promote connection and cohesion and hopefully people will think: ‘There’s somewhere I can go for help.’”

The three speakers are: Helen Kelly, a life coach who will examine how to live a balanced life; Maura Canning, who will talk about how to look after mental health in farming families and how to lose the stigma around mental health; and Mark Conway, a fitness coach who will talk about the benefits of exercise and how it builds confidence and promotes well-being.

For more information on the event on October 1, from 12-5, email: positivementalwellbeing2016@gmail.com or call 00353719861520.