images by Roger Kenny

Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear “out of the blue.” Most often family, friends, teachers or individuals themselves begin to recognize small changes or a feeling that “something is not quite right” about their thinking, feelings or behavior before one of these illnesses appears in its full-blown form. [read in full here ]

The Friends of Newcastle Hospital and the Saints and Sinners Fundraising Committee are
pleased to welcome everyone to our Charity Ball in aid of Newcastle Hospital.

Friends of Newcastle Hospital have been supporting individuals and families who experience and
deal with mental illness or mental stress on a day to day basis since the early 80’s. The Friends
support and promote a “recovery” approach to treatment. As a Community based committee
with the support of the Saints and Sinners Fundraising Committee, we are committed to
supporting initiatives that directly affect and improve the welfare of people experiencing mental
illness and to providing financial support to the local mental health committees to promote
awareness of the importance of positive mental health.

This work of the Friends started when a group of dedicated staff chaired by Michael Hughes,
formed The Friends of Newcastle in order to address the issue of mental health stigma and
social isolation that was prevalent at that time for a large cohort of mental health patients and
their families. In the intervening years the Friends grew from strength to strength with the
annual Golf classic in Djouce Golf Club funding a much needed Visitors Centre and a unique
multi-sensory garden.

Today with the support of Dr. Justin Brophy, Cora McKenna and Marie Vickers, the Friends
continue to work towards their goal to create an outdoor hospital environment which promotes
recovery and wellbeing. In this context he Friends, again with the support of the Saints and
Sinners, over the last eighteen months have completed a very lovely Recovery garden; started
the up grading of the existing Sli na Slainte walk, and will in the coming months install an out
door wellbeing and exercise area for which this evenings funds will go towards. In July the
Friends will host a mid-summer Jazz Party in the grounds of the hospital which the public are
invited to.

The Friends have continued their work despite difficult economic times and the outcome of this
effort can be seen and felt throughout the services, and is much appreciated by staff, service
users and their families and the wider community.

Finally I want to thanks Ger Gilson (Chairwoman, Saints and Sinners Committee), Alyson Stanley,
Karen Woods, Orla Delaney, Stephine Kinsella, Betty Sherry, Tina Bambrick and Doreen O’Reilly
for their dedication in making this event a huge success; David McWilliams and Dr. Ciara Kelly; all
our corporate sponsors, local retailors and you our guests for the support to make this event an
outstanding success..

We hope you have a memorable evening and thank you so much for your support.

Evelyn Cawley Chairwoman
on behalf of the Friends of Newcastle Hospital

Friday 6^th. March

in support of a positive approach to mental health

This year the Friends of Newcastle Hospital are investing their time and energy in developing an out door wellbeing and exercise centre in the grounds of the hospital. 

Research shows that exercise boosts your self-esteem’, said Evelyn Cawley Chairwoman of the Friends, ‘improves your sleep, releases tension, anger and fatigue, and increases motivation. Overall having a healthy body is good for the mind and this new centre will be an excellent facility to help people with this ”.

The Black tie event is being held in Druids Glen on Friday 6^th. March and David McWilliams, well know economist and journalist, will be the host for the evening. 

“The evening is primarily to create a greater awareness of the importance of ‘good mental health and physical wellbeing” said David, “as well as making mental health an everyday issue. If it matters to us all then the stigma attached to getting help when we need it can be reduced”.  



Simon Harris TD, 
Minister of State at the Departments of Finance & Public Expenditure said,“Promoting a positive approach to mental health and having communities supporting this approach is all of our responsibilities. We are lucky to live in a county with so many people willing to put time and effort into promoting this environment”.

Dr Justin Brophy Clinical Director of Newcastle Hospital said how much the last ball has contributed to important recovery focussed initiatives in the locality and many peoples’ lives have benefited as a result. He expected this would be continued with the success of this years event, and like others, also looked forward to a most enjoyable and fun evening’s entertainment as part of that.”

The wellbeing and exercise centre will be the third instillation developed by the Friends and will be an addition to the ‘Recovery Garden’ developed last year and the Sli na Slainte walk which is in progress. Their work to-date has been both to promote a positive environment in which people experiencing mental stress and ill health can recovery, as well as providing practical supports and help for individuals and their families.

 ‘Black Tie’ event is on Friday 6th. March in Druids Glen and tickets can be booked with Marie: 01 2819001. Tickets for the event are €75

c/o Administration Section,

Newcastle Hospital.

Co. Wicklow

June 25, 2014

Re: Summer Sounds and Strawberries and Cream

Dear Friend,

Please find attached an invitation to our summer event in Newcastle Hospital on Tuesday 15^th July at 3pm.

This event will be held in the Recovery Garden in the grounds of the hospital. Admission is free and the Garda Band will provide the entertainment for the afternoon.

The aim of the event is to promote a strong image of the importance of mental health to everyone and highlight the significant changes that have been made in the area of ‘Recovery’ for people using the services.

Over the past year the Friends have supported many initiatives including the Recovery Garden, Wicklow Schools Public Speaking Competition, EOLAS Training Programme for service users and family members, Health and Fitness Programme in Bray/Wicklow Town; Arklow and Wicklow Mental Health Associations and a range of social outings.

This year contributions will be used to upgrade the Sli na Slainte walk in Newcastle Hospital. The grounds of Newcastle are beautiful and it is hoped that the walk will contribute to helping people in their recovery.

It would give us great pleasure if you can accept our invitation.

__________________________

Evelyn Cawley

Chairwoman

Friends of Newcastle Hospital

in association with the Saints and Sinners Fundraising Committee

Further information: www.friendsofnewcastlehospital.ie

Email: friendsofnewcastlehospital@gmail.com