Gambling harm to come under the spotlight at Donegal ATU

GAMBLING harm and prevention, financial safety and wellbeing will come under the spotlight at a special roadshow in Letterkenny this evening.

The Health and Wellbeing Roadshow event will take place at Donegal ATU, with registration beginning at 6pm in the main building of the campus.

Speaking ahead of the event, Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly said he is “proud” to partner with ATU Donegal in hosting the event. He described the roadshow as “timely” ahead of Christmas, a time when people can be faced with additional pressures.

Cllr Kelly has been working closely with Sharon Ferguson (ATU Donegal Mental Health and Well-being Officer) over the past few years, and said mental health is something very close to both their hearts.

“We had a conversation prior to the 2024 election about having an event of this kind where we would bring the community together and provide mental health awareness for not only people suffering with mental health challenges but also for the wider community to be informed.

“Our aim is to provide this information throughout the wider Donegal community in an environment which is relaxed and destigmatising.”

The workshop topics are relevant to all walks of life.

“The layout of the evening is that people will move through the workshops. This is designed to reduce stigma and give a sense of safety without self-identifying. The workshops are educational and will offer signposting to services within our communities to highlight supports available especially as we come into the Christmas period.”

There will be a number of speakers at the event, including James Devenney, Letterkenny CDP, who will facilitate a workshop on ‘Addiction Services and Supports’.

Sergeant Fergus McGroary, Divisional Crime Prevention Officer,  will be giving advice about financial safety, while Kevin Mills will facilitate a workshop on ‘Health and Wellbeing’.

A ‘Gambling Harm and Prevention’ workshop will be facilitated by Declan Cregan.

Tea and coffee will be available at registration from 6pm with a chance to visit a host of information stands before the evening is kicked off with a welcome and opening address by Sharon Ferguson, ATU Donegal Mental Health and Well-being Project Officer, alongside Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council.

The free community event, which will run from 6pm to 9pm, is open to everyone over the age of 18. Parking on campus is free.