Free mental health awareness event in Athlone next week

A free event to promote mental health awareness will take place on Thursday next, August 24, at 7pm in the Village at Burgess, Athlone.

The Athlone Book Shop, Lloyd's Lane, will present readings from Enda Spellman's memoir 'A Thorny Bed of Roses'.

Originally from Roscommon and now living in Ballinasloe, Enda Spellman has been through the mill in his sixty years.

His book is described as offering "a rare glimpse into a recovery story seldom told in Ireland".

From a normal farm upbringing, now mostly lost to the annals of history, onto profound mental illness starting in his twenties, Enda's tale veers from ordinary to tragic. At times a dark tale, it has an upbeat ending.

This account traces aspects of the old Irish mental health system versus modern medical methods; written in the hope that others will heed warnings highlighted in the book.

Accompanying Enda will be poets and writers who will perform their works, along with a display of framed words and pictures. All are welcome to attend this evening of hope and inspiration.