Abseiling croke park for headstrong
37 people will abseil off the roof of Croke Park this Saturday April 18th in aid of Headstrong – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. Conor Cusack, GPA Development Officer and mental health advocate will be joined by Ashling Thompson, Cork camogie captain and 35 other Headstrong Heroes. Both players have spoken out courageously about mental health issues.
Ashling and Conor will be joined by Headstrong’s founder Dr Tony Bates and Amelia Marley of the Headstrong Youth Advisory Panel when they address assembled guests in the players’ lounge at a lunch in Croke Park from 12.30 pm to 2.pm on the day.
Conor Cusack speaking about the event said : “True strength exists in being able to embrace your vulnerabilities. When I was a young man, I had to suffer in isolation and fear with my difficulties. The work of Headstrong is ensuring that young people today don’t have to feel alone with their wellbeing challenges. I am always inspired at the enthusiasm and kindness of our young people in Headstrong to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with their fellow brothers and sisters, providing a safe environment and space where our young people’s vulnerabilities can find expression and ultimately healing.”
“Overcoming a fear of heights and scaling what looks like an insurmountable challenge is very akin to mental health recovery”, Dr Tony Bates said. “But when we work together and connect with others it’s amazing what can be achieved. Monies raised from this abseil help Headstrong in its work to change how Ireland thinks and responds to the urgent issue of Youth Mental Health. Our Jigsaw service is free to young people aged 12-25. It’s up and running in 10 communities around Ireland from counties Donegal, Galway, Roscommon, Offaly, Kerry and Meath and in Dublin in North Fingal, Tallaght, Clondalkin and Dublin 15. We rigorously evaluate all our services and our research shows us that Jigsaw works. Our partners in the GPA and events like this help us to provide a priceless support for our young people and their families. To date we have seen more than 10,500 young people and thousands more have been helped by our education and training programmes. Every community deserves a Jigsaw.
Headstrong appreciates the support of Arthur Cox in its Hero Campaign. You can support our Headstrong Heroes by texting HEADSTRONG to 50300 to donate €2.