HSE Recovery in Action event to shine a light on mental health supports across Donegal

A free community event in Letterkenny will bring people together to talk openly about mental health, recovery and local supports available across Donegal.

The free event will take place on Thursday, 17 September 2026, from 5.30pm onwards at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. It is open to everyone aged 18 and over, with no booking required. Refreshments will also be available.

Organised collaboratively by HSE Donegal Mental Health Service (DMHS) and Connecting for Life Donegal, Recovery in Action aims to create a welcoming and accessible space where members of the public can meet mental health professionals and community organisations, hear real-life experiences and find out more about the supports available locally.

A special guest at the event will be psychologist, author and mental health advocate Dr. Tony Bates, who will deliver an inspirational talk and share his insights on mental health, resilience and recovery.

Dr. Bates is widely recognised for his work in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and his commitment to helping people and communities understand how they can support mental health and build resilience. His contribution will be a key part of an evening focused on hope, recovery and connection.

A range of community services will also be attending the event with exhibition stands, giving attendees an opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions and learn more about the supports available. Organisations attending include Pieta, Jigsaw, Social Farming, ASCAIN, Wellness Café, No Barriers, SOLAS, Mental Health Ireland, employment support services and CARA House.

Under the theme “Let’s Talk Mental Health: Understanding Supports in Donegal”, the event will provide opportunities to:

Meet the Team - connect with members of the mental health team and community partners.

Hear Real Stories - listen to inspiring talks and lived-experience perspectives, including a special presentation from Dr. Tony Bates.

Learn How Support Works - discover more about mental health services and community supports available across Donegal.

Build Connections - take part in open conversations focused on hope, recovery and building stronger, more supportive communities.

The event is for anyone interested in learning more about mental health and wellbeing, whether for themselves, a family member, a friend or someone in their wider community.

Dr. Vekneswaran Devadas, Donegal Mental Health Service and event organiser said, “Recovery in Action is an opportunity to bring people together in a welcoming and informal setting, to have conversations about mental health and to make support easier to understand and access. We want people to know that they are not alone, that help is available, and that recovery is possible. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tony Bates as a special guest and speaker, alongside our community partners, and look forward to an evening of meaningful conversations and connections. The event’s message is “You are not alone. Help is here. Hope is for everyone.”

Ciara Wray, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with Donegal Mental Health Service said, “Events like this show that help is not only available, but accessible, and that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. Our goal is to promote hope and recovery within our communities and to remind people of the importance of looking after both our physical and mental wellbeing. There are many supports available to help us achieve this, and Recovery in Action provides an opportunity to find out more about them in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

With a special focus on connection, hope and recovery, the event will provide an opportunity for people to come together in an informal setting, hear from inspirational speakers and discover the many sources of support available throughout Donegal.

Members of the public are encouraged to come along, connect with local services, listen to lived experiences, ask questions and discover what mental health and wellbeing supports are available in their community.