Shine A Light open new office on Cork's northside

A new office for the Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness group which was opened on Cork city’s northside recently represents its commitment “to making mental health support more accessible and inclusive”, the Shine A Light CLG vice chairman has said.

Mick Nugent, the former Sinn Féin councillor, was speaking at the event held on Saturday to mark the opening of the office which is located in the Northside for Business Campus at Ballyvolane.

Established in 2009, Shine A Light has been described as “a beacon of hope” for those affected by mental health issues and bereavement.

The opening on Saturday was attended by Lord Mayor Dan Boyle and attended by the Minister for State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jerry Buttimer, as well as Cork North Central Independent Ireland TD Kenneth O’Flynn.

The Lord Mayor said he was pleased to acknowledge the development of Shine A Light with the opening of their office.

“In its 16 years of existence the group has been more than adept at recognising the threats on mental health for young people and their communities. Shine A Light has been innovative in its response,” he said. 

“As an organisation it has shown itself to be invaluable in efforts to promote best mental health in Cork.”

The event was also attended by elected members of Cork City Council, Kenneth Collins, John Maher, Noel O’Flynn and Ciara O’Connor. Representatives from Shine A Light stakeholders, including ABLES, Cork City Partnership, Coiscéim and Northside for Business Enterprise Trade Development, SAFE Glanmire, Cork Penny Dinners, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Cork Samaritans and Churchfield Community Trust, were also in attendance. Joe D’alton of Shine A Light said the new office would serve as a “launchpad for future growth”.