Together at the Castle Returns for its Fifth Successful Year

The HSE South West is delighted to announce that the hugely successful ‘Together at the Castle’ mental health and wellbeing day returns to Mallow Castle on Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 1pm to 5pm.

The free event aims to foster a sense of community and raise awareness about the support services available for mental health and wellbeing locally. Together at the Castle is open to all and sees HSE South West continue its partnership with Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Cork County Council, Cork Mental health Foundation, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, See Change, SHINE and An Garda Síochána.

Together at the Castle is a great family day out and features a wide variety of entertainment, recreational activities, workshops and informational spaces provided by up to 50 local and regional community groups and organisations. There will be fun activities for children, as well as a wide variety of food and drink options.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Bernard Moynihan emphasised the significance of Together at the Castle:

“Cork County Council is proud to support this important event which highlights the diverse range of wellbeing supports that are available and promotes positive mental health. We extend our sincere thanks to HSE South West and Mallow Chamber for partnering with us to bring this wonderful event to North Cork. This year, the working group have tried hard to have something there for everyone, of all ages, therefore we are delighted to welcome all the new activities, services and food stalls.”

Dr Andy Phillips, Regional Executive Officer HSE South West said:

“I always enjoy attending this event every year in Mallow, as it’s such a fantastic example of collaboration and true community spirit. It’s a joyful day, full of energy, positivity and fun, but also succeeds at ensuring that people know there is help and support available locally to anyone who may need it. It’s a one-stop-shop that promotes mental health and wellbeing in a most accessible way.”

Martin Ryan, HSE South West Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention commented:

 “We all have responsibility to encourage people to take the often-hardest step to seek help. Every year I am blown away by the continued partnership approach by the business community, Cork County Council and other main agencies working together to ensure a great day for all. This year, we are looking at expanding the idea of wellbeing to make sure that this event is an inclusive as possible.”

Joyce Good Hammond, President of Mallow Chamber of Commerce, added: “Our primary focus is to create awareness and highlight mental health supports, information and education for people from all walks of life. This event, which was initiated by our previous president, Sharon Cregg, has become an established institution that has made great strides in bringing together our local community, and connecting services and people in an accessible way. We are delighted that Sharon will continue to spearhead this initiative with the same commitment and drive that has made this event the success it is.”

Brendan McCarthy, CEO Cork Mental Health Foundation said:

“We in Cork Mental Health Foundation are delighted to be part of the organising committee for this amazing event. We have worked collectively to ensure that this event offers a practical and positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the local community. With the participation of up to 50 services, attendees will find something useful to engage with; or gain insight into seeking help. Our goal is to promote hope and recovery within our communities.”

Valerie Murphy, CEO of Avondhu Blackwater Partnership added:

“Avondhu Blackwater Partnership works closely with all stakeholders, statutory and voluntary, in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. We support many people throughout the North Cork region and provide help through our Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in Mallow Castle in September.”

The Together at the Castle event aligns with See Change’s national annual mental health awareness campaign, the Green Ribbon campaign, which runs throughout the month of September.

Additional Information: 

Some of the organisations that will be attending Together in the Castle include:

See Change

See Change is Ireland’s national programme dedicated to ending mental health stigma and discrimination. Its work is informed by people with lived experiences of mental health difficulties, including its 50+ trained ambassadors, who share their stories to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.

See Change is funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, in alignment with Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy to reduce suicide. See Change is a programme of Shine, alongside Headline. www.seechange.ie/green-ribbon/ or contact them via email at info@seechange.ie.

Shine

Shine is a national organisation providing information and support for people affected by mental health difficulties.

Shine supports individuals and family members through

• Individual recovery work

• Peer support groups

• Training and education

Shine also advocates for social change by promoting and defending the rights of all those affected by mental health difficulties to equal support and quality services.

Website: www.shine.ie

Headline

Headline is Ireland’s national programme responsible for reporting and representation of mental illness and suicide.

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever is getting to you. You will not be judged or told what to do. You will be just be listened to, 365 days a year. We are always ready to listen. Tel: 116123 or jo@samaritans.ie

North Cork Social Prescribing

North Cork Social Prescribing is a free service based in the Le Chéile Family Resource Centre in Mallow. The Link Worker, Eithne Foley, helps to bridge the gap between you and your community. This is done through a series of leisurely one-to-one conversations, where the focus is on what matters to you; whether that is improving your health, making new friends, becoming more active, returning to education, or starting to volunteer. lwspp@lecheilefrc.ie