The launch of SAM – Sporting Aiding Mental Health, National Conference will take place in the Training Room, County House, Lifford on Monday 25 March 2013. 
The Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Frank McBrearty Jnr identified Sport and Mental Health as his two key themes during his term of Mayor and this conference, which is being hosted by the Mayor of Donegal in conjunction with Donegal County Council, will take place in Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey on 30 & 31 May 2013.
The Mayor has personal experience of recovering from mental illness and believes that the office of Mayor provides him with an opportunity to raise awareness and challenge attitudes towards the understanding of mental illness and of the importance of maintaining positive mental health.
An interagency working group has been set up to organise this conference and comprises of representatives from HSE Local Office, Mental Health Promotion and Mental Health Services, Donegal Sports Partnership, Donegal Travellers Project, Steer Ireland, Mental Health Ireland and Donegal County Council.
Some of the objectives outlined at the conference are to:
Increase awareness and change attitudes towards the understanding of mental illness and the importance of maintaining positive mental health.
Showcase the work that is ongoing and highlight the services and supports available to individuals, families and the wider community in terms of promoting and maintaining positive mental health and in supporting and maintaining recovery from mental illness.
Highlight the important role that sport and physical activity plays in promoting and maintaining positive mental health.
Launch the “Charter for Positive Mental Health” as a practical tool for sports clubs and organisations in promoting best practice in their own settings.
For more details and information on this event please contact Christina O’Donnell at codonnell@donegalcoco.ie.