THE Aisling Centre's fourth Hope, Healing and Growth event, which was held for the first time as a virtual day of inspiration on Saturday, January 9, brought an inspiring programme of talks and presentations to almost 1,000 people in Fermanagh and far beyond.

"Building on the highly-successful events in the past, this year exceeded all expectations, reaching out to almost 1,000 people of all ages, from all parts of Fermanagh, the North and South of Ireland, the UK and the USA," said Aideen McGinley, a Board Member of the Aisling Centre, and founder member of the Hope, Healing and Growth event.

"The speakers and participants were unanimous in their verdict – that this was a very special and unique day, an 'absolutely amazing, inspiring, thoughtful and uplifting event', 'a hope-filled day' and 'just what we needed'," said Aideen, sharing some of the comments from those who attended virtually.

The event opened with local actor Adrian Dunbar expressing his pride in being patron of the Aisling Centre, the significance of the event and gratitude to all involved.

He gave a powerful and poignant reading of Seamus Heaney's poem, 'The Cure of Troy', commenting that a "farther shore is reachable from here” while urging everyone, in the times we are in, to “keep her lit".

The day continued with Aideen warmly welcoming all in virtual attendance.

She used the word 'hope' as an analogy in the introductions to the speakers, with the letter 'H' urging people to reach out for the help that was there. 'O' for opportunity and optimism, "to grasp positivity" as promoted by speaker Declan Coyle, and reiterated by all the other speakers.

'P' is for the people in the community who through fundraising and voluntary effort support the work of the Aisling Centre, and for the people in the centre itself, providing exemplary support services to the 1,000 people seeking help, who come to the door of the centre annually.

Finally, with the letter 'E', she cited Sir Ken Robinson on the importance of finding your element and therein the secret to wellbeing and success, and in the wise words of speaker Dara McAnulty, of “being enough”.

The first to speak at the event was Declan Coyle, who has been involved in Hope, Healing and Growth since the beginning.

With his internationally renowned approach to positivity through The Green platform, he highlighted the importance of radical resilience and reminded those present how to be happy even in the most challenging of times.

Conor McCafferty, Chief Executive of Zest, gave a very powerful presentation on emotional health and the impact of alcohol, and how to be supportive of ourselves and others by really listening, seeing and giving our undivided attention.

In the next segment, Lisa Strutt movingly engaged everyone with her story of the power of kindness. Her important message resonated with many people listening.

Following Lisa was Richard Pierce, the well-known local architect and patron of the arts who shared his compelling story and lifelong insights of challenges and acceptance.

He emphasised the importance of a world recognising the importance of celebrating diversity and contribution in these times of a pandemic, and how we are "all in this together" as neighbours to each other.

Closing the segment was a founding member of the Hope, Healing and Growth event, Noelle McAlinden.

The artist, activist, and educationalist spoke courageously and passionately about life lessons learned in the face of adversity, celebrating life and our collective responsibility in supporting mental health and suicide prevention.

She spoke of the importance of investing in our own and each other's mental health and well-being, the importance of creativity, self-compassion, and self-expression in challenging times.

Encouraging all to be proactive in their lifelong learning and equipping themselves with tools to support others who may feel vulnerable or suicidal, she highlighted the work of Ohana Zero Suicide and their free online training, which is available via www.ohana.ie.

During the lunch break, Dr. Anne Monaghan, a champion fundraiser for the Aisling Centre, introduced a virtual workshop on restorative yoga and mindfulness meditation that was led by holistic therapist Siobhán Conlon.

The afternoon session opened with Irene Teague, who recently wrote the children’s book, 'We Had to Say Goodbye Before We Even Met', telling her family's personal story of loss.

As a clinical psychologist, but more so as a mum, she shared her journey of grief, saying: “The only cure for grief is to grieve."

Dara McAnulty moved, inspired, and charmed the entire audience in his conversation with Noelle McAlinden.

He spoke of facing challenges, his passion for nature, wildlife and music. He also shared his profound insights, read from his award-winning book, 'Diary of a Young Naturalist', and highlighted the significant importance of his family in nurturing and supporting him.

The final speaker of the day was Hugo Duncan who, in a very honest and authentic interview, shared the difficulties he has faced in life and the lessons he had learned.

In ending the day, Alison Annan, Chair of the Aisling Centre Board, thanked everyone involved in making the day possible.

Finalist of The Voice Kids 2020 Darragh McNicholl, accompanied by Rory O'Kane, performed Songs of Hope as a fitting and creative end to the virtual day of inspiration.