It was an “overwhelmingly positive and inspirational” start to the new year as the Aisling Centre hosted its first in-person Hope, Healing and Growth conference since Covid-19 restrictions, on Saturday, January 7.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, event organiser and convener Aideen McGinley said: “We’re delighted to be back in a live setting and the feedback from all the speakers, but most importantly, the audience, has been overwhelmingly positive, where people have said that it was just so inspirational.”

She went on to note the great attendance, with 100 people joining the event in-person at the Crest Centre in Enniskillen, and around 300 people attending throughout the day via Zoom online meetings, some from as far away as the USA.

The event was opened by actor Adrian Dunbar, Aisling Centre patron, who said that his wish was that everyone attending would “find something positive from the day”.

Aideen then introduced psychologist Shane Martin, who shared some tips to help manage stress, and spoke about the importance of connection, saying “people need other people”.

The lived experience panel discussion, described by one participant as “the most inspiring panel I have witnessed, beautifully facilitated by Noelle McAlinden”, brought together Connor McBarron, Una Leonard and Emma Spence, all of whom willingly shared their stories in the hope that they might help others.

In 2018, at 43 years old, schoolteacher Connor and his family received the devastating news that he had a very rare form of bone cancer that was not responsive to treatment.

The only treatment available to Connor was extensive surgery, which has left him living with on-going medication and pain management.

He talked about how he strove to remain positive, and of the importance of learning “to live, not just exist”.

Mental health coach and co-founder of Support2gether, Una spoke about her experience of post-natal depression and the stigma associated with mental health, while renowned artist Emma talked about how her life changed in a matter of minutes after a tragic accident took the lives of her father, Noel, and brothers Nevin and Graham 10 years ago.

She shared how faith and her art helped her through her journey of grief and loss

The final speaker of the morning was acclaimed environmentalist Dr. Lorna Gold, who joined virtually.

Lorna made the vital connection between emotional wellbeing and the environment as she talked about what she described as the “ecological emergency” we face, from her perspective as an academic, an activist and most importantly for her, as a parent.

‘Holding on to Hope’ was the title of the inspirational presentation made by the young people from the FIND Centre, Enniskillen.

Youth members Amy Bogue and Dara O’Connor, along with youth worker Nathalie Truelove, showcased a suicide prevention TikTok video made by young people, for young people.

Overcame adversity

Richard Moore, founder of the charity Children in Crossfire, who was blinded in childhood, spoke of how he overcame adversity by focusing on the importance and power of family, and/or community, in supporting one another, and the recurring themes of gratitude, compassion and kindness.

He also reiterated his message on forgiveness as a “gift to oneself”.

Singer Janet Devlin was the final speaker of the day. Janet talked openly about her life and her mental health diagnosis of border-line personality disorder, depression and addiction.

She also emphasised the importance of connection and the support of her family and mother in particular, as well as her pets.

Reaching out for help, which she stressed “is there”, helped her to take control of her addictive behaviour.

The audience was completely wowed when Janet brought the day to a close with a surprise performance of her song, ‘Better Now’.

Alison Annan, Aisling Centre chairperson, thanked everyone involved in the event, particularly the speakers.

She noted how privileged she felt to have shared in their journeys and the powerful message of hope out of adversity which was “very tangible in the room”.

The great feedback the Aisling Centre has received following the event can be summed up by one participant’s comments sent to Aideen: “I feel we all have just been blessed with a most uplifting experience.

“A truly inspiring day recalling us to a few constants in life – gratitude, compassion, kindness and valuing the present moment.”

Adding to this feedback, Aideen concluded: “A single thread of hope is a powerful thing, and what we were aiming to do on the day was to weave all that together and make a tapestry, and I think that’s what we did.”

Aisling Centre’s core service is the provision of a free, confidential and professional counselling service.

For further information or to make a referral, see www.theaislingcentre.com, or contact the centre at 028 66 325811.

The Hope, Healing and Growth conference content will be available on the Aisling Centre website for a short time.

See also Gallery on Pages 32-33.