Here’s how you can support mental health in Irish creative industries

It’s a shocking statistic, but people with creative careers are 25 times more likely to experience a mental health issue in their lifetime than others. To help put a spotlight on mental health in the Irish design community, the Institute of Designers in Ireland is launching Mind Over Matter – a day connecting and promoting the design community, while raising vital funds for the charity Aware.

Taking place on World Mental Health Day, October 10, ten locations across Ireland including Dublin, Belfast, Dundalk, Carlow, Waterford, Cork, Tullamore, Limerick and Galway will host a national day of design. Businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to book a consultation hour with designers across the country for just €75, with all of the money being donated to Aware. This will provide the chance to exchange knowledge and ideas, while forming new connections and raising money for this important cause.

Mind Over Matter will be launched on July 19 at the Dean Hotel, Dublin, with a networking drinks reception, followed by a panel discussion. Fashion designer Brendan Courtney, Chupi Sweetman of Chupi Jewellery, comedian Aoife Dooley and Aware director of services Brid O’Meara will talk about creative mental health in Ireland. There will also be the opportunity for designers to sign up to take part in the initiative.

Tickets for the launch of Mind Over Matter go on sale July 12 via eventbrite.ie, and cost €15 to non IDI members. For more information visit idimindovermatter.ie or email mindovermatter@idi-design.ie

Featured image: Daniel McCullough via Unsplash