Community

Irish influencers gather to address mental health in the workplace

MORE than 100 Irish influencers recently came together to mark World Mental Health Day.

Organised by the icap (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy) charity, they were hosted by Irish Ambassador to the UK, Martin Fraser at the Irish Embassy in London.

Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser and his wife Deirdre are pictured with panel members Greg McAnenly, Triona Dowd, Emer Tiernan and John Thompson, icap CEO Fionuala Bonnar and Chair of Trustees Richard Logue (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photography)

The gathering, themed Normalising the Mental Health Conversation within the Irish Community in the UK, hoped to ignite significant discussions about changes in workplace cultures, particularly affecting the Irish immigrant population.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by icap Development Committee member Triona Dowd.

icap CEO Fionuala Bonnar (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

Panellists included Emer Tiernan from Goldman Sachs and chairperson of the Ireland Fund Young Leaders, John Thompson, a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist at icap, and Greg McAnenly, chair at the Chartered Accountants Ireland London Society.

Each panellist contributed their expert insights into how mental health initiatives can be effectively implemented in diverse work environments.

Anita Millar and James Meade (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

The discussion focused on the unique challenges faced by young professionals, construction workers and even those recovering from or living with mental health issues.

Deirdre Fraser, wife of Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser, Siobhan Howell, icap CEP Fionuala Bonnar and Joan Tobin, who has been an icap volunteer for 20 years (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

Building on the momentum of the panel discussion, icap continues its mission to raise awareness and funds through a series of upcoming events.

Ciara Pryce and Tara Dixon (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

Their upcoming calendar features a variety of opportunities for community engagement and networking, starting with the Battle of the Irish Quiz Night on November 18 at Homeboys Bar Islington.

For more information about icap services click here.

More images from the event...

Katie Doyle from the London Irish Centre and Brian Dalton from Irish in Britain (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

Cathy and Frank O'Hare and Maureen Boyle (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)

icap Chair of Trustees Richard Logue and CEO Fionuala Bonnar are pictured with Claire and Mike McCormack from the West London Irish Society (Pics: Malcolm McNally Photograhy)