Bressie, Blindboy Boatclub and Philly McMahon to speak at #JOElive: Mental Health – Time For Action

Put the date in your diary.

#JOElive: Mental Health - Time For Action, May 11, Smock Alley Theatre (Dublin) featuring Bressie, Blindboy Boatclub, Philly McMahon and more. To apply for a free ticket, click here. Mental health is a topic that our users care deeply about. We saw that when we printed (anonymously at the time) Cat O Broin's story and the anguish her family had gone through in trying to get help for their brother, Caoilte. Later, we were there to cover the #AnyonesBrother vigil when thousands converged outside the Dail to protest his needless death. We've seen how much you care in the many times you've shared your own personal experiences whether it's Éanna or Katie or Kevin. And, most fervently, we've witnessed your angry reaction to the news of mental health cuts, the Daíl debate where only a handful of TDs were present and the protest that followed. On Wednesday, May 11 in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin we have a very special night planned - #JOElive: Mental Health - Time For Action. Speakers on the night will include mental health professionals, mental health activists and members of the public that have witnessed the destruction that can be visited on a family when the need for adequate mental health services is not being met. #JOElive: Mental Health speakers Niall 'Bressie' Breslin A musician and TV personality, Bressie has chosen to use his platform to become a voice for thousands of Irish people dealing with mental health problems. His activism led to him being invited to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Understanding where his impassioned speech struck a chord with so many. Blindboy Boatclub The Rubberbandits are experts at mixing the very serious and the very surreal to produce vital social commentary. Blindboy Boatclub is one of the most compelling voices on changing the national psyche towards mental health and this guide is a must-watch. Philly McMahon Philly McMahon is best known as Dublin's teak-tough, treble All-Ireland winning cornerback. Well, that was until his Late Late Show appearance this February where he spoke movingly about tragically losing his brother to drug addiction. A native of Ballymun, Philly has been inspiring young people in the North Dublin community to take care of their physical and emotional wellbeing. Cat O Broin When Cat O Broin approached JOE with her heartbreaking story in November of last year, we knew that it was a story that we needed to help her to tell. Her words struck a chord with thousands of families across Ireland and it became one of the most-discussed JOE articles of 2015. Her brother Caoilte's story ended in tragedy in January when his body was taken from the Liffey. Cat will describe what she and her family went through in their heartbreaking struggle to get Caoilte access to the help he so desperately needed. Brian Higgins

Image via Pieta House - (L to R) Brian Higgins, far right

Brian Higgins is the CEO of Pieta House. His talk at Pieta House's 'The Bounce of the Ball' event on International Men's Day in November was a highlight of an important occasion. A progressive and deep thinker on mental health issues, we're looking forward to his address on the night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94CS5iiGo-I Carl Kinsella Carl Kinsella is a JOE.ie writer who joined us last year from college and, after a successful internship, became a full-time staff member at the start of this year. Carl has written about mental health topics on many occasions and his insight on the struggle for good mental health was a 2015 Editor's Pick on JOE. If you wish to attend this event on Wednesday, May 11 in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin just fill in this form.