On Friday 14^th October a Pop-up Café was launched on the Main Street of Tipperary Town. The Winning Ways to Well Being café focused on a variety of ways to improve your mental health and well being.

The day began with an energised performance of a ukulele workshop led by the talented Fran Murnane.  Songs of old and new were sung with great participation from a captive audience.  A steady stream of patrons flocked through the door from opening to closing.  The creative & happy ambience encouraged people to stay, contribute and relax in the positive atmosphere.

The music entertainment continued with a fantastic session by the up and coming band ‘Who Are They’.  This was followed by a stellar performance from the ‘Spooky Ukes’.  The evening proceeded with the introduction of guest speakers which included Darren McGrath from Tipperary Town Sports Complex, Counsellor Fiona Pilkington, and motivational speaker Brian ‘Boca’ Glasheen.  All guest speakers were inspirational and a lot of learning on positive mental health and well being was captured.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered and helped out on the day and many thanks to the people of Tipperary Town and surrounding areas for turning out in great numbers to support our café in promoting positive mental health awareness and well being.

A special thanks to local businesses who kindly donated fantastic prizes for the raffle and to Ray Lonergan for his creative artwork on the window.   Winners will be contacted this week.

The Pop-up Café would not have been possible without the generous space donated to us to use for the day by Dorothy and Gerry Casey and RAPID for their sponsorship. The day happened because of the great work, determination and commitment by the sub-group of Rapid AIT who were, Imelda Farrell – Three Drives Family Resource Centre, Veronica Crowe – Tipperary ETB, Moira Merrigan – Youth Work Tipperary, and Catherine Sharpe – Knockanrawley Resource Centre.