A Good Day

Friday 2nd December saw the launch of the 'Healthy Communities' initiative in Wexford and I was asked to be a speaker at it. I was using one of the services called Social Prescribing which promotes mental health and well-being all through the county.

At my last meeting, Lisa had asked for a testimonial from me and I assumed it was for publishing on their website and their literature. But I had no idea what would follow next.

Another lady at the service, Deirdre, called me a few weeks later and asked me into a meeting. I said yes, kind of warily, in fact, thinking that I may have done something wrong. However, when I got there, she praised my testimonial for being honest and truthful. Her boss, Mary-Louise, came in and pretty much said the same thing. What happened next surprised me.

I was then asked to do a promotional video for them, and attend the launch as a speaker. Something like that had never happened to me before. So, I said yes because I thought it was really important to get the message out there.

I was filmed outside the main office, reading my testimonial and going around the town. Michael Duggan - who was filming the video - was very happy with the outcome and afterwards, he uploaded it to YouTube and I saw it for myself. I was very happy with the final product.

My nephew, James, came with me to the event to offer some moral support. People were eager to talk to me - which is something I'm not used to - and among them was Margaret Doyle, she was the leader of a healthy cooking course I went on. I forgot who she was at first but then, I quickly remembered.

I was nervous when it came to seeing people speak. I was absolutely bricking it. But when it came to my turn, I'd say everyone noticed because my legs were shaking and I kept it short, no trying to squeeze in a joke or anecdote. Just said something along the lines of being very nervous and making a beeline to the toilet.

Afterwards, many congratulated me on my bravery and honesty; James was even proud of me. I was then interviewed for the local radio station. Thatnerve-rackingcking, but I was calm and collected and I think I knocked it out of the park.

Here is a photo from that day -

Me in the middle. My nephew, James, on the left. And Margeret Doyle on the right.

It was a good day all round and and I'm glad that I did it. Social Prescribing did so much for me and I wanted to do something for them. And hopefully, I helped.