A 'mad proud' day to tackle illness
Monday June 09 2008
A PIONEERING "Mad Pride Day" was staged yesterday in a bid to tackle the stigma and loneliness associated with mental illness.
The aim was to encourage society to do more to help people recovering from these illnesses.
The inaugural Mad Pride Day took place at Fitzgerald's Park in Cork's city-centre from lunchtime yesterday afternoon.
The event was very family-oriented and involved musicians, clowns and puppets as well as a food market.
The event also included a wide range of live music, from gospel music to blues, classical tones and even a barbershop choir.
Organiser John McCarthy, who is a campaigner on mental health issues, said he is confident that the day will be adopted by other Irish cities as part of the drive to highlight support measures for mental illness.
"This is about opening debate around the issue. The court of public opinion is where this battle will be won or lost and Mad Pride is a way that we can break down barriers." Similar "Mad Pride" days have been held in the UK, Canada, the US and Europe. Mad pride events are generally held in the months of June and July.
- Olivia Kelleher
