Shannon Chamber, in conjunction with Employability Clare will host an evening seminar dedicated to the topic of health and wellbeing in the workplace. The event, which is being held at Ei Electronics’ Centre of Excellence in Shannon Free Zone, from 6pm – 8pm on Thursday, 19 September, will include a keynote address by accomplished author and medical doctor, Dr Harry Barry, an experienced commentator on mental health. The evening event has been organised to encourage employers and employees to attend and encourage them to put health and wellbeing centre stage when implementing corporate policies and procedures.

Explaining the rationale for an event of this nature, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes stated: “In the fast-paced environment of work today, technology is making us all ever-available for work. As we live with this constant pressure to be always switched-on to work, quality time out is becoming more a luxury rather than a necessity. When you add in the everyday stressors of work, such as over-demanding work schedules, lack of on-the-job support, blurred roles and responsibilities and aversion to or inability to handling change, the result can often be an inordinate build up of anxiety and stress. An event of this nature will help to bring us all back to basics and assess how each of us can work to reduce the stress levels in our lives.

“Our keynote speaker, author and medical doctor, Dr Harry Barry, has authored 8 books about mental health. His last 2 books, Anxiety and Panic and Emotional Resilience reached number one on the notification best-seller list. His latest book, Self-Acceptance, was launched in May 2019 in Dublin and London and went straight to number one in the same list.  Dr Barry has a long-standing interest in mental health especially the management of anxiety, depression, toxic stress and prevention of suicide and is much sought after for his expertise and advice on the subject.”

Also speaking at the event are: Dr Deirdre Smithwick, consultant psychiatrist and director of Mental Health Services, HSE Clare, Limerick and Tipperary and chairperson of the Mid-West Mental Health service improvement programme; Helen McQuillan, team leader, Employability Clare and; Mike O’Riordan, IT & Supply Chain director, Reagecon Diagnostics, who will outline the company’s approach to health and wellbeing in the workplace.

“This is a very important topic and one which we, as a Chamber, want to keep to the fore. Attendance is free of charge and the event is open to anyone to attend, whether they are a member of Shannon Chamber or not. There will be ample opportunity to ask questions. Advance booking is, however, essential. Anyone wishing to attend can log onto www.shannonchamber.ie/events/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-the-workplace/ to book their place or call us at 061 475854 and we will do the booking for them at our end.”