Donegal Mental Health Services is hosting a special social event to celebrate the contributions of both current and former staff members. The gathering is scheduled for Friday, September 6, at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny, starting with a drinks reception at 7 PM, followed by a buffet dinner.
The event aims to provide a relaxed and enjoyable evening for attendees, with a casual dress code to encourage everyone to unwind and reconnect. Entertainment will be provided by the popular band Sailor Bill, and there will be a variety of exciting prizes available.
The evening will also include staff from community teams and supervised hostels across the county. Eugene Duffy from Donegal Mental Health highlighted the event’s significance, noting the historical dedication of the staff, from the days of the boiler house to the present.
“Back in the day, we had boiler house workers who maintained the hospital’s warmth, and the hospital was self-sufficient, growing vegetables, raising cattle, and producing milk,” Duffy said. “Nurses also took on tasks beyond medical care, such as cleaning, which later transitioned to household staff.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Donegal Mental Health Services patients’ comfort fund and The Donegal Women’s Centre. “The Donegal Women’s Centre provides essential counseling services,” Duffy explained. “Our service often relies on them for both male and female clients, so supporting the centre is crucial as they depend solely on donations.”
Duffy also noted the event’s role in helping staff reconnect, particularly after the isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “With staff across five sectors in the county, this gathering aims to bring everyone together and foster connections post-COVID.”
Tickets for the event are priced at €30, with a discounted rate of €20 for Sports and Social Club members, who can also bring a guest at the same rate. Seniors are welcome at the reduced price of €20.
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