An exhibition comprising a collection of photographic images captured by users of the HSE’s mental health services locally is running for the month of February and as part of the ‘Well’ Festival of Arts and Wellbeing in Waterford’s Central Library.
“New Shoots” is the culmination of a four year creative programme supported by HSE Dublin and South East, in partnership with the Arts Office of Waterford City and County Council and also supported by Mental Health Ireland, the Europe Direct information service and Waterford City and County Council.
The “New Shoots” programme has been led by visual artist Rosaleen Heavin, working with Eileen Byrne (Senior Occupational Therapist, HSE Waterford Mental Health Services).
The exhibition, showing in its ‘Index Gallery’ was officially launched at an event in the Central Library this week by the Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Séamus Ryan.
In addition to the Mayor Cllr. Ryan and Rosaleen Heavin, others to address the launch of “New Shoots” were Gina Delaney (Development Officer/South East, Mental Health Ireland, funders of the first “New Shoots” programme in 2021), Margaret Organ (Arts Officer, Waterford City and County Council, funders of the three 2022-25 programmes) and Sandra, one of the programme’s participants.
