Paddle for a purpose at Cavan Adventure Centre
A kayaking event for mental health will take place this Saturday (October 12) and Cavan Adventure Centre.
All proceeds will go to SOSAD Cavan, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The event will also shine a spotlight on the importance of mental well-being in the local community. Owner of Cavan Adventure Centre, Sean Thornton, highlighted the importance of the event describing it as “more than just a kayaking trip".
“It's about coming together to support one another and raise awareness for mental health,” he described, adding that “every paddle stroke is a step towards breaking the stigma around mental health issues and supporting the incredible work that SOSAD does for people in Cavan.”
He added: “We’re excited to be part of something that can truly make a difference.”
Participants can join for a half day, which costs €50, or take on a full-day challenge at €100. All equipment and guides will be provided on the day and money raised will go directly to SOSAD. The scenic route will take paddlers through some of Cavan’s most beautiful waterways. The event starts in Killeshandra and finishes in Belturbet, where families and friends are encouraged to gather and cheer participants as they cross the finish line. Food and refreshments will be provided midway, and a gathering at The Widow’s Bar will follow the event, with refreshments afterwards.
As part of the event, Inishmore Yoga and Meditation Studio at Cavan Adventure Centre is running a series of wellbeing, yoga and meditation workshops. These are being offered on a donation basis (suggested €10 per class) with all proceeds also going to SOSAD.
Classes will run all day until 3pm and each session is designed specifically to help participants approach their health holistically and find mind-body-spirit alignment. Class participants are invited to join the kayaking group at the Widows Bar at 5pm to celebrate together.
Local Councillor Brendan Fay who owns The Widow’s Bar said it is “vital” to “stand together in support of mental health".
As Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator for SOSAD Cavan, he expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative.
“Events like this not only raise essential funds for SOSAD, but they also open up conversations about mental well-being.
“SOSAD gets absolutely no government funding so events like this are essential to the vital work of the charity,” he said, pointing out that “monies raised for SOSAD in Cavan stay in Cavan so community fundraisers are so, so important for SOSAD.”
Cllr Fay looks forward to welcoming everyone to The Widow’s Bar after the kayak event “to celebrate and reflect on a day well spent".
To register for the event or to book a wellbeing workshop visit https://cavanadventure.ie/activity-event/balance-mental-health-awareness/
For further information, to book your spot, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nuala McCann, Wellbeing Events Coordinator, at wellbeing@cavanadventure.ie or call 086-4026526.