Cork Mental Health Foundation have teamed up with Hot Pilates Fermoy, in a bid to fundraise for the Fermoy branch of the charity while also celebrating the businesses 1 year anniversary.
Taking place on Sunday, January 11, a range of classes will take place at Hot Pilates Fermoy located at Faber Castell business park in the town, with all proceeds raised going towards the local charity.
Speaking with The Avondhu, Sharlene Daly, owner of Hot Pilates Fermoy, explained that last year, they raised over €1,400 of Marymount Hospice, and aim to raise even more this time around for Cork Mental Health Foundation.
Ms Daly said the fundraiser is a ‘win-win situation’ for both those interested in Hot Pilates and seeking to support a good, local cause.
“We do hot pilates classes, hot Zumba, hot bar fusion. This will also give people an idea if they’re interested in these classes, but we will also be fundraising for something important while opening the doors for people interested in pilates as well, it’s a win win situation,” Ms Daly said.
Cork Mental health Foundation are extremely active in Fermoy with both The Fermoy Hub and our Fermoy Committee working throughout the year.
The Hub aims to support adults in caring for their mental health through hosting social evenings, self-care and wellbeing programs, and Peer Support Group Meetings.
Brendan McCarthy, CEO of Cork Mental Health Foundation explained that The Hub also supports other activities which includes looking after your wellbeing, including mindfulness and meditation.
“Through our Fermoy committee we have been funding low-cost counselling in the Fermoy area. In the last year we have supported 25 clients in obtaining 141 sessions. This has been down to the great work of the counsellors involved and the support of our Fermoy Committee. This has made a huge difference to the lives of the clients involved and the feedback we have received has been very positive from all involved.
“Through the above initiatives we also endeavour to assist anyone experiencing a Mental health difficult in any way we can through our assistance programme which would include funding towards further education and home repairs,” Mr McCarthy said.
As well as improving health and fitness, Sharlene Daly explained that Hot Pilates has a myriad of benefits for mental health and wellbeing, with the infrared heat and humidified environment playing an important role in this.
“My clients always say they’re in such a good mood after, it really helps with mental health. In Ireland, it’s often so cold and miserable, the weather alone can affect your mentality. This is an experience to come in, try it out, and see the benefits that hot pilates can have,” she said.
Ms Daly also spoke testament to the work of Cork Mental Health Foundation, a charity that is close to her heart, and the importance of their impact on Fermoy and surrounds.
“I hope this fundraiser create awareness around mental health and wellness as well. You don’t realise how many people use these services. I have family members and friends using these services, and there’s so many more.
“When I was talking to a friend, who is a counsellor, he was saying the cost of living is extortionate and that the cost of counselling sessions does deter people. People are finding it hard as it is, financially. By donating and putting money back towards these services, it does help bring down the cost for people that do need it,” she said.
Anyone considering donating to a charitable cause this year are asked to consider donating locally, and supporting local worthy causes.
According to Cork Mental Health Foundation, every penny raised in Fermoy will, in turn, be spent in Fermoy.
To support Cork Mental Health Foundation, visit https://corkmentalhealth.com/donate-fundraise/
Anyone interested in taking part in the Hot Pilates Fermoy fundraiser for Fermoy Mental Health Services is asked to book in online or contact Sharlene at (085) 259 1087.
