'One Million Stars to End Violence' project on display in Raharney
The active Ashcroft Park Village Close Residents Association in Raharney are working on the ‘One Million Stars to End Violence’ project and have a display in the window of Weirs shop.
Ann Mulvaney, chairperson of the group, told the Westmeath Examiner that when she came across the project, she thought it would make a good one to get their members together again for the first time in months.
She made contact with Mullingar Mental Health Association (MHA), who provided information and materials to make the stars, and members of the group met and got to work.
“It was great to be able to meet in the community hall, so we put them together and we came up with what he have on display here,” said Ann.
Ann was talking about the display in Weirs shop window, which shows two hurls and a sliotar; the word ‘love’ spelled out in stars; and a ‘Tree of Life’.
Finola Colgan, development officer with Mental Health Ireland, Midlands, Meath and Louth, and who works closely with Mullingar MHA, said they have become involved with the project because it addresses the issue of domestic abuse.
“The project in Ireland is One Million Stars, and the Amber Refuge Centre in Kilkenny is the national lead. They’re reaching out to all the counties to build up to that one million stars, to heighten awareness around abuse and violence, and join in with a one billion stars project in Australia. So it’s a worldwide project.”
Asked if someone is keeping a tally of the stars, Finola said yes, and the Raharney exhibition contains 106!
“Every star represents hope, light, and solidarity for those experiencing violence – it’s about awareness and reaching out to people to say ‘don’t go it alone if you’re in a difficult situation'.
"It’s important that communities like Raharney get involved, for them to be able to link in with Mullingar MHA – it’s a network - chain reactions.”
Other groups, such as ICA guilds, across Westmeath are also working on the project, and Mullingar MHA have given out enough ribbon to make 3,000 stars.
If you or your group would like to participate, email mullingarmha@mentalhealthireland.ie, where the contact is Julia Smith.
Julia said they will send out starter packs, which contain the making of five stars, and if groups want more, they will get more.
In the future, and depending on public health restrictions, there is a plan to bring all the Westmeath groups making stars together for an exhibition.
In the meantime, what’s important is local displays and creating awareness locally and prompting people to ask questions, said Finola.
Link to a variety of free resources: https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/resources/
Star weaving packs are available for collection from Mullingar Library - https://www.facebook.com/LWCYPSC/posts/390250325946555