Our Vision Our Voice exhibition launches in time for World Mental Health Day 2025

The launch of this year’s Our Vision Our Voice Exhibition by Mullingar Mental Health Association yesterday evening was timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day 2025, today, Friday October 10.

Cllr Aoife Davitt, cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, performed the official launch in the Atrium gallery, where she paid tribute to the artistic and other endeavours of Claire Garry, an independent art tutor whose guiding hand is clear in the project.

Explaining the background to Our Vision Our Voice 2025, Cllr Davitt said: “In collaboration with the HSE Westmeath Mental Health Services and the Mullingar Mental Health Association, Claire has created a safe and supportive space where participants can explore their mental health journeys through art.

“From May to October, people gathered, shared their stories, and found new strength, and tonight, we have the privilege of seeing that work come to life under the beautiful theme of ‘Stronger Together’. Through this project, Claire is not just creating art – she is creating community. She is helping people to express what words sometimes cannot, breaking down barriers, and changing how mental health is perceived in our society and I think you all will agree how fantastic the art here tonight is.”

Cllr Davitt also took a moment to acknowledge Claire’s parents, who were both nurses in St Loman’s: “I am sure they heavily influenced her career path, and though not here with us this evening, I am sure your Mam played a huge part in shaping the person you are today, Claire.

“Claire, your art, your leadership and your compassion continue to enrich our town. You remind us that inclusion is not just a policy – it’s a practice, lived daily through creativity, kindness and connection. So, on behalf of everyone here – congratulations, on this extraordinary exhibition and on all that you do for Mullingar and beyond. We are proud of you.

“It is now my great honour to declare this exhibition officially open and to wish you the very best.”

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Claire said that ‘Stronger Together’ – the theme for this year’s Our Vision Our Voice exhibition – was inspired by a photo her father, Chris Garry, took of a murmuration at Lough Ennell. “We looked at the idea that as one person, or one starling, you’re strong, but as 5,000 all working together, you’re much stronger, so ‘Stronger Together’ is the theme.”

Claire worked with the community mental health teams in Mullingar, Athlone and Longford, the Psychiatry of Later Life team, the Admission Unit and St Edna’s Unit (at St Loman’s Hospital), Cluain Lir and CAMS. “We all looked at ways that our mental health can be improved by acknowledging certain things, so for me it would be walking the dogs – that kind of gets me going in the morning – and I asked the participants to figure out something that makes them smile – just those little things you do daily that help you to build up strength against mental illness or breakdown or relapse.”

The works produced and on display depict a range of subjects, from the dog walking Claire mentioned to beaches and other peaceful nature scenes.

Julia Smyth, treasurer with Mullingar Mental Health Association, said the exhibition was timed for World Mental Health Day, and that it is supported by the Westmeath Arts Office and Creative Ireland.

Julia said Our Vision Our Voice is just one of many projects Mullingar Mental Health Association leads, and others include a walking group and a drumming group is due to start soon.

The exhibition at the Atrium continues till next Friday, October 17.