Libraries NI Joins Action Mental Health's Great Purple Picnic

Great Purple Picnics
Published 09 May 2024

Let's Move Together, the Great Big Purple Picnic with Libraries NI and Action Mental HealthTo mark Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from 13 – 19 May, local libraries will be hosting gatherings to celebrate this important occasion.

Starting on Monday 13 May, various libraries throughout Northern Ireland will be opening their doors to the local community. We invite you to bring your own picnic and join us for a wonderful opportunity to meet other people from the local area, engage in conversations, and perhaps even share stories while enjoying a picnic lunch or a warm cup of tea.

Bernie McCann, Libraries NI Area Manager said;

"We are very pleased to be taking part in this year’s Action Mental Health’s Great Purple Picnic events in library branches across Northern Ireland.

"Libraries are at the centre of local communities and offer many free opportunities and events aimed at helping support peoples mental health and wellbeing. We encourage everyone to attend these events and be part of this important initiative.”

EVENTS TIMETABLE:

Date & Time Library Event Details
13 May, 10:30am-12noon Banbridge Go Purple Picnic - come along for a cup of tea and a bun, meet other people, have a chat, reminisce over old newspapers and sample relaxing activities like jigsaws or mindful colouring. Wear purple and support Action Mental Health if you wish.
13 May, 11:15am-11:45am Rathcoole Go Purple Teddy Bears Picnic - come along and bring your favourite teddy along for a Teddy Bears Picnic to celebrate the Go Purple Picnic this week.
13 May, 11:30am-1:00pm Magherafelt Big Purple Picnic - with Knit and Natter group
13 May, 2:00pm-3:30pm Irvinestown Great Big Purple Picnic
14 May, 10:30am-11:30am Ballymena Central Quiz for adults.
14 May, 10:30am-12noon Rathcoole Great Big Purple Picnic - bring your own picnic and enjoy it together in the Rathcoole Library.  Stay for a while and enjoy a fun quiz with a cuppa.
15 May , 11:00am-12noon Larne A general picnic - for adults.
15 May Carryduff Big Purple Picnic - please contact the library for more details.
15 May Dundonald Big Purple Picnic - please contact the library for more details.
15 May, 2:00pm-4:00pm Cookstown Big Purple Picnic - with Knit and Natter group.
16 May, 9:15am-1:00pm Lisburn Road Big Purple Picnic.
16 May, 10:00am-12:30pm Carrickfergus A general picnic - for adults and Children.
16 May Antrim Big Purple Picnic - bring your own lunch and enjoy a picnic at the Antrim Library.  Stay a while and enjoy the atmosphere to mark Go Purple week for Action Mental Health. Please contact the library for more details.
16 May,
10:30am-11:30am 		 Greystone  Great Big Purple Picnic - grab some nibbles and come along to Greystone library for a mini picnic with board games.
16 May, 11:00am-12:30pm  Fintona  Great Big Purple Picnic.
16 May, 12:30pm-1:30pm Belfast Central Great Purple Picnic - Belfast Central Library will he hosting a great Purple Picnic on Thursday 16 May 12:30pm- 1:30pm in our Music Library
‘Bring along a packed lunch and take a seat at our long table. Enjoy free tea and coffee, live music and write a positive message on our tablecloth!’
16 May, 3:30pm-4:30pm  Newtownards  Big Purple Teddy Bears Picnic.
17 May, 9:00am-12 noon
 		 Whiterock Big Purple Picnic.
17 May, 10:30am Dungannon Big Purple Picnic - with Rhythm and Rhyme Group.
17 May,
11:00am-12:30pm		 Ballymena Central Children’s Teddy Bear Picnic.

17 May, 11:30am-1:30pm

 Lisburn City Big Purple Picnic.
17 May
12 noon		 Ormeau Road We are supporting Action Mental Health by taking part in the Great Big Purple Picnic. There’ll be some drinks and snacks – come, meet up, have a chat. You can even bring a picnic to share! Everyone welcome.
17 May, 12:30pm-1:30pm  Glengormley  Go Purple Picnic - why not grab your packed lunch and come along to Glengormley Library for some games and fun to mark Go Purple Week. 
17 May, 3:00pm-4:00pm   Crumlin Go Purple Picnic - come along to Crumlin Library and enjoy a cuppa or bring along a picnic to celebrate the Great Purple Picnic this week.
18 May Cloughfern  Go Purple Picnic - come along to Cloughfern Library and bring along a picnic to celebrate the Great Purple Picnic this week.
Date/time to be confirmed Randalstown  Go Purple Walk - please contact the library for more information.