Book by Kildare author aspires to comfort those with intellectual disabilities and anxiety

A book focusing on themes such as anxiety was launched in Newbridge over the weekend.

'Róisín’s Journey' by author Trish B Kennedy was launched at Farrell & Nephew bookstore on Saturday, February 18 last.

Trish sat down with the Leinster Leader to tell us a bit about herself, the story and inspiration behind her new book, and what she hopes to achieve with it.

The Newbridge native, who is the daughter of retired Independent politician Paddy Kennedy, has said that she has been a fan of creative writing for as long as she can remember.

"I have so much poetry and quotes done, that I have a page on Facebook and post them up every now and then.

"I have always had a passion for helping people, so after my Leaving Cert, I decided to go on and study child psychology and child development, and managed a play-school called Tiddley Winks for over six years, but unfortunately I got sick and had to cease my business."

Mother-of-three Trish went on to explain that she also later qualified as a Reiki practitioner and teacher, as well as a support worker.

"I have worked with adults with intellectual disability as a tutor and a support worker. I also taught the service users Mindfulness on a weekly basis.

Trish B Kennedy at Farrell & Nephew bookstore with her youngest daughter, Ella.

"This was my passion to help adults and children in any way. I know how wellbeing is very important to me regards everyone and I Try to practice good intentions in any way I can."

Commenting on her new book, she said: "Róisín’s Journey is about a young girl who feels alone at times," Trish explained: "She suffers with anxiety and social anxiety. She doesn’t know how to make friends and wishes she was more like her brother, who has many.

"She goes to her room a lot and reads and looks out her window day dreaming. She finds it difficult to express herself and can get upset and frustrated."

Trish continued: "She is visited by a special friend called Annabel, who brings her on a magical journey. She helps Róisín cope with her anxiety, loneliness and sadness."

When asked what she hopes to achieve with her new book, Trish said: "I wanted to help the reader identify with Róisín's character and I hope that they would see that it is okay to feel how you feel and that being different is unique.

"I also wanted to help anyone who may have sensory issues, social anxiety; I have a simple breathing exercise that the reader can do at anytime they would like and I also have colouring sections in the book too.

"I felt it was important that the reader could feel at home reading Róisín’s Journey and hopefully that in itself would help them in some small way."

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WRITING PROCESS

Speaking about the writing process of the book, Trish said: "I enjoyed writing Róisíns Journey, but at times, I found myself getting other ideas for another storyline, so I had to try separate them both, but while I write I truly go into another world."

On being a self-published author, she said that it was a 'hard' process: "When I say it’s hard , I mean it’s hard to put yourself out there in the public eye, especially when you have a passion to write and it feels like it’s what you are meant to do.

"You worry if people will attend your launches, if you’ve done enough marketing and it’s really at times you versus the world... You have to decide that you are going to give it a try, and take the chance."

When asked if she has anyone who inspires her, Trish had this to say: "As I’ve worked with both children and adults in many areas, I truly look up to them all.

"I have been working with a young man since he was four-years -old: he went to my playschool, he was assessed for primary school."

"He would on occasion come to me for Reiki and mindfulness techniques and he ended up in same placement I worked at in KARE as an adult service user."

She elaborated: "That to me gives me great honour and privilege, as I feel he was meant to be in my life and I his as I feel its like we did full circle.

"He is a very gifted young man, and also an amazingly talented singer."

CHANGES

Trish also said that she wishes to see change in the way the government handles matters of mental health.

She said: "I think the government could help more in mental health section especially regards children and young adults.

"I have a great passion towards children who need more help and awareness in wellbeing help.

"I also feel that everywhere, especially in workplaces and schools, need more well being days and support for staff and pupils. I also feel more investment in young adults is much needed nowadays."

She added: "I know that if I won the lotto tomorrow, after I looked after my kids and extended family, I would invest in a well-being centre for children and young adults. That would be my dream."

Trish concluded by saying that she will be visiting schools and libraries in the coming weeks in order to promote her new book.

'Róisín’s Journey' is available for purchase in book shops located in Newbridge, Kildare, Naas and Kilcullen.