The Balbriggan Great Places and Spaces Map was the winner of the best mental health initiative at the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) awards.
The initiative was driven by Thrive Balbriggan which describes itself as a community-led project “to create a happy and healthy place to live by conducting projects and events aiming at improving mental health and wellbeing”. It has been up and running since 2021.
Gráinne O Neill, integration support co-ordinator with Carlow County Council, has highlighted the importance of food in bringing people together. Local authorities and community organisations around the country regularly host events to promote integration and she pointed to the success of Tullow’s Multi-Cultural Supper Club – held recently for new arrivals into the county.
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There is a racehorse in New Zealand called Fettercairn, which also happens to be the name of an estate in West Tallaght in Dublin. It seems like an odd coincidence, until you realise that the mare’s trainer is Samantha Wynne, a native of Fettercairn whose equestrian skills were fostered as a teenage member of Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (FYHP).
“It’s kind of a little family within the community. The staff here are all local, everybody knows everybody, so it’s really community-based,” said manager Colette Needham.
Thirty years ago, the project got off the ground after strong campaigning and fundraising by local residents, community workers and elected representatives.
A pilot programme held in Birr, Co Offaly last year developed innovative ways of encouraging young people to get outdoors, on what became a journey of self-discovery. The good news is, FLOW is back with a new course about to begin this November.
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Poverty, in particular child poverty, was a recurring theme this year in the various budget submissions compiled by community and voluntary organisations.
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