Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan TD, recently launched a new €13m Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to support increased health and wellbeing services to 19 communities in Ireland. This is a new cross-Government initiative to deliver increased supports targeting health inequalities. The programme will be delivered in partnership with the HSE, local authorities, local communities, statutory, voluntary and community groups. HSE Health and Wellbeing will be involved in leading and delivering on this initiative at both a local and national level.
Helen Deely, Interim, Assistant National Director, Health and Wellbeing said;
“We are really pleased to see our partnership working and health and wellbeing programmes reach into the communities where they are most needed. We can help build the overall wellbeing of these communities through the increased delivery of supports to quit smoking, improve healthy eating and improve mental wellbeing and reduce isolation. For example the increased rollout of parenting programmes with Tusla under Sláintecare Healthy Communities is one of the most fundamental and positive things we can do to support parents and children’s health and wellbeing.”
The launch took place recently in the Darndale Bell Centre. Speaking at the launch Minister Donnelly said;
“I am delighted to officially launch Healthy Communities. The goal of the Healthy Communities Programme is to improve the long-term health and wellbeing of the people living in these communities. These initiatives will be delivered in partnership with a number of groups working together to provide a range of dedicated services to build lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.”
Part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme includes funding new posts including staff working at community level to engage, support and coordinate these activities in an effective manner. For more information click here.