Bray & North Wicklow Area Partnership’s Social Prescribing service delivered a 5-week evening programme Thrive Through Menopause, in September and October 2025 in Bray, providing expert information in the areas of medical options, bone health, nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle options.
Twenty women attended each week and had the opportunity to ask workshop facilitators questions and chat over tea/coffee during and after each workshop. All participants received a Sláintecare Healthy Communities bag, which included a step counter and booklets relating to women’s health and wellbeing. Participants were also signposted to other Sláintecare Healthy Communities programmes like Healthy Food Made Easy and a wide range of community resources.
The programme received very positive feedback.
“I’m doing more exercise (walking and yoga) and also plan to start doing some strength training. Will be more mindful about healthy food choices”.
“Helped me focus on my diet & exercise by addressing my sleep issues. It’s provided a focus and after discussion about sleep, I visited by GP who is referring me for possible sleep apnoea”.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to talk to other women about this, as I work in a very male environment”.
Bray and North Wicklow Area Partnership also celebrated their 30-Year Anniversary with the unveiling of a mural titled “Movement – The Communal Breath” created by their Stop Smoking Peer Support Group. The group, which was enabled by the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme followed on from completion of a We Can Quit group and provides ongoing peer support while linking participants with wider community supports. Participant and local artist Kelly Hood helped guide the mural through an exploration of words, themes and imagery that express the shared journey of giving up smoking.
