A number of launches took place across different areas as part of the continued roll out of Sláintecare Healthy Communities (SHC). During October, four launches took place in Tallaght, Athy, Waterford and Mayo. This was followed by another four during November in Limerick, Donegal (Inishowen), Donegal (Gaeltacht) and Clonmel. Finally, during December there were six launches in Ballymun, Wexford, Cork, Longford, Clondalkin and Athlone. The remaining four (Cavan, Cherry Orchard, Finglas/Cabra and Kilmore/Priorswood) will take place in early 2023. The voice of the service user was often used at the local launch events through pre-recorded video to explain the various components of Sláintecare Healthy Communities, here are some examples:
- Athy testimonials on smoking service, youth work and parenting programme: https://youtu.be/LRs3cHuCbSs
- Tallaght Stop Smoking Service https://youtu.be/vwZbzpm3qEE
- Limerick women’s group experience of Healthy Food Made Easy: https://youtu.be/1NhSNjuXN0Y
Each of the launches gave each area a chance to showcase the wonderful work being done in the various communities and demonstrated the true spirit of partnership, between the HSE, local councils, community partners and local community representatives.
In particular, each event rightly brought to the fore, the key community partners who are delivering local services across each of the communities and the important work they do. There are over 40 community partners delivering services as part of Sláintecare Healthy Communities each are all vital to the success of SHC. These are often Local Partnership Companies, Family Resource Centres and agencies such as Barnardos, which deserve huge credit for their ongoing effective reach into the communities.
All SHC programmes (We Can Quit, Social Prescribing, Parenting programmes and Healthy Food Made Easy) are up and running and accepting referrals/participants in each of the 19 areas. For further information about SHC, please visit: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/slaintecare-healthy-communities//
Sláintecare, Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, working with the HSE and local authorities and community agencies, launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 community areas across Ireland.
