Health & Well-Being programme

Description

This Health and Well-Being project started in 2011 as a pilot project and has proven to be extremely successful. The group comes together on a Thursday afternoon from 2-4pm. For some of the women who suffer from social isolation, loneliness, lack of local transport this is their only opportunity to socially interact with like-minded people while gaining advice and support.
The Tai Chi exercise helps to calm their mind while increasing their energy, mobility and general overall physical and mental wellbeing.  
Some firm friendships have developed from within this group and some of the ladies meet individually and go for lunch, to the theatre and other activities together. For some of the women this has proved to be a lifeline both socially and personally.

Aim of Initiative

The main aim of this project is to eradicate Loneliness and Isolation while encouraging the women to recognise the value of coming together on a regular basis.

Who is it aimed at

Our target group is women who live alone or who are feeling isolated. This may be their only opportunity to interact or socially engage with like minded people, while gaining advice, exercise to help calm their mind while increasing their energy level.

3 Steps critical to success

1. We continuously advertise our Health and Wellbeing Class to make sure people are aware that this class is available to all. We advertise in the local newspaper, parish bulleting, Facebook and posters in the local area.
2. Creating welcoming environment and raising awareness.

   Promoting and supporting Holistic development of women and their families so that they may develop their own potential and play an active role in their communities.

3. To identify women suffering from loneliness and isolation and making them feel part of the group.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Castleblayney being a rural town and suffers from a lack of transport. This can be very challenging for women who do not drive or own a car.
2. One of the main challenges would be a trust issue but once the women come they realise it’s a safe environment and a warm welcome awaits them.
3. Isolation is a common thread in rural Ireland but with the support of Blayney Blades we are working on eradicating this issue.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The Health and Wellbeing class offers the women a safe space while enjoying the activities that are available to them. This also gives them the opportunity to socially interact with like-minded people while gaining advice and support.
2. The Health & Wellbeing exercises enables them to focus on their general overall physical and mental wellbeing. This helps to calm their mind while increasing their energy, mobility and wellbeing.
3. By attending the Thursday afternoon group this encourages and enables the women to attend other activities. This empowers the women to be more active and participate more in their local community.