In February 2024, the Creative Ireland Programme invited applications from Local Authorities for grant funding for projects supporting Health and Wellbeing through Creativity across 2024 and 2025. The call encouraged collaboration with neighbouring Local Authorities. 15 Creative Health and Wellbeing in the Community projects were successful. These include four all-island projects supported as part of the Shared Island Initiative, which will see Local Authorities work with partners in Northern Ireland. Over the coming weeks we will share a series of blogs from Creative Ireland, giving details of these exciting and important projects as they get underway.
Blog #4
‘Dear Future Me’ – Promoting Positive Mental Health Through Creative Expression On Our Shared Island – Louth County Council
This cross-border initiative is designed for young people aged 10-18 in Louth and Newry, Mourne, and Down who are facing loneliness, isolation, and poor mental health. There are several elements to this creative programme which will focus on connecting, activity, awareness, learning and sharing.
Picnic in the Park events in alternating locations will provide opportunities to connect and build relationships, fostering community through crafts and activities which embrace a Shared Island theme.
Top of the World Hiking will foster camaraderie and a shared sense of adventure by integrating physical activity with cultural exploration, delving into the folklore of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains where the excursions will take place, and celebrating our shared heritage.
Shared Serenity art therapy and meditation sessions will aim to promote self-awareness and emotional wellbeing through creative activities and reflection on commonalities across the shared landscape. They will offer a safe space to explore mindfulness practices, which can alleviate stress and promote emotional wellbeing.
Cross-Cultural Visions will inspire creativity through videography, performing arts and Eating for Wellness workshops, nurturing talents that transcend borders.
Opportunities will be provided to explore different artistic and cultural perspectives, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.
The initiative will culminate with the ‘Dear Future Me’ Festival in 2025, where achievements will be showcased through community gatherings, performances and exhibitions, reinforcing a sense of pride and celebration.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Healthy Louth Sub-Committee, the Louth Culture Team, Dundalk Youth Centre (DYC), Magnet Centre Newry and the HSE Health Promotion & Improvement Team. By working closely together, they plan to use their respective expertise and resources to effectively address the needs of young people in the region and promote their holistic wellbeing.
The facilitation of opportunities for hands-on learning and skill-building contributing to personal growth and self-expression is at the heart of the initiative.
The expected outcomes of the project include an increased sense of community and belonging, improved mental health and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation for the participating young people, enhanced cultural understanding and appreciation, development of creative skills and talents, and strengthened community cohesion and pride.
