New initiative to improve health and wellbeing in Athlone estates

A plan to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents in specific areas of Athlone and Mullingar was launched in Athlone earlier this month.

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Westmeath involves a partnership approach to providing services to build lasting improvements in areas where health and wellbeing risk factors are particularly concentrated.

Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan visited St Kieran’s Community Centre, Tormey Villas, Athlone, recently to launch the Westmeath plan, which focusses on the RAPID areas of Willow Park, Ashdale Woodland Grove, Sarsfield Square, Blackberry Lane and Battery Heights in Athlone and Grange, Dalton Park, Ennell, Raithin and Michael's Park in Mullingar.

At the launch, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Aengus O’Rourke welcoming the Minister to the area stated: “This community centre was built from the hard work and vision of local people living and working in this area, who recognised the need for better services and supports for people living in and around Athlone. We are proud that the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Westmeath launch is being held here – a community event in this community setting.’’

Minister Feighan described Sláintecare Healthy Communities as a collective programme where agencies and organisations all work together to ensure that communities in greatest need are supported to live longer healthier lives.

“To make real and lasting change we need to work together to create communities where people can thrive. Our local community partners know better than anyone else what challenges this community faces and the strengths within it. They have the relationships and trust of the community and will be a key to the success of this programme as they are already embedded into your community,” he said, before proceeding to thank all the communities themselves, and in particular the Residents Associations, Community Groups and Volunteers in each of the Westmeath RAPID area

The Head of Service Health & Wellbeing, HSE Community Health Organisation Midlands Louth Meath Mairead Lyons, said: “By adopting an inter-agency approach, Sláintecare Healthy Communities takes a rounded, inclusive and all-encompassing view of promoting health and wellbeing in the community.”

Ms Lyons also discussed the variety of programmes that are available in Westmeath as part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme.

The HSE funded projects include Healthy Food Made Easy, delivered by Athlone Family Resource Centre, ‘We Can Quit’ smoking cessation programme, delivered in the community by Youth Work Ireland Midlands. Triple P Parenting Programme (Junior), delivered by Barnardos Family Support Project. Social Prescribing, delivered by Athlone Family Resource Centre.

The plans include a community hub in Ashdale/Woodlands Grove in Athlone as well as a dry room and toilet facility for Melville United FC in Sarsfield Square, Athlone – a warm, dry space for those using the sports facilities.

An outdoor gym, landscaping and community Enhancement project is earmarked for Willow Park, Athlone, while a project to support residents and the participants on the local TUS Scheme is planned for Battery Heights.

Initiatives by the Coosan Men’s Shed Project, Athlone, Athlone and a Garda RAPID Community Bus in Athlone are also to be funded.

For more see the Healthy Communities section of Westmeathcoco.ie or email healthycommunities@westmeathcoco.ie