The Laois Connects 2024 Health & Wellbeing Programme, led by Laois County Council will take place from the 7th October to the 13th of October 2024. Events are happening throughout the county and there should be something for everyone in the schedule of events.
The Laois Connects 2024 Programme is a collaboration between Laois County Council, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois PPN, HSE, Mental Health Ireland, Portlaoise Youth and Family Resource Centre, Mountmellick Community School, LOETB, Healthy Laois, Laois Libraries, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois Volunteer Centre and Youthwork Laois.
The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Padraig Fleming had the following message for the people of Laois;
“ The Laois Connects initiative is an important wellbeing initiative and this year’s focus on “Connecting ” is something we should all make an effort to do in order to connect with what improves your health and happiness. I encourage all ages to attend events during the programme and to prioritise your mental health and wellness now and in the future”.
Ms. Josephine Rigney, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with the HSE and a member of the Laois Connects Organisation Committee offers these words of advice and encouragement;
“Every one of us are faced with the challenges of life, no matter what age or at what point we are in life. Having a good and positive sense of emotional wellness enables us to navigate such challenges. Taking the time to promote and enhance our wellness and wellbeing is therefore time well spent. Laois Connects reminds us that there are small and achievable things that we can do to ‘connect’ with our emotional and mental health, whether this is keeping active, looking after our physical health, staying in touch with others, having a chat if we need to talk about something, or just doing something that we enjoy and get meaning from. Keeping ourselves mentally and physically well on an ongoing basis is a gift that we can give to ourselves and one that will enable us to cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. It is important also to be aware that sometimes we may need some support from others, and we don’t have to do it all on our own. Reach out to your support system – family, friends, or someone you can trust. Connect in with the various supports and services that are available – they are there for you and anyone who may need some help and support. Check out www.connectingforlifemidlands.ie or www.yourmentalhealth.ie or Freephone: 1800 111 888 for a list of local and national services. “
Finola Colgan Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland Midlands Louth and Meath said;
“Given the current societal changes, addressing mental health issues is more timely than ever. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” This year, Laois Connects is focusing on the theme of Connecting. Incorporating regular team-building activities, open communication, and social events can help strengthen workplace connections and create a more supportive workplace culture.
Laois Connects offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about mental health . Throughout the week Laois Connects will place an emphasis on activities that can support and enhance our mental well-being. Connecting with others outside of work and our homes plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental health, as strong social connections can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging.”
Among the events planned are willow weaving workshop to connect with craft being offered by Laois County Council’s Sport and Leisure Department. These classes will be delivered at various locations throughout the county. Check on www.laois.ie for further details.
Laois Sports Partnership are delivering a range of activities and programmes, both for the week of Laois Connects and beyond, these include Chair Yoga and Pilates programmes, sequence dance with Maureen Culleton, Jive classes, fun days for all abilities, aqua aerobics and the ever popular Vicarstown park run. These activities will connect you with fitness and most importantly with others as you get to dance, play and exercise with others. Watch both Laois Sports Partnership and our socials for updates.
We encourage everyone to get out walking & running in the fresh air and we have listings of walks in Laois to get you out to stretch the legs.
The Dunamaise Arts Centre will connect you with the arts as they have a free movie screening for students on the 8th October. Bressie also comes to the Dunamaise on the 8th with his live podcast “ Where is my mind?”
Among the other events taking place for Laois Connects week are a wellness walk in Emo Court on World Mental Health day, the 10th October, a performance by the amazing Sing for Joy choir in St Mary’s Hall on the 9th October and a mindfulness workshop in Portlaoise Family Resource Centre on Friday the 11th October.
Further details regarding dates, times, locations of all events will be issued soon.
You are welcome to visit our website www.laois.ie or follow us on social media for updates……….
Check on laois.ie or on our social channels for further details.
To see where our events are in your area click
Further info
https://laois.ie/departments/community/laois-connects/
https://laois.ie/departments/libraries/whats-on/
https://laois.ie/departments/libraries/whats-on/
Mental Health Ireland- Five Ways to Wellbeing Webinar: we will be offering a free online Five Ways to Wellbeing Webinar every day in October.. People are welcome to register for the webinars here
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/connect-to-five-ways-to-wellbeing-webinar-tickets-1005085125667