Laois Connects 2024 kicks off for a week of mental health activities

Just in time as the cold dark evenings return, Laois people are getting a welcome free boost to their mental health this week, with the 2024 Laois Connects week.

A seven day Laois Connects 2024 Health & Wellbeing Programme, led by Laois County Council will start on Monday morning, October 7 with ballroom dancing in Portlaoise Parish Centre at 11am, and run right through to Sunday, October 13 ending with a 14km leisure cycle from Clough village at 1pm.

In between you can find willow weaving workshops in libraries, Bressie at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Tuesday with his live
podcast “ Where is my mind?”, a wellness walk in Emo Court on World Mental Health day, Thursday, October 10, a performance by the amazing Sing for Joy choir in St Mary’s Hall Portlaoise on Wednesday and a mindfulness workshop in Portlaoise Family Resource Centre on Friday October 11.

There are 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.  Most events need to be booked in advance. 

There is a handy map this year so users can click on their area and see what's planned. 

The council also has an online brochure with every event. 

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”.

Josephine Rigney is Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with the HSE and a member of the Laois Connects committee.

“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 is the Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland Midlands Louth and Meath.

“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.”