19/02/2024
The Western Trust in partnership with Department for Communities held a successful Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds Event last week at St Michael’s Hall, Enniskillen.
Mairead Taggart, Health Coordinator Neighbourhood Renewal Health Improvement Equality & Involvement at the Western Trust said:
“This event helps to promote positive mental and physical health and well-being, through engaging with older people in the local area. We were delighted to welcome over 50 people in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas of Enniskillen to this relaxed, engagement event with a number of voluntary and community groups in attendance including Cancer Focus, Enniskillen Be-Friending Hub and Make the Call.
“The afternoon started with some light refreshments followed by a Health Information talk from Cancer Focus offering low level health checks with an opportunity for participants to return to Devenish Partnership Forum on the 22nd February for a more in depth Health Check.
“There was an opportunity for those attending to speak to staff from the Be-Friending Hub and from Make the Call to get information and advice on these services.
“Participants also enjoyed music and dance activities aimed at keeping our hearts young, healthy and happy!
“Using a multi-agency approach allows our older people to gain knowledge to help deal with situations and promote positive Mental & Physical Health & Well-being in a safe familiar environment. Participants will be more informed on how to look after their physical and mental health and wellbeing and will have an increased knowledge of negative factors that can lead to a decline in physical and mental health and wellbeing. This will allow for unified approach towards future planning in relation to the concerns and issues within the local community.”
Participant Brendan Farry a member of Devenish Partnership Forum said:
“This is a brilliant social wellbeing event with everyone getting the opportunity to come together from Neighbourhood Renewal areas of Enniskillen to connect with each, make new friendships and have a dance and chat in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This is so important for people’s mental health and is what a community is all about! The collaborative nature of this initiative has been great and I congratulate everyone involved in this very successful event.”