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More than 140 residents attended a community wellbeing event designed to help tackle isolation and loneliness and promote positive mental health during the winter at Cloughreagh Community Centre last month.
Gallagher (second left) from Southern Age Well Network and some of the ladies who
attended the Laugh Your Blues Away event at Cloughreagh Community Centre.
The Laugh Your Blues Away event held on 19 January, regarded as 'Blue Monday' was organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Newry, Slieve Gullion and Crotlieve District Electoral Areas (DEAs). The event included afternoon tea, live comedy, music and singing, a mocktail bar, photo booth, activities and presentation of goody bags, all designed to create a relaxed and welcoming environment that encouraged conversation and social connection.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, welcomed residents to the event and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for people to connect within their communities. He said: "Our Community Plan recognises the importance of helping people feel included, connected and supported. Events like this play a vital role in building strong, respectful and vibrant communities where people can enjoy good health and wellbeing."
Cloughreagh Community Centre. Included are Margaret, Christine, Marilyn, Deirdre
and Mary.
Cllr Campbell said while Blue Monday is often associated with lower mood, the community centre event served as a wider reminder of the importance of mental health all year round. He said: "Tackling isolation and loneliness has never been more important. People across our district have told us that feeling connected and valued in their communities is what matters most to them."
The Chairperson acknowledged the work of Council officers and partners in delivering the event. Cllr Campbell added: "Our DEA Coordinators work closely with residents, community groups and partners to design programmes that reflect local need. Today's event is a strong example of how partnership working can bring people together in meaningful ways."
representatives from local agencies and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Chairperson Philip Campbell. Included are (from left) Aidan McCabe
(Promoting Wellbeing), Padraig Harte (Newry DEA), Aoife McComiskey
(Slieve Gullion DEA), Shirley Keenan (Crotlieve DEA), Alan Beggs
(Head of Evidence and Research, Community Planning Performance) and Slieve
Gullion Councillor David Taylor.
Several organisations manned information stalls providing residents with access to advice and support services. Stallholders included Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Health Inequalities Team, Southern Age Well, Southern Health and Social Care Trust Promoting Wellbeing Team, Start 360 and Volunteer Now.
The event was funded and supported by the Tackling Loneliness and Isolation Together (TILT) initiative, helping to ensure the afternoon was free, inclusive and accessible to all who attended. TILT is an initiative of the Newry, Mourne and Down Community Planning Partnership and brings together a range of statutory agencies from across the district, alongside the community and voluntary sector, to tackle the issue of loneliness and social isolation.
Residents who would like to find out more about the role of District Electoral Areas (DEAs), upcoming events and local programmes can visit www.newrymournedown.org
Inequalities Officer with Alice Keenan at the Laugh Your Blues Away event at
Cloughreagh Community Centre.
