Fun runs, horse-tracks and the power of young people

By Maurice Garvey

YOUTHS who spearheaded a drive for a dedicated horse-track in Cherry Orchard, organised a fun run in an effort to raise funds for charity and for the initiative they established.

Young people from the Horsepower project in Familibase centre, came up with the idea for the fun run, which took place during the annual D10 Be Well Week on October 10-14.

Family Matters ABC in Ballyfermot-Chapelizod Partnership, received funding through the community Foundation of Ireland to host the week.

All groups are worked in partnership with D10 Be Well in providing a range of activities to support mental health in the community.

A directory of online mental health supports for young people was launched in the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre las Monday.

Ciara Beatley, from Kylemore College, and a member of the Youth Advisory Panel, said mental health is “vital to our day-to-day living.”

This was echoed by Bernie Laverty, Family Matters ABC Coordinator, who said it is imperative to have strong support networks in place to address mental health in the community.

The youths took the lead in planning the fun run, and have been working for months on the horse-track initiative.

In May, they delivered a strong presentation to the community on the proposal, citing collaboration between older and younger residents as a key aspect for the project.