Health Awareness Month this October
TALLAGHT Community Health Awareness Month is back this October, with everyone invited to participate in a diverse schedule of free community-based events.
Through a mix of accessible activities, workshops and talks, the practical and relevant month-long programme aims to bring health and wellbeing services into the heart of communities.
With the focus on mental and physical health, the programme will be staged across a host of local venues – from a gardening workshop in Fettercairn Community Centre to an osteoporosis talk in Jobstown.
In the first week – which runs from October 3 to 7 –there’ll also be a breastfeeding and maternal well-being event in Tallaght Library, Chair Yoga in Killinarden Family Resource Centre, and a talk on dementia in Fettercairn.
A number of national organisations will also be visiting Tallaght, with the Marie Keating Foundation Bus pulling up to the Pharmacy Hub in Killinarden on October 7 for a Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Information Day for men and women.
St John Ambulance will deliver a Simple First Aid course on October 4 while on Friday, October 7, the Irish Heart Foundation will talk about cardiovascular risks and stroke supports in the Fettercairn Community Centre.
Tallaght University Hospital has also organised an event in Tallaght Library on cardiovascular emergencies, including recognition of heart attacks and strokes.
The four-week programme is organised by the Fettercairn Community Health Project, which is part of South Dublin County Partnership.
Speaking with The Echo, Samantha Griffin, health project co-ordinator, encouraged everyone to participate in the awareness month and learn about the services and supports available in their area.
Alongside focusing on practical ways in which people can look after their health or their families, the programme also hopes to bring communities together.
“We also recognise that the pandemic has reduced people’s social connections, impacting their mental health,” Samantha said.
“TCHAM events are designed for people to re-engage with old friends, make new ones and have some fun.”
Samantha also encouraged people to link in with the local pharmacies offering free blood pressure and BMI (Body Mass Index) testing.
These include Killinarden Pharmacy Hub, McCabes Citywest, Killinarden Pharmacy, Hickeys Springfield, Jobstown Pharmacy Kiltalown, and Rossfield Pharmacy.
A list of events will be published in The Echo each week in October.
Turn to page 9 to see all events for Week 1, October 3 to 7.
Alternatively call the South Dublin County Partnership on 01 4649300.
