October is Tallaght Community Health Awareness Month

OCTOBER is Tallaght Community Health Awareness Month, with everyone invited to participate in a diverse range of free community and online-based events.

Health Awareness Month has grown from the popular Tallaght Health Fair, which due to current guidelines cannot go ahead in its traditional format this year.

However, seeing a need for people to learn, engage and connect with local health services, supports and activities, the first-ever Tallaght Community Health Awareness Month has been launched.

Through a mix of community-based, accessible events and online activities, the practical and relevant programme hopes to bring services into the heart of communities throughout the month of October.

From sessions on self-care to first aid for panic attacks, laughter yoga to garden workshops, quit smoking sessions to walking, there’s something for everybody – including a bike that makes smoothies as you pedal.

The Marie Keating Foundation Mobile Unit will also be parking up in local communities for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Information Days, for both men and women.

The mobile unit will on October 7 be in MacUilliam from 10.30am to 12.30pm and Tallaght Leisure Centre from 1.30pm to 4pm.

It will then visit Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre on October 21 from 10.30am to 12.30pm and the Killinarden Community Centre later that day from 1.30pm to 4pm.

A number of local pharmacies are also encouraging members of the community to drop by for free blood pressure and BMI (Body Mass Index) testing during the month.

Rossfield Pharmacy is providing free checks every day for the month of October, while Hickeys Pharmacy on Fortunestown Lane will provide free checks every Tuesday between 10am and 4pm.

A talk for parents on Drugs and Young People will also take place in the Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre on October 6, 13, 20 and 27.

The month-long event is being organised by the Fettercairn Community Health Project, which is part of the South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP).

There’s something for everyone at Tallaght Community Health Awareness Month

Samantha Griffin is the new Fettercairn Community Health Project co-ordinator, after taking up the post last May.

Before her new role, Samantha was the Manager of Sophia Housing in Kiltalown and the former Roma housing and health worker with the SDCP.

She has also worked in the areas of homelessness and mental health.

“Due to Covid-19, we had no health fair last year and we couldn’t let another year go by,” Samantha told The Echo.

“We believe there’s something for everyone [during Tallaght Community Health Awareness Month], and are encouraging people to get out, get themselves checked or learn about the services in their community.

“People have been quite isolated, and the awareness month is a nice way to connect people with services and groups.

“I don’t think a lot of people realise how many services are in their community, so it’s all about raising awareness of the services out there and the healthier options.”

Samantha noted how many people were not attending their GPs or accessing local health services and supports during the pandemic, believing that the format of the awareness month provides an accessible and safe way for people to get educated on their health needs.

“We are meeting the needs of the entire community during a time when people are feeling vulnerable,” Samantha said.

Check out the full schedule of event on the South Dublin County Partnership website HERE 

Alternatively call the Partnership on 01 4649300 for details.