Hayley Kavanagh (Health and Wellbeing Co Ordinator), Deirdre Nevin, Jonathan Deering, Sonia Rennicks, (Head of Education, Training & e-mental health) and Una Coates from Clondalkin Photo by Michael Chester
Strong Minds, Happier Lives
‘Stronger Minds, Happier Lives,’ Ireland’s first mental health promotion programme for people with intellectual disabilities was launched this week at the Sport Ireland Campus by Special Olympics Ireland and Mental Health Ireland.
The programme is co-facilitated by Special Olympics’ Health Messengers, athletes who have been trained as health and wellness leaders, who advocate for and promote wellbeing to their peers within their Special Olympics clubs and the wider community.
The programme will support Special Olympics athletes to grow their understanding of mental health, help them to manage stress and express feelings, develop skills to cope with challenging emotions and tough conversations and learn about the mental health support services available.
The programme will now be delivered to Team Ireland athletes who will represent the nation in the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany this June 17 to 26.
The five-module programme was developed and coproduced with Special Olympics Health Messengers, Staff, Volunteers and Mental Health Ireland to support athletes to protect and strengthen their mental health and wellbeing.
