Leitrim GAA & ​HSE launch Wellbeing Boards campaign

New Health & Wellbeing Boards, listing mental health supports and services, are being introduced at GAA clubs across County Leitrim through a partnership between the HSE West and North West, Mental Health Ireland (MHI), Leitrim GAA, Leitrim Sports Partnership.

The Wellbeing Boards were officially launched last Sunday October 18, during halftime of the Smith Monumentals Intermediate Championship Final at Heartland Credit Union Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada with Leitrim GAA County Board Chairman Declan Bohan and representatives of the various groups involved in the project in attendance.

Suicide and self-harm reduction work is best undertaken through a whole-of-society approach, where individuals, communities, non-governmental organisations and Government departments work collaboratively to coordinate efforts and achieve more.

Ireland’s strategy to reduce suicide and self-harm, Connecting for Life 2026–2035, is a key component of the Government’s commitment to improving health and wellbeing. One of the guiding principles of the strategy is collaboration.

Donal Gallagher, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, said “I welcome the collaboration with our community partners and the GAA, which builds on our work together delivering online and in-person suicide prevention training across County Leitrim. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to respond to the needs of communities in a timely and effective way. and we would welcome as many people as possible to come along on the day.”

The initiative builds on Mental Health Ireland’s Health & Wellbeing Boards Project with local GAA clubs and we are delighted to roll this out across Leitrim.

Over the past 14 years, the initiative has grown from strength to strength, reaching a wide range of community groups and spaces through strong local partnerships. At the heart of the initiative is a simple yet important goal: to promote mental health and wellbeing, while ensuring that communities have clear, accessible information about how they can look after their own wellbeing and where they can turn if they need additional support.

Emer McFadden, Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland said “GAA clubs are at the heart of so many communities, making them an ideal place to share these important messages and supports. We hope these boards will become a valuable and lasting resource within each community, encouraging conversations about mental health, promoting wellbeing and, importantly, helping people to know that support is available and where to find it when they need it."

It was decided to do this at all club grounds in the county as grounds are at the heart of communities, and the new Wellbeing Boards will provide clear, accessible information on local and national supports and services.

Bernie Mulligan Dolan, Chairperson, Leitrim GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee said “As a GAA community, we all have a role to play in looking after one another, on and off the pitch. This initiative is an important step towards creating healthier, stronger and more connected clubs throughout Leitrim.”

Enda Lyons, Sports Coordinator, Leitrim Sports Partnership said “We are delighted to be part of this initiative and to work alongside our partners to promote positive mental health and wellbeing throughout County Leitrim. GAA clubs where communities connect making it an ideal setting to share supports within our communities. We hope these boards will encourage people to look after their own wellbeing, support one another and know where to turn when support is needed.”