Four Mayo GAA clubs will host Moving Your Mind Programme workshops and seminars in the next few weeks in association with Mayo Mental Health Association, Healthy Ireland and the HSE.  The Healthy Clubs Initiative was created in 2013 as part of the Healthy Ireland Framework in improving health and well-being in the country.  Hollymount/Carramore GAA, Moy Davitts GAA, Knockmore GAA and Westport GAA are the four host Mayo GAA clubs this year with CLG Chill Chomáin and Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin also part of the Healthy Club Project.  The initiative is supported by Healthy Ireland, the HSE, and The National Office for Suicide Prevention and Irish Life.  The Healthy Club project aims to help GAA clubs explore how they support the holistic health of their members and the communities they serve.

“As someone that has worked in the health sector all my life, I am delighted that Mayo GAA is supporting this very worthwhile initiative again this year and I want to congratulate the four clubs that are hosting the workshops this year.  It is so important that health and wellbeing is at the core of all GAA activity in our county.  We have a club from each division taking part this year and they will provide the appropriate support and information to all the other clubs in their region.  I want to sincerely thank Fran Downey and all the members on the Mayo GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee for all their hard work on this project,” commented Mayo GAA chairperson Seamus Tuohy. 

First up to deliver the Move your Mind programme is Hollymount/Carramore GAA on Tuesday 22^nd March.  Moy Davitts GAA hosts the event on Thursday 24^th March, the following week on Tuesday, March 29^th Knockmore GAA is the location with the programme finishing at Westport GAA Club on Thursday 31^st of March.  All events commencing at 7.30pm.  Guest Speakers include Lianne McManamon from Mayo Mental Health Association, David Drake from The Movement Gym, Evan Regan Nutrition and Neil Douglas and Trish Reddington delivering yoga and meditation. 

Fran Downey, recently appointed chairperson of the Mayo GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee is looking forward to attending all four evenings. “Having hosted the evening in 2019 in my own club Ballina Stephenites, I see the value that this event brings to a club.  It is an excellent way to highlight the great work clubs are already doing within their communities in contributing to the health and wellbeing of their members by providing opportunities to develop their physical, social, emotional and psychological health,” commented Downey.

David Drake will discuss the positive impact our clubs have on rural and town communities and how that impacts our sense of belonging.  Evan Regan will cover all areas regarding nutrition and the importance of nutrition of a healthy body and healthy mind.  Neil Douglas and Trish Reddington will talk about the importance of stretching for all ages and demonstrate this along with meditation in a fun interactive way.

As Mayo Mental Health Associations Health Promotion Officer, Lianne McManamon will bring the whole evening together by linking the impact that all three of these things-Exercise, Nutrition and Yoga/Meditation have in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and the influence this can have on individuals and the greater community.  There will be a short questions and answers session afterwards and information on MMHA services as well as the Healthy Club Project and the role it plays in the GAA in delivering projects to help our communities become a healthier, happier and more connected place to be.