HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#132 Staying Active: During & After Pregnancy

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, Eamon Keogh is joined by Dr Aisling McGrath and HSE physiotherapist Ailish Cleary to explore Ireland's new physical activity guidelines for pregnant and postpartum women. The discussion covers the benefits of staying active during and after pregnancy, addresses common fears and misconceptions, and provides practical advice for women at all fitness levels. The guests highlight the importance of pelvic floor training and discuss the role of healthcare professionals in supporting women to move safely.
Here are some helpful links for further information:
HSE Exercise Videos: https://www.hse.ie/
Rotunda Hospital Resources: https://www.rotunda.ie/
Active Pregnancy (UK): https://www.activepregnancyfoundation.org/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#131 Every School Day Matters: Supporting Attendance

On this week’s HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley explores Every School Day Matters: Supporting Attendance with Áine O’Keeffe, National Lead, Tusla Wellbeing Project and Director of TESS, and Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health / National Healthy Childhood Programme (NHCP).
Áine explains why we all have a role in promoting regular school attendance and reducing absenteeism, highlighting that missed days add up and children can miss out on learning, friendships and development when they are not in school.
 
Together, they focus on practical supports that can help children and young people attend as consistently as possible, and what families can do when health issues, anxiety or other pressures get in the way. They highlight the value of early, open communication with the school and staying connected, so families feel supported rather than judged when attendance becomes difficult. Abbie encourages parents to trust their judgement about when their child is well enough to attend, particularly when managing chronic conditions, and to link in with the school so the right supports can be put in place. They discuss how routine can reduce anxiety, and how consistent morning, sleep and school-day routines can make attendance feel more manageable over time.
 
SCPTusla - Child and Family Agency
https://www.tusla.ie/tess/scp/
 
mychild.ie
https://www2.hse.ie/my-child/
 
Knowing if your child is well enough to go to school or childcare
https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/caring-for-a-child/knowing-if-your-child-is-well-enough-to-go-to-school-or-childcare/
 
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#130 Managing Low Mood, Depression & Relationships

In this week's episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Host Noreen Turley is joined by HSE psychologists Dr Niamh Clarke and Dr Michelle Howard to explore HSE Balancing Stress, a free online programme designed to help people manage stress, low mood, and depression. They share practical approaches including behavioural activation, creating supportive routines, mindfulness, and using positive affirmations to build resilience. The discussion also looks at how stress can affect relationships, and how communication, kindness, and gratitude can strengthen connection and wellbeing. Listeners are encouraged to take small, manageable steps, use the programme’s flexible sessions, and seek professional support when needed via HSE resources.
 
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#129 Global Health

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Dr. David Weakliam, Director of the HSE Global Health Programme. We explore the importance of global health, highlighting how Ireland’s partnerships with countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, and Sudan help strengthen health systems through training, equipment support, and collaborative initiatives. Dr. Weakliam emphasises the value of mutual learning, trust, and long-term commitment in these partnerships, illustrating how global cooperation benefits both partner countries and Ireland’s own health service. Great examples of partnership are highlighted as well as outlining how interdependent countries are in the context of health and wellbeing.
 
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#128 Loneliness

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we are joined by Professor Roger O’Sullivan and Professor Brian Lawlor to explore loneliness as a significant health and social issue. The discussion covers the different types of loneliness, its impact on mental and physical health, and the importance of meaningful social connections. The guests highlight the need for tailored interventions, challenge common stereotypes, and share practical steps for individuals and communities to foster inclusion and wellbeing. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own connections and support others in building a more connected society. From 17 December 2025, IPH will be known as the All Island Institute of Public Health.
 
Here are some helpful links for further information:
HSE Understand Together Campaign: https://www.hse.ie/eng/dementia-pathways/about/understand-together-programme/
Global Brain Health Institute: https://www.gbhi.org/
All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH): We are the All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH) | All Island Institute of Public Health
 
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#127 Managing Stress, Anxiety and Worry

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Noreen Turley is joined by Dr Michelle Howard and Dr Niamh Clarke, HSE psychologists involved in developing and delivering the Balancing Stress programme.​ Together they explore sessions 1-3 from the HSE Balancing Stress programme how stress, worry, anxiety and panic can build up in day‑to‑day life, and why recognising personal stress patterns is a key first step in managing them.​
The episode highlights evidence based tools like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and positive psychology and listeners hear about simple breathing; relaxation exercises they can start using immediately to reduce stress and build resilience over time.​ The conversation emphasises that the programme is free, confidential and designed to fit busy lives, so people can dip in and out or move through the six sessions at a pace that suits them.​
 
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#126 Vaping, Teens and the Truth: Protecting Young People from Nicotine

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley is joined by Martina Blake, HSE National Lead for Tobacco Free Ireland, and Kirstie White from the HSE Quitline to explore vaping and nicotine products and what they really mean for young people’s health in Ireland. They challenge the idea that it is just “harmless vapour”, highlighting how flavours, colours and clever packaging are used by industry to attract teenagers.
 
The episode introduces the HSE’s Take a Deep Breath campaign, which aims to support parents, schools and communities with up to date, evidence based information on vaping and nicotine products. Martina and Kirsty share practical tips on starting conversations with teenagers, watching out for signs of dependence, and knowing where and when to seek extra help.
Listeners also hear how the HSE Quitline and HSE.ie can support young people who want to quit, offering clear, accessible guidance and signposting to services that can help them navigate the challenges of vaping and nicotine addiction.
 
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#125 A Lookback on 2025

In the final episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast for 2025, hosts Fergal, Noreen, and Eamon reflect on a year of inspiring conversations covering diverse health and wellbeing topics. They highlight the courage and authenticity of guests who shared personal stories on issues such as suicide bereavement, cultural diversity, HIV stigma, mental health, and cancer. The episode celebrates the power of storytelling, the importance of community partnerships, and the ongoing commitment to providing accessible, evidence-based advice. Listeners are warmly thanked for their support, with a promise of more insightful episodes in 2026.
 
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#124 ALONE & Enhanced Community Care

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we explore how ALONE and the HSE’s Enhanced Community Care (ECC) programme collaborate to support older adults in relation to many areas of their health and wellbeing and fundamentally to live well at home. Our guests are Catriona Brennan, Candidate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, frailty, Gail Flynn, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, older persons, and Aileen O'Reilly, Head of Research, Evaluation and policy at ALONE. Through real-life case studies and expert insights, the discussion highlights the value of comprehensive geriatric assessments, community partnerships, and practical supports - from home adaptations to befriending services. Listeners will gain an understanding of how joined up person-centred care helps older people maintain independence, dignity and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on healthcare services.
 
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#123 Spark Innovation Programme: Empowering Staff, Improving Care

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley welcomes Caitriona Heffernan, National Clinical Innovation Lead and Anna Marie Kiernan, National Nursing/Midwifery Innovation Fellow, from the HSE Spark Innovation Programme. Together, they discuss how Spark empowers frontline healthcare staff to develop and implement innovative ideas that improve patient care across Ireland. The conversation highlights the programme’s support through funding, mentorship, and education, the importance of teamwork in innovation, and the value of involving patients in co-creating solutions. The HSE Spark Innovation Programme represents a transformative approach to healthcare innovation, empowering frontline healthcare workers to develop solutions that improve patient care and service delivery across Ireland's health system
Listeners are encouraged to explore Spark’s opportunities and become active contributors to positive change in healthcare. For more information visit https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/spark-innovation-programme/
 
 
 
 
 
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