HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#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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#122 Breastfeeding: Embracing Support and Building Confidence

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Noreen Turley welcomes Sheila Lucey, an advanced nurse practitioner and infant feeding specialist, for an in-depth discussion on breastfeeding. Sheila shares expert information on the benefits of breastfeeding, preparing before birth, and the importance of early support. The conversation covers practical tips for overcoming challenges, the significance of skin-to-skin contact, and available resources for families. Listeners are encouraged to seek support, trust their own journey, and remember that every feed counts. The episode aims to empower and reassure parents with accessible, up-to-date information and encouragement.
 
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#121 Movember

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, host Fergal Fox welcomes Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember to discuss their recent Report; The Real Face of Men’s Health in Ireland. They explore the impact of Movember’s initiatives, the findings of their new research, and the importance of community-based support. The conversation outlines the need to focus on health inequalities, the role of caregivers, and the need for collaboration across sectors. New HSE supports for men’s mental health are highlighted as well as some of the existing programmes of work in the area of men’s health. Movember are calling for the full implementation of the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan, Healthy Ireland Men 2024 – 2028 and are planning to work with the HSE and other partners to deliver on this. Listeners are encouraged to engage in men’s health conversations and access available resources, with a warm invitation to join ongoing efforts to improve wellbeing for men and their families.
 
For further support on men’s mental health: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/men/
For the full Movember Report on The Real Face of Men’s Health: https://ie.movember.com/movember-institute/the-real-face-of-mens-health-report
To access the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/health-and-wellbeing/national-men-s-health-action-plan-2024-2028.pdf
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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