HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#138 Mental Health Recovery

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Michael Ryan, Head of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery at the HSE. Together, they explore the evolution of mental health services in Ireland, highlighting the shift towards recovery-oriented, person-centred care. Michael shares his personal journey and emphasises the value of lived experience, peer support, and recovery education. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace hope, empowerment, and collaboration in mental health, and invites everyone to view recovery as a shared, ongoing journey.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#137 Exam Calm for Parents

This episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, hosted by Noreen Turley and joined by Dr. Jean Sorohan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, offers practical support for parents and carers helping a young person through exam season. Jean shares down-to-earth advice on how to stay calm, ease pressure, build healthy routines, and encourage mindful coping at home. The conversation also touches on neurodivergent inclusion and trusted supports, along with the reminder that one exam does not define you. It is a reassuring conversation for any parent or carer who wants to feel more confident in supporting their young. For supports and further information, visit https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/camhs/ or https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/primary-care-psychology/
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#136 Radon Awareness

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Dr. Mary O’Mahony to discuss radon; a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the leading source of radiation exposure in Ireland. They explore radon’s health risks, especially its link to lung cancer, and highlight the importance of testing homes and using radon-proof membranes in new builds. The episode also covers government efforts, prevention strategies, and available resources, while encouraging listeners to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from radon exposure. They highlight the increased risk to smokers and also point to HSE Stop Smoking services available on https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/. For more on Radon go to HSE National Cancer Control Programme website.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#135 Screen Time & Young People

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Fergal Fox discusses the impact of screen time on young children with Dr. Gillian Doyle and Dr. Anne-Marie Casey, Senior Clinical Psychologists. They explore how screen time affects health and wellbeing, emphasising the need for mindful use of devices and advice for family conversations about screen habits. The experts highlight the importance of balancing screen time with other developmental activities and suggest guidelines tailored to children's ages and needs. They also discuss the role of parents in modelling healthy behaviours and creating screen-free times to foster better social and emotional development. For more go to: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/play/screen-time/
If you would like to get in touch with the podcast or join the HSE Health and Wellbeing mailing list, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#134 International Women’s Day: women balancing work & life in the HSE

This International Women’s Day episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast shines a light on the realities of women balancing work, life and care responsibilities across our health service. Host Noreen Turley is joined by Una Rogers, National Nursing and Midwifery SPARK Innovation Fellow and Midwifery Officer with the Department of Health, and Gillian Ledwidge Dunne, Regional Director of People for HSE Dublin and North East.
 
Together, they share honest and relatable experiences of shift work, “Mom Guilt,” career breaks and leadership, as well as the practical supports that helped them along the way, offering genuine insights and reassurance for anyone trying to "do it all". The key message is simple; reach out early. Talk to your manager or a trusted colleague, and explore the wide range of internal supports available across the HSE, including the confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Remember, you do not have to wait until you are in crisis to look for support. 
 
Some of the key messages for health service staff include whether you are juggling shift work, caring for others, or simply feeling overwhelmed, there are confidential services, policies and people ready to help you make work and life more sustainable.
 
For guidance or support, contact diversity.HR@hse.ie, or visit work place Health and Wellbeing.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#133 Little People Big Feelings

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guests Melissa Vindigni (Senior Occupational Therapist), Muireann Treacy (Senior Clinical Psychologist) and Rosemary Kavanagh (Senior Speech and Language Therapist) discuss the emotional experiences of young children under the theme "Little People, Big Feelings." They explore the normalcy of intense emotions in children, the developmental stages of emotional regulation, and the critical role of co-regulation, where parents help children manage their emotions. The episode emphasises the importance of parental calmness, understanding sensory triggers, and using simple communication to support children's emotional growth. The speakers also highlight the challenges parents face and the need for self-compassion and realistic expectations.
To access more support and information on parenting, see: https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/parenting-advice/services-supports/getting-support/
To get in touch with the podcast, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#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
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#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/
 
Produced by GK Media.ie

#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.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie

#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.
 
Produced by GKMedia.ie