HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

#62 Young Social Innovators

In this episode of the HSE's Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox talks with Roger Warnock, CEO of Young Social Innovators (YSI), about the organisation's efforts to empower young people in Ireland to tackle societal, environmental and health issues through social innovation. They discuss YSI's programmes, such as Activate, which encourages students to create solutions for problems they care about, and the Ignite Community, which reaches out to young people outside the traditional school system. YSI are funded in part by HSE Health and Wellbeing to facilitate youth engagement in many areas of health and wellbeing. Mental health is always a top priority for young people as well as sexual health and vaping, which have been the focus of many projects in recent years. This podcast episode also features experiences from two young individuals from Monaghan College, who share their impactful project on mental health and wellbeing. The conversation underscores YSI's role in fostering youth engagement, confidence, and the drive for change, as well as the organisation's new strategy. For more information go to https://www.youngsocialinnovators.ie/ and to get in touch with the podcast email: Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#61 Focus on Fatherhood

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guest Shane Lynch, a Parenting Facilitator, discuss the crucial role of fatherhood. Shane shares insights from his work at Deansrath Family Centre, emphasising the need to engage men in Parenting Programmes. Despite initial challenges, he highlights the success of using practical activities like gardening to involve fathers. The programmes aim to improve family communication, problem-solving, and emphasise the importance of fathers in their children's lives. Shane also touches on the upcoming Men's Health Week event as he advocates for men's mental health discussions and engagement in health activities. For more information on Parenting Programmes click here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9116d-helplines-parenting-courses-and-advice/ For information on Sláintecare Healthy Communities click here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/slaintecare-healthy-communities/
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
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#60 Skin Cancer Prevention: Be SunSmart

In this podcast episode, Specialist in Public Health Dr. Breeda Neville and skin cancer prevention advocate Bernie Rice discuss the SunSmart campaign and the critical importance of skin protection to prevent skin cancer in Ireland. They are working tirelessly to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Neville details the SunSmart campaign and the fight against skin cancer, the protective measures that can be taken and the need for increased awareness in Ireland. Bernie shares her poignant story of losing her daughter Sharon to melanoma skin cancer, reinforcing the campaign's significance. The episode covers the dangers of unregulated tanning products, the special vulnerability of children to UV damage, and strategies for promoting sun safety among outdoor workers. The conversation underscores the value of early detection, education, and personal advocacy in combating skin cancer. More information available at www.hse.ie/sunsmart
 
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
 
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#59 Special Olympics Ireland

In this podcast episode, host Fergal Fox talks to Kathy Fulcher and Jonathan Deering from Special Olympics Ireland. They discuss Special Olympics Ireland's role in providing sports and health opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Kathy, who is the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and Jonathon who has been a participant and is now a volunteer and advocate for the work, talk about the organisation's year-round sports programs and the importance of volunteers in supporting athletes and delivering health education. Jonathan shares his personal experiences, including his participation in sports and the positive impact on his life. The episode also covers the health and wellbeing programme, which includes health screenings and education to address health disparities. Kathy and Jonathan highlight the Strong Minds, Happier Lives programme developed with Mental Health Ireland, focusing on mental wellbeing and providing athletes with tools and strategies to manage stress. The episode emphasises the importance of inclusive health projects and the positive effects of sports on mental health. Volunteers are encouraged to get involved through the Special Olympics Ireland website: https://www.specialolympics.ie/
 
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#58 Exam Stress Tips

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, Dr. Ciaran Boylan and host Noreen Turley explore strategies for managing exam stress. They discuss how to recognise stress in young people, especially during exam times, and offer advice to parents and guardians on how to provide both practical and emotional support. The conversation aims to help parents and guardians assist young people in effectively navigating the pressures of exam times, as Dr. Boylan shares helpful tips such as maintaining normal routines, ensuring nutritious meals and respecting each individual's coping mechanisms. They also emphasise the importance of self-care and managing expectations. Additional support can be found on https://jigsaw.ie/, https://spunout.ie/, or https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/.
 
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#57 Consent

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox and guest Elaine McCaughley from the HSE National Office for Human Rights and Equality discuss the HSE’s National Consent Policy. Elaine emphasises the policy's focus on the person making their own decisions about their health and social care, ensuring informed and voluntary consent. They explore challenges in mental health services and the role of family in cases like dementia, highlighting the human rights-based approach to care and the respect for individual autonomy and decision-making capacity.
If you would like to know more about Consent in the HSE go to: hse.ie/nationalconsentpolicy
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
 
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#56 Let's talk about Suicide

In this podcast Ailish O’Neill (National Education and Training Manager with the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention) and Declan O’Shea (a Lived Experience Contributor) discuss the new, free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE, ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’.
 
'Let’s Talk about Suicide' is an introductory suicide prevention programme, that helps participants to identify others who might be at risk of suicide, confidently ask about the topic, and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe.
 
It is hoped that ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ will help people develop their language and confidence around talking about suicide, and not to be afraid to discuss it openly. In this podcast Ailish and Declan discuss the importance of breaking the stigma associated with suicide, and how people can sometimes be afraid to talk about suicide, because of the sadness and trauma around the subject. Sometimes, people are afraid to say the word ‘suicide’. But by being truly present for a person, and by hearing and validating their feelings, we all have the potential to have a life-saving conversation with someone. Ailish and Declan talk about recognising signs of distress, the importance of clear questioning, and the power of validation and support. The conversation highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about suicide, the power of listening, the effectiveness of support services, and the new programmes role in suicide prevention. Listeners are encouraged to complete the new training programme, and share the episode to help spread awareness.
 
‘Let’s Talk About’ uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. You can start and stop the programme at you own convenience. On average, the programme will take 60 minutes to complete, but you can work at your own pace.
·         To enrol and complete Let’s Talk About Suicide, visit https://traininghub.nosp.ie/
·         Let's Talk About Suicide is suitable for anyone over the age of 18, who wants to learn basic suicide prevention skills.
·         It is recommended that anyone recently bereaved, wait 12 months before engaging in this type of suicide prevention training.
 
If you, or someone you know needs support, visit the HSE site www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.
 
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#55 Reducing Alcohol Harm

In this podcast episode, Noreen Turley talks to Paula Leonard, CEO of Alcohol Forum Ireland. Alcohol Forum Ireland is a charity that originated to address the hidden harm caused by parental problematic alcohol use and addiction. Paula explains that their mission is to work collaboratively with stakeholders such as HSE, An Garda Síochána, Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and communities to tackle the complexities of alcohol use and its impact on families. Alcohol Forum Ireland's approach, from community action on alcohol to family support and rehabilitation services, offers hope and a path to recovery for many. They advocate for the most effective policy measures and support services to reduce alcohol harm, empower families and communities, and reduce the influence of the alcohol industry on the environment in which we live.
For further information and supports visit www.hse.ie/alcohol or call the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459.
 
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#54 Understanding Low Back Pain

In this podcast episode, host Eamon Keogh and HSE Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Susan Murphy discuss low back pain, its types, and management strategies. Susan explains the difference between acute and persistent low back pain, the commonality of the condition in Ireland, and the impact of lifestyle factors on low back pain. Susan talks about sciatica, the importance of exercise for back strength and flexibility, and when to seek medical advice. She also discusses the different free resources available from the HSE, in particular two booklets that have been developed to help people understand more about acute and long term back pain. Susan highlights the role of physiotherapy and psychological support in treatment. The conversation aims to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to manage their low back pain effectively.
 
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#53 Men’s Development Network

In this podcast episode, Seán Cooke of the Men's Development Network discusses the organisation's initiatives to improve men's health and wellbeing. He outlines the Engage consortium's role in creating training programs like "Connecting with Young Men" and "On Feirm Ground," which focusses on the agricultural sector and their role in supporting Men’s Health Week. Seán emphasises the importance of non-judgmental, safe spaces for male-friendly conversations and the Network's efforts in gender equality and in addressing domestic violence. The success of these programmes and their impact on policy and education are highlighted, with an invitation for listeners to visit the Network's website for more resources: https://mensnetwork.ie/  
 
To get in touch with the podcast email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie
 
 
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