New health plan launched by County Hall
A plan to keep people healthy, both physically and mentally, has been launched in Cork county.
The Healthy Ireland Cork County Strategy follows the Healthy Ireland Framework with a focus on physical activity, healthy weight, tobacco free, sexual health, alcohol and drugs, positive mental health and positive ageing.
It was launched on Monday by the Mayor of Cork Cllr Gillian Coughlan in the presence of Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing & the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan at County Hall.
Mayor Coughlan said: “We are delighted to have Minister Feighan here in our launch of this important strategy. This strategy sets a path for Cork County Council along with its strategic partners toward increasing the proportion of people in county Cork who are healthy at all stages of life, a key goal of Healthy Ireland.
“The mission of our pathway is to support the ability of our community to enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing in a more inclusive county where people will be further supported to achieve their full potential.”
Minister Feighan said: “Cork County Council’s Healthy County Strategy leads the way in the support of a healthy society throughout county Cork. The implementation of this strategy will result in benefits for all members of the community and this framework aligns with our national mission and strategic goals through Healthy Ireland on a national level.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: “In Cork County Council, we are committed to supporting and facilitating the quality of life offering for the people of Cork county. Our plan outlines the direction and objectives for enhancing health and wellbeing which we aim to achieve over the coming three years of this strategy and beyond.”
Before travelling to County Hall, the Minister paid a visit to the farm of Mary Connolly in Glenville.
Minister Feighan said: “We highly commend Cork County Council and the Local Community Development Committee for their exemplar utilisation of the Community Mental Health Fund through Healthy Ireland. With their engagement of this Social Farming initiative through the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, they have identified a high quality, community beneficial scheme which provides opportunities to all, developing skills, enhancing health and wellbeing for all.”
Minister Feighan also met with recipients and contributors of the Council’s Older Adult Activity Pack, an initiative funded through Healthy Ireland and and Pobal in February 2021.
The packs, coordinated in association with the Cork Local Sports Partnership and the Council’s Age Friendly Office, brought activity, fun and connection to more than 2,000 homes in Cork county at a time when it was needed the most.