Is your community group passionate about health and wellbeing? Would you like to be part of a growing network dedicated to supporting happier, healthier communities across Louth & Meath?

We are inviting community groups – such as Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds, walking groups, cycling clubs, sports clubs, and other local organisations – to join the CommUnity Connect Network and be part of this exciting new initiative!

What does it mean to become part of the CommUnity Connect Network?

CommUnity Connect is a network of community groups and organisations working together to promote the 5 Ways to Wellbeing at a grassroots level. As a member of the Network, your group will:

✅ Gain access to accurate information, resources, and support to promote mental health & wellbeing in your community
✅ Have opportunities to connect and collaborate with other community organisations
✅ Provide feedback on the challenges your community faces regarding mental health & wellbeing
✅ Contribute to shaping future wellbeing initiatives by sharing insights on barriers and needed resources

Network members will also receive a resource pack, signage for their premises and digital platforms, and a shared platform to strengthen local health and wellbeing efforts.  Your feedback will be passed on to the Healthy County Coordinator, helping to guide future supports and resources that benefit communities.

Taking It One Step Further – Nominate a Champion

Groups that sign up can also nominate a Champion – a representative who will receive specialised training to bring additional wellbeing ideas and initiatives back to their group.

What does it mean to become a CommUnity Connect Champion?

A CommUnity Connect Champion is a trusted and active member of their community who helps promote positive mental health and wellbeing through the 5 Ways to Wellbeing Framwork. Champions will:

✅ Encourage and support wellbeing by sharing the 5 Ways to Wellbeing in their community
✅ Be a source of information, helping people access useful resources and local wellbeing initiatives
✅ Receive ongoing training and support to build confidence in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing
✅ Create connections between local groups, services, and the wider community to strengthen wellbeing efforts
✅ Be part of a diverse and inclusive network, ensuring different community needs and perspectives are represented

The Champion Programme will start as a pilot, with regular feedback and engagement to help shape and develop the initiative over time.

For this pilot phase, we will be selecting a limited number of Champions to complete a test-and-learn training programme before expanding the project further.

What training will I receive as a CommUnity Connect Champion?

The CommUnity Connect Champion Programme will train local connectors to support community well-being by increasing awareness and access to local resources. Through evidence-based approaches and community engagement, Champions will promote positive mental health and well-being. While they do not provide crisis intervention, they help individuals connect with activities and resources that enhance their mental and physical well-being.

Training Overview:

The Champion Training Programme will provide practical tools and knowledge to help participants support well-being in their communities. Training will focus on:

✅The CommUnity Connect Resource – Exploring the tools and materials available to support local well-being initiatives.
✅What is the CommUnity Connect Network? – Understanding the purpose of the network and how it promotes well-being.
✅The Role of the Champion – Defining the responsibilities of Champions and how they connect communities with well-being opportunities.
✅The Five Ways to Wellbeing – An evidence-based framework for improving overall well-being.
✅Mindfulness Techniques – Practical strategies for stress reduction and self-care.
✅Know You Community Resources and Supports – Understanding local well-being resources and learning how to signpost people to community initiatives such as community gardens, men’s sheds, walking groups, choirs, and other social activities.

This training will equip Champions with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to encourage well-being, strengthen community connections, and promote positive mental health at a grassroots level.

What is expected of me as a CommUnity Connect Champion?

As a Champion, you will play a key role in supporting well-being in your community. You will actively engage with people by sharing well-being resources, signposting individuals to local supports, and promoting positive mental health initiatives.

Your commitment includes:

✅Attending the full training
✅Participating in occasional network meetings or refresher sessions
✅Actively fostering connections within your community

While the role is voluntary, your involvement will have a real impact in strengthening local well-being efforts. By taking part, you will gain the skills and confidence to encourage well-being, build strong local networks, and promote positive mental health, making a meaningful difference at a grassroots level.

Training Dates & Locations:

📍 Day 1: Louth – Thursday 8^th May 2025, Louth- Venue TBC, 10am-4pm
📍 Day 2: Meath – Monday 19^th May 2025, Meath – Venue TBC, 10am-4pm

How do we get involved?

✔ Step 1: Your community group joins the CommUnity Connect Network by agreeing to the terms.
✔ Step 2: Your group can opt to nominate a Champion for training.
✔ Step 3: A limited number of Champions will be selected for this pilot training programme.

If your group is interested in joining the network and/or nominating a Champion, please complete and return the attached Expression of Interest Form by close of business Friday 11^th April 2025.

To find out more about CommUnity Connect Louth & Meath please click the link here

Let’s work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected community in Louth & Meath!

Alison Lynch | Healthy Ireland Coordinator