Red Cross adventuring in Kildare

AS we edge towards social inclusion week, the Kildare and Newbridge branch of the Red Cross and Kildare LEADER have hosted a successful series of health and wellness summer walks around the county for more than 500 of our less fortunate residents.

The walking trails included were Sallins to Killeen Golf club, and Sallins to Leinster Aqueduct.

Barge trips went from Robertstown Village to Lowtown, there was a visit to the Kildare Maze in Prosperous and a day trip and tour of Kilkenny Castle was also organised.

“This piece of work was a real team effort, delivered in partnership with the community support worker from the local Red Cross branch, staff from Barrow Blueway Walking Tours, and our New Arrivals Team within SICAP,” said Mary Hennessy, SICAP Integration and Roma Response Team Leader with County Kildare LEADER Partnership. “The involvement of the New Arrivals staff was especially important, as they provided translation for the walking tour guides, ensuring that language was not a barrier to participation.

“This meant that people could fully engage with the activities, feel welcomed, and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits the programme was designed to deliver.” 

A many as 550 people of different nationalities, including Ukrainians currently living in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres and hosted accommodation, availed of the events that focused on promoting positive mental and physical health and wellness.

The events were a collaborative effort by the Irish Red Cross, County Kildare LEADER Partnership’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and Barrow Blueway Walking Tours (Department of Social Protection – CE Scheme), who provided guides for walks,” she said.

“During May, June, July and August, we offered people access to calming group activities, surrounded by our beautiful countryside, to support positive mental health,” said PJ Fagan, the community support worker from the Kildare and Newbridge branch. “Our aim was to alleviate anxiety and provide a means of disconnecting from everyday stress, which is especially relevant for people seeking state protection who are confined to accommodation centres."

“The activities included wellbeing walks and barge trips along the canal and stick walking - all events were inclusive and suitable for a range of ages and physical abilities.

At the heart of the Irish Red Cross emergency response and community programmes is human connection.

Services like these health and wellbeing activities supported by EU4Health funding help to reduce loneliness while also helping to build stronger, more resilient communities, where people feel supported, connected and valued.

Other community supports provided by Irish Red Cross volunteers include teaching invaluable first aid skills to equip children and adults with techniques to help them know how best to respond in a medical emergency and how to provide basic first-aid.

“I think this summer health and wellbeing series is a great example of how the Irish Red Cross and County Kildare LEADER Partnership can work together to create events that are really popular, make a positive difference to people’s mental and physical health, while also promoting social inclusion. New volunteers are always welcome. Watch this space for more positive, collaborative initiatives!” concluded PJ.