The annual Laois Connects week takes place this year from 10th -17th October. The promotion of emotional wellbeing and mental health and increasing our awareness of the importance of this aspect of our lives is the aim of the week. A packed programme of diverse events, both online and face to face, include physical activity, creative opportunities, awareness and education talks, relaxation and mindfulness spaces, and many more, which has all been put together with the intention of providing something of interest to each and every member of the community of Laois.
Walks and rambling trails are available to join, organised by Laois Sports Partnership and other Walking Clubs around the county. Moutmellick Community School has a week-long agenda of reconnecting and belonging events. Shine offers the opportunity to learn more about managing our stress. LOETB offers mindfulness and food and health promotion talks. Music Generation Laois has organised songwriting and drumming workshops. Mountmellick Youth and Family Resource centre is setting a challenge for people to walk the length of Ireland. Laois Library provides information on supporting children during these Covid-19 times. Education and awareness talks include Fear-Less (Reducing Anxiety in children); ‘The Power of Choice’ by Philly McMahon, ‘Lighting the Path through Bereavement’ by Linda Allen, as well as lots more.
An exciting addition to this year’s programme is the availability of Laois Connects Podcasts which feature a range of conversations covering lifestyle topics discussed by dedicated people working in Laois which are available on the Laois Partnership website and funded by the HSE. https://laoispartnership.ie/laois-connects-podcasts/
You can access the packed programme of Laois Connects Events on the online brochure at https://laois.ie/departments/community/promoting-social-inclusion/#5
An electronic Brochure of events can be requested by email to: dce@laoiscoco.ie
We hope that there will be an activity or an event that you enjoy and find worthwhile from the programme for the week. The present circumstances places an increased emphasis on the importance of minding our emotional and mental health and Laois Connects provides the opportunity to maintain that focus and sustain us during these challenging times.
