Sláintecare Healthy Communities launch 2026 community calendar in Belmullet

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities team has launched its 2026 community calendar in Belmullet, County Mayo.

The launch took place at Áras Inis Gluaire on Friday, January 16. The initiative is delivered through a partnership between HSE Health and Wellbeing, Mayo County Council, Mayo North East LEADER Company, and The Family Centre Castlebar. 

The 2026 calendar features artwork created by children attending primary schools across the Erris and Achill area. The illustrations depict children’s interpretations of a healthy lifestyle, with recurring themes including physical activity, healthy eating, community connection, and well-being.

Rose Conway-Walsh TD and Councillor Seán Carey, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, officially launched the calendar. Both speakers highlighted the role of long-term investment in supporting community-led health and wellbeing initiatives.

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The Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme provides sustained funding for the Erris and Achill areas to support the delivery of free, evidence-based health and wellbeing programmes. The annual calendar is used to promote these supports and to inform communities about services available locally.

Programmes highlighted in the 2026 calendar include stop smoking supports, Healthy Food Made Easy cooking courses, social prescribing activities, parenting workshops, and community-based nutrition initiatives such as community garden development.

Elaine Prendergast, Head of the Health and Wellbeing Division in the HSE West and North West, said: “The calendars are really impressive and provide a wonderful way to share essential information about the free health and wellbeing programmes available to people living in the Erris and Achill areas of County Mayo.”

Paul Gillen, Healthy Communities Co-ordinator, Health and Wellbeing Division, expressed his gratitude and said: “The Sláintecare Healthy Communities team would like to sincerely thank all the students from the local primary schools in the Erris and Achill areas who contributed artwork for the 2026 calendar.“The creativity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shown in each piece of work is truly impressive. The students’ illustrations beautifully capture what a healthy lifestyle means to them and reflect the strong sense of community, wellbeing and positivity that exists across the region. 

“Their contribution has played a vital role in bringing this year’s calendar to life, and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all involved,” he added. Free copies of the 2026 Sláintecare Healthy Communities calendar are available from local shops, post offices, health centres and libraries throughout Erris and Achill.

Further information is available from Paul Gillen at 087 406 6518 or via email at paul.gillen@hse.ie.

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