Ahead of World Mental Health Day on Friday, 10th October, on RTÉ One this Wednesday, 8th October at 7pm, Nationwide will feature National Learning Network's Choices programme in Athy.
National Learning Network, the training and employment division of Rehab, delivers vocational and rehabilitative training and education. The Choices programme, which is offered at National Learning Network's centre at Friary Walk, Duke Street, Athy, is a rehabilitation training programme aimed at people who may be experiencing a range of mental health difficulties such as depression or bereavement or who are managing long-term issues such as schizophrenia. The programme helps people to understand how common mental health issues are – one-quarter of the population will have a mental health concern at some stage in their life – and how to deal with the taboos surrounding it.
As part of the programme, RAPID co-ordinator Helen Dowling entered into an arrangement with the Health Service Executive where allotments were provided at St Vincent's Hospital for participants to grow their own produce. Arising from this, learners undertook a healthy cooking course and have now produced a book, The Walking Distance Cookbook, which will be launched next month. The book celebrates food that is local, seasonal and affordable, and features many recipes traditional to the Athy area.
The allotment project has proved such a success in Athy, it is now being rolled out to other community groups such as Age Action and the Women's Integrated Network.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities provided by the Choices programme, contact 059 86 40024.
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