Renewed focus on improving Mayo health and well-being

Donal Newcombe, the Local Development Officer for Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme with Mayo County Council, has stated the main objective of the initiative is to improve the long-term health and well-being of those living in disadvantaged communities.

He explained: “The government identified 19 areas of deprivation and disadvantage across the country, and one of those areas is the north west area of Mayo.

"It is my role to help with the health and well-being of that area, and I also have a co-worker within the HSE.

"The HSE are our community partners are delivering on the ground. It is focused on prevention and well-being rather than hospital and medical care.

“The programme covers Lacken/Ballycastle, Kilcommon, Belderrig, Belmullet/Erris peninsula, Geesala, Ballycroy, Newport, and out as far as Achill. Geographically it is a very big area.

“We are delivering on the ground include transport initiatives with TFI Local Link Mayo, Food Sustainability Programme, Play Therapy Initiative with Erris FRC and a Not Around Us Campaign – to quit smoking and vaping.”