Connemara has become the first rural area in Ireland to sign up for a new initiative aimed at creating happy and healthy communities.

Galway County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Albert Dolan, launched Thrive Connemara at a Thrive ‘n’ Conversations event in Clifden’s Station House Hotel last week.

Thrive is an international, community-led movement to create a happy and healthy community by conducting projects and events aiming at improving mental health and wellbeing.

Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland with the programme implemented in Balbriggan and Swords in County Dublin. Connemara is now the third site and first rural community where Thrive is being implemented.

Thrive n’ Conversations is the first Thrive event that brings a local community together to identify and discuss mental health and wellbeing opportunities and expectations in Connemara.

Membership in Thrive Connemara is open to all individuals, organisations, groups and service providers from public and private sectors who are interested in mental health and wellbeing. Thrive activities include the organisation of Connect Cafes meetings, trainings, and activities promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Among those at the launch were the Galway Rose Deirdre Jennings, local public representatives, local groups and organisations and members of the wider Connemara community – as well as a delegation from the award-winning Thrive Balbriggan.

Cllr Dolan said he was honoured to launch Thrive in Clifden.

“This is more than just an event; it marks a significant step towards fostering a community that truly cares about mental health,” he said.

“Let us work together to build a community where mental health is prioritized, and everyone feels valued and supported,” he added.

Mental Health Ireland CEO, Dr Lisa Cuthbert described it as a proud moment to host the first rural Thrive ’n’ Conversation in Connemara.

“We are focused on working in the community to build connections, encourage conversations and promote mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

“Thrive will facilitate this process and help us all work together to ensure that Connemara can thrive as a flourishing community. It is a very exciting beginning and I look forward to the Thrive Connemara journey,” she added.

Pictured: Caroline Brogan, Development Officer Mental Health Ireland; Galway Rose  Deirdre Jennings, Cllr Gerry King; Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Albert Dolan; CEO of Mental Health Ireland Lisa Cuthbert, and Aine Hurley, Galway city and county Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland, at the launch of Thrive Connemara.