Our "Health and Well-being Collective Initiative" is a community development project aimed at addressing health inequalities among rural women in Eskra and Fintona, focusing on marginalized groups, including minority ethnic women and LGBTQIA+ residents. This initiative builds on our foundation of community input and engaged with just over 200 women in
Since being awarded GAA Healthy Club Status in 2018, we have engaged with over 200 women and the wider community to address health inequalities. Our activities were especially well-received during the pandemic, demonstrating the vital role our club plays in our community’s health and well-being. We sought further funding which we hoped would allow us to continue and expand these beneficial programmes.
To guide our initiative, we expanded our Health and Well-being Subcommittee, bringing together a diverse range of community residents and local stakeholders. This ensures that our activities are informed by a wide range of voices and perspectives, reflecting the needs and desires of our community. From October 2023 to March 2024, we delivered a range of activities which addressed health inequalities such as social isolation.
The initiative has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of those involved. Participants reported improvements in their physical health and a reduction in feelings of isolation. The initiative facilitated unexpected connections with other projects and groups, which have been mutually beneficial. For example, the establishment of a local First Responder scheme was influenced by connections made through our yoga groups. The steady increase in participation in activities like yoga indicates that more people feel confident joining new groups and activities. This empowerment to look after their health is a significant achievement.
” The support and networking opportunities provided by this programme have been invaluable. We have gained insights into how our small project fits into the larger picture of community health efforts. It's motivating to see the broader impact of our work, and we are excited to continue learning and growing. We look forward to further community engagement, expanding our activities, and making a lasting positive impact on the health and well-being of our rural women and the wider community.”
