A NEW campaign encouraging Limerick’s people and communities to take up a new activity which could help them feel better and healthier aims to help people stay connected, active, and take care of their mental health Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell has said.
The #InThisTogether campaign, which started on Friday, April 24, encourages people and communities in Limerick to take up a new activity which could help them feel better and healthier as we deal with the current pandemic.
Deputy Kieran O’Donnell acknowledged COVID-19 has had a “dramatic effect on the country” changing the way people go about their daily lives as people work remotely, caring for family and the elderly “as we all pull together to save lives and protect our loved ones”.
The Fine Gael TD said it is “imperative” that people look after themselves as the economy and local business have been “hit hard with many people losing their jobs during the pandemic”.
He said, “Therefore, it is imperative that we look after ourselves and I welcome the launch of this invaluable campaign which offers resources for people of all ages as they cope with Covid-19.
“In this Together will offer regular videos, ideas, and activities that Limerick people can take up, which will be promoted on social media and other forums. The information will be available on gov.ie/Together, on television, radio and newspapers. Local initiatives can also be found on the website of Limerick City and County Council.
The initiative offers a huge range of activities that Limerick people can pursue at home by themselves or with neighbours and family members or friends online. Some of the highlights include:
· A Let’s Play Ireland initiative to encourage playtime for children, with online resources for storytelling, playful learning, and Play for Play’s Sake coming online;
· Every home can take part in a virtual Bloom At Home where well-known gardeners, Show Garden designers and Bord Bia Bloom staff will share their advice and tips throughout May, encouraging people to prepare their own plants and gardens, balconies and window boxes for a national celebration. This will culminate in a final virtual Bloom Day showcasing the nation’s efforts.
· Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which attracted 750,000 visitors in 2019, will be reimagined as a digital and virtual Fleadh for 2020. TG4 is partnering with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to deliver this special 2020 event;
· Live concerts over the internet and social media through #IrelandPerforms;
· Motivational exercise videos for people of all ages from Irish athletes;
· Music-making initiatives for young people;
· Online classes in dance, meditation, and movement;
· Virtual classes in traditional skills like weaving, printing, basket making, jewellery, ceramics;
· Educational tutorials for young people including learning an Irish-language song, or making your own podcast;
· Thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks that you can access at home;
· Activities for young people from Gaisce, Foroige and Comhairle na nÓg;
· Walking challenges to encourage people to exercise in their locality.
Launching the campaign, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sai, “We all need to stay physically active, stay connected with friends and family, and look after our mental health. So we are launching In This Together to encourage everyone to look after themselves.
“We’re in this together and we will come out of it together too. So let’s set ourselves the target to do something each day to make us feel a little healthier and a little happier.”
The campaign includes a new suite of resources for children and parents including entertaining children at home, creating a daily routine, mindfulness and cooking and advice on healthy diets.
Online advice will be launched next week for Leaving Certificate students with up to date information on this year’s exams, and details of practical and psychological supports currently available, as part of a broad package of supports for Leaving Certificate students.
Health Minister Simon Harris said: “Our wellbeing goes beyond our physical health. Now more than ever, we need to be there for each other. Whether that be through group exercise classes, or through educational supports, video calling your family, we must do everything we can to protect our health – mental and physical. Supports are available and our health service is there for you.”
