Tipperary PPN
October Newsletter 2025
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Tipperary Public Participation Network at the 2025 National Public Participation Network Conference
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Tipperary Public Participation Network was busy at the latest national Public Participation Network conference, held in Trim, Co. Meath this month.
The Minister of State at the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht attended, as the funders of all the 31 PPNs in Ireland. He was happy to receive a copy of the recently launched report, Community Resilience for Times of Emergency (see photos above). This report came from a national Public Participation Network event in Port Laois in July, where much discussion was had, and experiences were shared from around the country around recent extreme weather events. The report has recommendations as to what part PPNs can play to support better communications on the ground, and enhance community resilience.
To read the full report, please click on the link: https://www.ppntipperary.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/National-PPN-Report-Building-Community-Resilience-for-Times-of-Emergency-Digital-Oct-25.pdf
Ruth also presented our ongoing county community mapping project, The Power of Place & People, at a workshop on the last day of the conference, along with Fiona Crotty, a well-loved Tipperary County Council staff member, as they are full partners in the project. The workshop was well-attended and well received, with over 20 PPNs wanting to know more and how to replicate the much-needed mapping of their registered community groups.
The project results help to support PPNs in so many ways, from identifying gaps in training, community hubs for emergency responses and what facilities are out there, to getting out and meeting the groups, and really appreciating the fantastic work you are all doing in Co. Tipperary!
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Charles Stanley Smith (Tipperary PPN Secretariat), Ruth Smith (Tipperary PPN), Fiona Crotty (Tipperary County Council), Mary McLoughney (Tipperary County Council) & Sharon Melbourne (Tipperary PPN)
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Ruth Smith (Tipperary PPN) speaks to Minister of State is Jerry Buttimer about Building Community Resilience for Times of Emergency National PPN Report
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Majella Moore (Laois PPN), Charles Stanley Smith (Tipperary PPN Secretariat), Mary Mc Keon (Leitrim PPN), Dan Bergin (Laois PPN), Minister Jerry Buttimer, Ruth Smith (Tipperary PPN) & Sharon Melbourne (Tipperary PPN)
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County Climate Action Week Event with the Community Climate Coaches (CCCs ) at Cabragh!
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All the C’s came together last weekend for a friendly and energized event as part of the An Taisc national Climate Action Week.
The county event was generously funded by Tipperary County Council. There were stands and stories from CCCs, such as Neil Dennehy, the BeWell entrepreneur and CCC, Sean O’Farrell, N. Tipperary bio-farmer, Tom Callery, Kilsheelan TidyTowns, Theresia Gruschlbauer from Clonmel’s Circular Square and of course, Cabragh Wetlands own Michael Long. All storytellers are Tipperary CCCs.
From Ballymun in Dublin, the renowned national circular economy project, the Rediscovery Centre, Nora Maddock came to give their story from a much more urban perspective on recycling, repairing and reusing. Nora thoroughly enjoyed learning about what is happening in our more rural county from the large number of people that attended. Many were from local Tidy Towns and other Tipperary Public Participation Network-registered community groups.
The local ecologist, Gerry Tobin, took everyone on a damp, but well-informed walk around the amazing grounds of Cabragh.
Davie Phillip, from Cloughjordan Ecovillage and Tipperary PPN’s coordinator, Ruth Smith, co-facilitated the day and the conversations that were had on the strengths we have around our county and how to move forward on getting stronger in our response to the environmental challenges, and how to increase our communities’ wellbeing and resilience in those challenges.
The impacts, and the support needed to reduce those impacts, all link up to the report in the above piece on Community Resilience for Times of Emergency.
The feedback was that it was a thought-provoking event and a great networking opportunity, to be repeated soon. Maybe you might join us next time?
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Destination Development Programming Support 2025
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The Destination Development Programming Support 2025 is now open for Ireland based tour operators to apply for.
The Business Development Team in Fáilte Ireland strives to support travel trade in Ireland to sustainably grow their revenue in support of our corporate priorities, of regional distribution of Ireland’s tourism business and season extension of that business. This includes supporting new programming for business across our four programme brand areas (Wild Atlantic Way, Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands), and extending the tourism season.
The Destination Development Programming Support is focused on:
- The creation of new programmes for Ireland
- Support establishing Ireland as a leading sustainable tourism destination
- Supporting the tourism industry in achieving government targets for carbon emissions and energy efficiency by 2030
- Driving regional distribution of business, supporting a sustainable visitor economy that drives revenue into local areas across our four programme brands
- Driving season extension of business across our four programme brands
To express your interest please contact: Businessdevelopment@failteireland.ie
Closing date for all applications is Thursday 30th October 2025
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Erkina Solar Project – Community Benefit Fund
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Soleire Renewables is proud to launch the Erkina Solar Project Community Benefit Fund, which will deliver valuable funding over a 15-year period to support initiatives led by local community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises in the area.
The Fund aims to deliver positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes for the local community. To support this, M-CO has been appointed by Soleire Renewables to administer the Fund and lead local engagement.
Come Along to Soleire Renewables Community Consultation Tuesday 18th November in Lismackin Hall, E53 Y589 from 7.00pm – 8:30pm to find out more about the Fund, share your ideas, and learn how your community can benefit.
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Theatre Project Award 2026
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The objective of Strands 1 and 2 of the Theatre Project Award is to support the development, generation, and creation of theatre. The award is open to professional artists and organisations with a demonstrable track record in theatre practice, in collaboration with artists and/or in partnership with existing theatre organisations, arts centres or festivals, where that partnership is additional to, and separate from, that organisation’s core activity.
The Theatre Project Award Round 2 is offered across two strands, as follows:
- Strand 1: Play Development – The amount available under Strand 1 is up to €15,000
- Strand 2: Theatre Creation – The amount available under Strand 2 is up to €26,000.
Closing date for application Thursday 20th November 2025 at 5:30 pm
For more information and to apply visit https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/theatre-project-award-round-2/
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Festivals Investment Scheme
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The Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences. It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.
There are 3 bands under which to apply:
- Band A – for awards up to €10,000
- Band B – for awards of €10,001–€25,000
- Band C – for awards of €25,001–€45,000
Round 2 is open to organisations resident in the Republic of Ireland promoting festivals with a clear artistic purpose and which commence between 1 July and 31 December 2026. An organisation may make only one application under the Festivals Investment Scheme in a year (i.e. one application in one band per calendar year).
Closing date for application Thursday 20th November 2025 at 5:30 pm
For more information and to apply visit https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/festivals-investment-scheme-round-2
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Tipperary County Council Community Climate Action Fund
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Tipperary County Council Climate Action Office is delighted to announce the allocation of €700,000 to assist community projects in the county called the Community Climate Action Fund funded by the Department of Climate, Energy & Environment. This fund is to help local communities do their part to help Ireland transition to carbon-neutral status.
Why the Community Climate Action Fund exists
Ireland is aiming to become a climate neutral economy and resilient society by 2050 with at least 55% by 2023. Becoming a climate resilient society will help us to cope with the impacts of a changing climate.
Who can apply
Community Groups must be a not-for-profit organisation, must be located in the operational area of Tipperary County Council and registered with Tipperary PPN.
No match funding is required (100% funded).
There are Five themes for this fund Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and Recycling (Circular Economy) and Local Climate and Environment Action (Biodiversity/Pollinators)
and Three levels of funding
Small Scale Projects – €20,000 or less
Medium Scale Projects – between €21,000 to €50,000
Large Scale Projects – between €51,000 to €100,000
The application must be sent made by email to communityfund@tipperarycoco.ie
Closing date for applications is Monday 1st December 2025
Please find the application form and guideline for the fund below.
For more information and questions visit https://www.tipperarycoco.ie/sites/default/files/2025-10/CCAF%20-%20STATE%20AID%20DECLARATION.pdf or email communityfund@tipperarycoco.ie before Wednesday 26th November 2025 at 1pm.
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Experience of Inclusion and Racism in Tipperary Survey
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Affordable Housing Survey
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Tipperary County Council, in accordance with “Housing for All”, is actively working on developing affordable housing over the coming years. The purpose of an affordable housing scheme is to provide houses at a reduced price for eligible applicants. The Council wishes to establish the level of interest in County Tipperary for affordable dwellings.
The information will be used to inform the Council on the level of demand and locations for affordable houses and the house prices that people can afford. This will aid in designing a scheme with the right type of homes, at the locations and price points that suit peoples needs. Availability of any affordable housing schemes progressed by the Council in the future will be advertised separately, and there will be a formal application process when these schemes are ready for occupation.
For more information and to complete the survey visit Affordable Housing Survey | Tipperary County Council
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Nature Restoration Law – Community Conversations
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Following the IEN (Irish Environmental Network) webinar on the Nature Restoration Law, we are getting in touch with details of the Community Conversations taking place.
These gatherings are a chance for people to share their hopes, their concerns, and any ideas they would like included, so that communities are represented. They are not specific to each county, so please attend any that you like. Please share with your community and local groups.
Help shape Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan. This is more than consultation. It’s an opportunity to ensure policies reflect the realities of communities, while deepening our collective connection to the natural world.
Tuesday 28th October from 6pm to 8pm in Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
Thursday 30th October from 6pm to 8pm in The Spark Coop at Dalymount Park, Phibsboro, Co. Dublin
Full details available at www.restorenature.ie/get-involved
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Consultation on the development of Ireland’s Social Climate Plan
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The aim of this consultation is to gather stakeholder feedback to support the development of Ireland’s Social Climate Plan.
The Social Climate Fund is the first EU fund developed with the explicit purpose of alleviating potential energy and transport poverty occurring from the transition towards clean mobility and a decarbonised built environment.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) is currently developing a national Social Climate Plan which will set out measures to be co-financed from the EU Social Climate Fund over the period 2026 to 2032.
For more information and to complete the survey visit https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/consultations/consultation-on-the-development-of-irelands-social-climate-plan/
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Balancing Stress – Practical Skills to Cope With Stress
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The HSE has developed a free, easy-to-access online programme called ‘Balancing Stress’ to support people across Ireland in managing everyday mental difficulties such as stress, anxiety, low mood and worry.
The Balancing Stress programme offers six online video sessions (each around 35 minutes) covering key topics including managing stress, worry, anxiety, low mood, and relationship stress. This online programme offers people evidence-based tools to manage stress effectively and enhance their mental wellbeing.
The programme is delivered by Dr Niamh Clarke, HSE Principal Psychologist, and features expert interviews with Professor Alan Carr, UCD School of Clinical Psychology.
You can watch the videos at your own pace, on your own time, using a phone, tablet or laptop. To take part visit www.hse.ie/balancingstress
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Free Webinars for Parents
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Tipperary parents hub is hosting a series of webinars in the upcoming months covering a range of popular topics for parents. Join experts in the field on the following dates
- Wednesday 19th November from 7pm – 8:30pm – Impact of Technology on Child Mental Health with Dr. Coleman Noctor
- Wednesday 10th December from 7pm – 8:30pm – Psychological Happiness with Patricia Allen-Garrett
- Wednesday 14th January from 7pm – 8:30pm – Emotional Happiness with Patricia Allen-Garrett
For more information visit https://tipperaryparenthub.ie/events/
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Let’s Talk About Suicide is a free, online, suicide prevention training programme that can help you to keep others safe from suicide. You can learn how to identify people might be at risk of suicide, confidently ask them about it, and connect them with resources to help them stay safe.
Who is this programme for?
Let’s Talk About Suicide is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 years old, who wants to learn basic suicide prevention skills. It is recommended that anyone recently bereaved, wait at least 12 months before completing this programme. You do not need to complete any training before Let’s Talk About Suicide – in fact, it is a helpful introduction to the topic for anyone considering completing more advanced training in the future.
What will I learn from this programme?
Let’s Talk About Suicide will help you to:
- Recognise the signs that a person may be thinking about suicide.
- Confidently engage with them and speak openly about suicide.
- Let the person know what organisations, people can help.
- Practice self-care after having a conversation with a person having thoughts of suicide.
For more information and to take part in the course visit https://traininghub.nosp.ie/
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Literacy Opens Doors Series
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Literacy opens doors is NALA’s (National adult literacy agency) series for the community and voluntary sector. NALA have a brilliant range of speakers lined up from organisations across the sector. These include SAOL Project, Laois Traveller Action Group and Deonach. Each webinar will highlight practical tips and inspiring projects across Ireland to spark ideas and strengthen your work in the community.
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Tipperary Sports Club Support Package 2025
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Tipperary Sports Partnership is facilitating a Coach Education Programme to enable sports clubs in Tipperary to gain easier access to relevant training courses that will benefit their coaches.
This package will consist of a series of 4 workshops, 2 will be delivered online via zoom on Wednesdays the 12th and 19th of November and 2 will be delivered in-person on Wednesdays 5th and 26th of November in the TUS Thurles Campus.
When a club registers for the package they can choose to send the same coach/club member to all 4 workshops or alternatively different club members can attend individual workshops also. This package is heavily subsidized and is an exciting opportunity for Tipperary Clubs. Costing €40 plus booking fee however, there is a limit of two tickets per club.
It will take place every Wednesday evening in November from 7.30pm to 9pm.
- Workshop 1 – November 5th – Use of Stats and Data Information in Sports (In Person) – with Dr. Damien Young
- Workshop 2 – November 12th – Nutrition for Sports Clubs (online zoom) – with Aaron Grant
- Workshop 3 – November 19th – Strength and Conditioning for Sports Clubs (In Person) – with Padraig Roche
- Workshop 4 – November 26th – Sports Psychology (online zoom) – with Dr. Marion Geary
Booking and further information is available through this link https://www.tipperarycoco.ie/leisure-and-recreation/tipperary-sports-partnership-latest-news/2025/tipperary-sports-club-support
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Field Exchange festival 2025
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Field Exchange festival 2025 ‘exceeded expectations’ as farmers, artists and activists come together to celebrate local food and sustainable agriculture. To everyone who made the Field Exchange festival, such a success last month, thank you! To the farmers, artists, agricultural experts, designers, craftspeople, agroforestry, and food producers, the three-day event exceeded all our expectations.
To remind us what happened on this special weekend: we kicked off with the Fields of Possibility Symposium on Friday, September 5, with contributions from speakers including author Anja Murray, journalist and chef Janine Kennedy, and the Artistic Director of the Nenagh Arts Centre Trish Taylor Thompson.
Attendees heard about the benefits of agroecology, agroforestry and how creative approaches to agriculture can be the catalyst for producing thriving rural communities with a deep connection to land and place.
Artist Gerardine Wisdom opened her Dexter bull sculpture made from Lough Derg rushes, specially commissioned for the Field Exchange festival. Esther from Elements of Action and DSWAI unveiled their dry stone bench with a view. Festivalgoers were later treated to a spoken word and musical performance from The Company of Trees Saturday, September 6, celebrated craft and sustainable farming workshops, a sensory farm walk, and agroforestry demonstration by the Irish Agroforestry Ireland Forum. Among the stalls showcasing a range of delicious local foods and handmade crafts, there was also a dry stone walling demonstration from the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland before another performance from The Company of Trees.
On the final day, Sunday, September 7, acclaimed chef Valentine Warner displayed his peerless culinary skills by leading preparations for the Field Exchange Celebration Lunch. Collaborating with Tipperary Food Producers’ Network, Valentine prepared a mouth-watering lunch from local produce.
Field Exchange was one of 43 Creative Climate Action Fund projects taking place across the country. The projects work with communities using creativity to envision a better future and empower people to make real changes about how they interact with the environment.
For more information check out the media articles here: https://storylab.coveragebook.com/b/02740c2a3cffa51b
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The Way Home: An Illustrated Storybook for Children Navigating Traumatic Loss
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No child should be left alone in the dark at one of the saddest times in their lives. When children face grief, their questions are often bigger than the answers. One of the most painful is: “If they loved me so much, why did they leave me?”
Clinical Psychologist and mother Dr. Trudy Meehan wrote The Way Home to help families begin answering these questions. Inspired by her personal experience after her daughter’s father died by suicide, the book uses the gentle metaphor of an astronaut lost in space – whose hope is too small and pain too big – to show how sometimes pain can be stronger than love. “A tender beautiful story showing us that even when we feel lost in the darkness, love can still find us” Prof. Ciaran O’ Boyle, Emeritus Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Illustrated by Fergal O’Connor, the story creates a safe space where children can see their experiences represented, feel less stigmatised, and open conversations with the adults who support them. “Children need stories where they can see themselves, where their sadness is acknowledged and they are reminded they are not alone. The Way Home is that story.” – Dr. Trudy Meehan
Key Features
- Provides language for difficult “why” questions after loss.
- Offers metaphors that comfort children and adults.
- Creates opportunities for conversation and connection.
- Reminds us that even in the hardest moments, love can guide us home.
- Allows young people to choose their own ending, giving a sense of control.
Community Support
The Way Home was made possible through the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation, Creative Ireland, GoFundMe donors, the Castlebridge Primary School community, and the Natural Health Store in Wexford.
Print edition: www.thewayhome.ie | Free download: RCSI Repository | TEDx Talk: Watch here
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HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report 2024
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The HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report 2024 was launched by our former National Director, Dr. Philip Crowley in early September. Inside, you’ll find details on our key work, ongoing initiatives, and a range of resources and publications developed last year. You can view and download it here: HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report for 2024.
The Report was launched via a webinar, which included discussions and short videos from across our national and regional teams. You can watch it back here.
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National Physical Activity Framework 2024–2040 Launched
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Ireland’s National Physical Activity Framework 2024–2040 was launched recently and sets out a clear ambition: to make regular movement a normal part of daily life and position Ireland as Europe’s most physically active nation by 2040.
Built on the progress of the 2016 plan, the new Framework strengthens cross‑sector collaboration and focuses on practical, measurable action. The first of three action plans is published, providing a structured pathway to deliver change across communities, workplaces, and services.
The Framework concentrates improvement across eight priority areas: Active Travel, Active Urban Design, Healthcare, Public Education, including mass media, Sport and Recreation for All, Workplaces and Community‑wide programmes
Healthy Ireland recognises physical activity as a cornerstone of population health. This approach supports people to be active in ways that fit their needs, circumstances, and interests, with a focus on equity and access.
Delivery will centre on:
- Removing barriers to participation and helping people identify solutions
- Enhancing cooperation at national, local, and community level
- Creating supportive environments where activity is the norm
- Promoting good practice and new participation models to reach more people
For more information https://hsehealthandwellbeingnews.com/national-physical-activity-framework-2024-2040-launched/
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Join us for a fun, supportive 2-week health promotion challenge designed for LGBTQ+ people of all fitness levels!
Starting Monday, November 17th, we’ll walk, move and connect together through:
- A walking challenge to boost your wellbeing
- Daily prompts and motivation to keep you inspired
- Connection in a private WhatsApp group for encouragement, sharing and community
- Everyone who takes part will be entered into a draw for a €100 Decathlon Voucher!
We’ll wrap up the challenge with an in-person celebration on Sunday, November 30th, featuring a group physical activity in Limerick or Nenagh (location TBC – input from participants will be welcomed), followed by coffee and cake – because movement and joy go hand in hand!
Walking challenge:
To make the walking element as accessible as possible we are recommending the following targets:
- 3000 steps per day if you are currently inactive.
- 7000 steps per day if you are somewhat active already.
- 10,000 steps per day if you are already fairly active.
Come as you are, move at your own pace and connect with others in a welcoming, inclusive space.
To join visit https://www.geektickets.ie/events/135494?language=en
If you have any questions email karina@kmurray.ie.
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Age Friendly Ireland Newsletter
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Changing Ireland Newsletter
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Mental Health Awareness Magazine
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Farming for Nature Newsletter
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HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report 2024
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HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast
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Jigsaw’s mental health supports for parents/guardians
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Neart is a partnership between Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health and the National Educational Psychological Service/Department of Education.
Jigsaw provides mental health webinars, podcasts and other resources for parents/guardians.
To register for a monthly newsletter or visit https://jigsaw.ie/neart/
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National Men’s Shed Newsletter
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Tipperary Together Newsletter
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Please click here to see the latest newsletter. If you or your community group would like to provide content to the next issue of this newsletter or add your organisation as a group that receives newsletter please email: tipperarytogether@tipperarycoco.ie
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