A WEEK-long Pledge for Health initiative is beginning today as part of LINC’s Health Week 2019.

LINC (Lesbians in Cork) is a community organisation which has been advocating and acting on behalf of Lesbian and Bisexual women for the last 20 years.

During Health Week, workshops, information seminars and well-being initiatives targeting all elements of women’s health including physical, sexual, mental and medical health and social and emotional wellbeing.

Cork Ladies Footballer Valerie Mulcahy launched the event at LINC’s premises in White Street. It was attended by former senator and Green Party member, Dan Boyle, HSE Principal Community Worker Eleanor Moore, and HSE Social Inclusion Specialist Rebecca Loughry alongside members of the community.

Pledge for Health asks participants to take up daily physical challenges and undertake mindfulness tasks culminating in a commitment to a six-week course of sport, mindfulness or dance.

Other events include body positivity, managing stress, sexual health checks, yoga, pilates, and a broad range of social activities. There will also be a slimming world information seminar and a women’s health seminar with Lynn Swinburn from the Breast Check clinic.

“Physical health goes hand in hand with good mental health, good diet and nutrition supports physical and medical health and connection and community directly supports emotional wellbeing”, said LINC community health worker Ciara Mulcahy.

She described LINC’s aim as “taking on all aspects of women’s health and providing resources and space to improve overall community wellbeing.” LINC research from 2006 has shown that lesbians are at a higher risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome, heart disease, drug and alcohol abuse, and general psychological distress.

The report states that international research indicates that lesbian, bisexual, and gay youth comprise up to 30% of completed youth suicides, and are up to three times more likely to attempt suicide.