All About Cork: Six-week course for the care of chronic illness

Health and Wellbeing HSE South West, in collaboration with the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF), has announced the return of the Living Well programme.

This is a free, six–week group self-management programme for adults with chronic or long-term health conditions.

A long-term health condition can be treated and managed, but not cured.

Examples include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart conditions, stroke, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.

The partnership brings this empowering self-management programme back in to communities across Cork and Kerry. One of the communities that will benefit from the programme is Knockanheeny/Hollyhill.

Over six weeks, participants develop practical skills and confidence to better manage their health condition.

Living Well complements regular treatment and structured patient education programmes, which people receive from their healthcare team.

Key features of the programme include weekly, 2.5-hour workshops for six weeks, in-person and online, facilitators with lived experience and peer support, and a dedicated self-management book for participants.

Locally, the programme will take place at Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Community Garden, Cork, from September 9 to October 14, from 10:30am to 1pm.

Welcoming the renewed collaboration between HSE South West and FRCNF, Maeve Carmody, HSE self-management support co-ordinator, said: “The return of the Living Well programme reflects our commitment to accessible, community-based support for people managing chronic conditions and the HSE South West’s recognition of the importance of supporting people to self-manage.”

Meanwhile, joining the initiative is Gemma Kingston, the newly appointed living well co-ordinator with the FRCNF.

Gemma brings extensive experience in mental health recovery and holistic wellbeing, adding valuable insight and care to the programme’s delivery.

There are also programmes in Cork city at Union House, St Finbarr’s Hospital, from September 8 to October 13, from 10:30am to 1pm, and at Westfield Integrated Care Centre, Ballincollig, from November 3 to December 8, from 10:30am to 1pm.

Two online programmes will also take place, the first from September 15 to October 20, from 7pm to 9:30pm, and another from November 4 to December 9, from 10am to 12:30pm.

To self-refer or learn more about this free programme, contact Gemma Kingston at gemmakingston@familyresource.ie or call 083 149 8593.

Visit www.hse.ie/livingwell to explore the Living Well Programme.

Summer camp spots

Next week’s Summer Activity Camp at LeisureWorld Churchfield is still available to book.

Children can enjoy action-packed days filled with outdoor games, water fun, treasure hunts and storytelling.

The Churchfield camp runs August 11-15 from Monday–Friday, 9am to 3pm, for children aged from 5 to 10.

To book your spot, email info@leisureworldcork.com and someone will call you right back.

Otherwise, you can go to the following link and select the dates you are interested in: https://bit.ly/42Ni2KJ

There are just a handful of spaces left for next week’s camp.

Cork film premieres at Mahon

Performers from The Kabin Studio were among those on the red carpet at Omniplex, Mahon Point, for the premiere of Cork director Brendan Canty’s film Christy, this week.

The film won the best Irish feature film accolade at the Galway Film Fleadh.

The film is largely set in Knocknaheeny, and features two estranged brothers with chequered childhoods in the care system. They suddenly find themselves living under the same roof and must reconcile their pasts and make decisions about the future.

The film stars breakout talent Danny Power ( The Young Offenders) and Diarmuid Noyes ( Pure Mule, Five Minutes of Heaven), Emma Willis ( Vikings, The Young Offenders, Dating Amber), Alison Oliver ( Saltburn, Conversations With Friends), Chris Walley ( Bodkin, The Young Offenders), and Helen Behan ( The Virtues).

The film also features members of The Kabin Studio, the community arts collective known for its work in hip-hop and spoken word.

Spaces available on pregnancy yoga course

There are a few places still available on a pregnancy yoga course for expectant moms looking for some calm, connection, and self-care.

Let’s Grow Together Infant and Childhood Partnerships CLG’s Pregnancy Yoga course starts on Tuesday, August 12, in Knocknaheeny.

This gentle five-week course is the perfect way to bond with your baby, relax your body and mind, meet other local moms-to-be, and take time just for you.

If you’re living in Cork City Northwest, joining this course could also open the door to ongoing support and groups until your child turns four – all through Let’s Grow Together.

It’s not too late to register.

Email: info@letsgrowtogether.ie; text Carol: 086 811 9481; or sign up via: https://forms.office.com/e/GM0qHBg8J4.

Kabin Crew perform at premiere of Christy

Events for Cork on a Fork

This coming week sees the Cork on a Fork Festival take place.

There are a wide range of events on across the city, however, there are also a number of free events, some of which are taking place locally.

On Thursday, August 14, at 2pm, people are invited to come along to learn how to ‘Plan Nutritious Meals’.

The aim of this talk is to learn practical tips on how to create balanced and nutritious meals, with plenty of suggestions for delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas that you can make at home.

It takes place at the Blarney Village GAA Hall, T23 KP73. This event is free with no booking required.

From 12.30pm – 4pm, on Wednesday, August 13, at Knocknaheeny Hollyhill Community Garden, NICHE Health Project will host a special open garden party. Open to everyone, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cob oven pizza and refreshing drinks. Plus, enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful garden and some music. A perfect family outing!

This event is free with no booking required. Donations are welcome.

Friendly Call volunteers needed to tackle loneliness

If you can spare a couple of hours a week and would like to tackle loneliness and isolation, please contact Fiona/Jackie at friendlycall@partnershipcork.ie or call to their office in Parochial Hall, 114 Knockfree Avenue, Churchfield, Cork.

Courses in Cork College of FET Knocknaheeny

The Cork College of Further Education and Training (FET) in Knocknaheeny are getting ready to reopen their door again in September.

Classes start on Monday September 8.

There are a range of courses available including: sewing, catering, english, beauty therapy, and computer literacy.

Registrations are open on www.fetchcourses.ie or contact Kirsten at 086 1074204.