Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The pandemic has posed particular challenges for all of our citizens in terms of their mental health and well-being. As part of our response to these challenges, we have provided guidance and support for people to manage both their physical and mental well-being through public health information campaigns such as our In This Together campaign and through information networks, including key organisations working with vulnerable people.

Following on from the In This Together campaign, in November of last year we launched the Keep Well campaign, which is aimed at supporting our citizens through this difficult winter. Significant funds are being invested into this initiative, with €7 million to support the delivery of a range of actions and support services. The campaign encourages us all to do something that is good for us each day or week, like going for a walk, connecting safely with friends or family, engaging in a hobby or reaching out for the supports that we may need. By doing so, we will create balance, routine and resilience.

The campaign is focused on five main themes, the first of which is keeping activeand being outdoors, even during the winter. Physical activity can be very helpful in improving mood and reducing anxiety, in addition to keeping us all fit and healthy. Sport Ireland is leading a series of initiatives that will support us to keep active and to exercise within our own local areas throughout the winter. In addition, sporting organisations and clubs have been invited to develop ways to support local communities within the public health regulations.

Second, staying connectedwith people, addressing isolation, supporting volunteerism and initiatives that support person-to-person connection is important to our well-being. Isolation of people of all ages is a significant risk during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of tight restrictions on movement and social interaction. The Community Call programme was introduced in the spring to provide local helplines through local authorities for practical supports, information sharing and befriending. As part of the Keep Well campaign, this has been expanded to be proactive, with outreach to potentially isolated persons as the main aim. We are also working with partner organisations, including An Garda Síochána, NGOs and Volunteer Ireland. There is a particular emphasis on identifying and supporting those most at risk of isolation.

Third, switching off and being creative or learning something new, getting back to nature and finding ways to relax can also be really beneficial for general well-being. We also look at the local authorities and libraries, with advice from Creative Ireland, and working with partners at national and local level, we are providing a range of initiatives to support individual and community creativity in the arts, crafting, culture and heritage.

The fourth theme is eating well.By nourishing our bodies and minds, we can develop a better connection between the food we eat and how we feel and positively impact our physical and mental well-being. Bord Bia is providing information and resources to support healthy eating this winter.

The fifth is minding your mood. Under this theme, people can access information on where to go if they need support. This is also linked with the local community helpline to ensure that people can access the help they need. That includes a series of Minding Your Wellbeing online videos, produced by the HSE, which provides an opportunity for people to learn more about key elements of mental well-being such as mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience. Additionally, the Children and Young People's Services Committees in every county across the country are developing and delivering youth-specific campaigns to support young people’s physical and mental health and well-being at this time.

I want to touch briefly on what is being done for homeless people, including those with a dual diagnosis. A further €11 million has been provided for Covid-19 measures in the HSE winter plan and Covid-19 pandemic plan introduced for people who are homeless. This funding will ensure the Covid-19 protective and responsive measures for people who are homeless are continued for all of 2021.

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