Fran Downey
Bealach Nua Peer Support Worker Chairperson
Ballina Stephenites GAA
About Us
The Mayo GAA Health and Well-being Initiative mirrors the World Health Organisations view that “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” In Mayo the GAA plays a vital role within the community. The GAA is the heart and soul of each community within Mayo and by working together we can each play a part in the promotion of living a positive and healthy lifestyle. As individuals and communities it is important that we look after all aspects of our health, both physical and mental.
We aim to put mental and physical health on an equal playing field in the hope that we can remove any existing stigmas around seeking professional help or support for any health issues or concerns that may arise in our daily lives.
Health and Well-Being Committee 2022
Mags Downey-Martin
Ballina Chamber of Commerce Secretary
Ballina Stephenites GAA
Peadar Gardiner
Mindspace Mayo
Crossmolina Deelrovers GAA
Lianne McManamon
Mayo Mental Health Association
Castlebar Mitchells LGFA
Pat Conway
Health Promotion & Improvement HSE
Westport GAA
Deirdre Donnelly
Mayo Sports Partnership
Ballintubber GAA
Pat O’Donnell
Croí
Westport GAA
Micheal Durcan
Western Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force
Ballinrobe GAA
Laurence Gaughan
Healthy Ireland HSE
Castlebar GAA
Neil Sheridan
Mayo County Council
Balla GAA
Delia Rattigan
Childrens Officer Mayo GAA
Breaffy GAA
Noreen Johnston
Peer Support
Kilmeena GAA
Toni Bourke
Peer Support
Breaffy GAA
Caroline Mahon
Peer Support
Hollymount/Carramore GAA
Lisa MaCann
Peer Support
Ballyhaunis GAA
Our Mission
Mayo GAA is committed to promoting health and wellbeing throughout our memberships, our clubs and our communities. We will achieve this through the provision of information, initiatives, and campaigns to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Areas of work include:
Our Vision
To lead out in the promotion of the health and wellbeing needs of our communities through the provision of information and various initiatives and campaigns for people of all ages. To be committed to the development of people of all ages in leading a positive and healthy lifestyle.
We will support any clubs within the County that are engaged in the Healthy Clubs Project, including the GAA Social Initiative for older members which promotes inclusion and integration.
We will also ensure the provision of a Critical Incident Response Plan (CIRP) both with our clubs and at a County Level.
Critical Incident Response Plan
Information & Support
Critical incident planning is the process of responding to a situation or critical incident by following 5 Key Principles during any crisis situation or critical incident.
- Promote a sense of safety
- Promote a sense of calm
- Promote a sense of self-efficacy and collective efficacy (i.e. the capacity to deal with the situation)
- Promote connectedness
- Promote hope
What is a critical Incident
A critical incident is defined as a situation that overwhelms one’s natural capacity to respond. These are as broad and varied in their nature as any situation that can befall any individual, club, or community.
Defining a critical incident
A critical incident is any event that is outside the range of usual human experience. It is an event that causes an unusually intense stress reaction which has the emotional power to overwhelm an individual’s usual ability to cope. It may impede people’s coping mechanisms immediately or in the future following the event. (GPA/GAA guidelines, 2014.)
Examples of some critical incidents may include
- Death or serious injury on or off the playing field
- Exposure to the aftermath of a road traffic accident e.g. the accident scene, the victim(s)
- Personal loss or injury, real or threatened to a child or adult
- Being violently threatened • Close encounter with death
- Suicide of a club member (this tragic situation can cause extreme distress and confusion for everyone involved. Guidelines developed by professional services highlighting the most appropriate responses following a death by suicide by sporting organisations are available. Some of this information has been included in a special section on suicide in the Appendix section of this resource.)
- A situation with excessive media interest • A natural disaster or act of God
- Other incidents not covered above but which are associated with unusually strong emotional reactions.
Useful Contacts
Mental Health Association
Mayo Mental Health Association offers a confidential signposting service for people in the community who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.
T: 094 9028148
Mindspace
Mindspace Mayo is a free and confidential support service for young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Mindspace’s aim is to support young people aged between 15 – 25.
T: 094 9067001
Samaritans
50808
50808 is a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support.
HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline
HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline
T: 1800 459 459
W: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/
Pieta House
Pieta House provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. Free 24 Hour Support.
Freephone 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444
Bodywhys
Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, is the national voluntary organisation supporting people affected by eating disorders.
Helpline: 01 2107906
W: https://www.bodywhys.ie/recovery-support-treatment/support-services-2/
Childline
Confidential support service for children aged up to 18 years old.
T: 1800 66 66 66 or Text 50101
HSE Quit Smoking Service
Do you want to stop smoking?
For support, or to find out more, contact your local advisor.
Tel: 091 737262 Email: Quitsmoking.west@hse.ie Quit smoking – HSE.ie
