New wellbeing boards launched across Mayo GAA clubs

MENTAL Health Ireland, in collaboration with Healthy Mayo, a Mayo County Council initiative, and Mayo GAA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, has announced the roll-out of new wellbeing boards across GAA clubs throughout Mayo.

The boards are designed to support mental health and wellbeing by providing easily accessible information and resources to individuals and communities.

Each wellbeing board features both local and national contact information for mental health support, presented in a clear and easy-to-read business card format. The boards also include practical wellbeing tips inspired by the internationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give - encouraging individuals to take small, daily actions that promote positive mental health.

In addition to printed resources, the boards are equipped with QR codes linking to online tools such as interactive health assessments and more detailed mental health content, ensuring that users have access to a broader range of supports and information at their fingertips.

Chairperson of Mayo GAA County Board Seamus Tuohy, who actively encourages continued support to clubs around mental health promotion initiatives, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend our support for clubs in making resources like this available. The GAA as an organisation is respected throughout the county and we have a responsibility to the communities we serve.”

“The introduction of these wellbeing boards marks a vital step in creating supportive and inclusive environments for our members,” said Fran Downey, chairperson of Mayo GAA Health and Wellbeing. “They reflect our ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness, not just on the pitch but within our wider communities.

“We are proud to collaborate with Mental Health Ireland and Healthy Mayo in this important initiative.”

Joanne Grehan, director of services, for Mayo County Council: "The wellbeing information board initiative is a powerful reflection of Mayo County Council’s commitment to building resilient communities and making sure those communities are supported. These boards are more than signage, they are visible, everyday reminders that support is available and that mental health and wellbeing matters.

“Furthermore, inclusion and collaboration is at the heart of how we design our services, and we would like to thank all our partners, especially Mayo GAA and Mental Health Ireland, for their support in making this initiative possible.”

“We’re really proud of how the wellbeing boards have come to life through true collaboration. Working alongside Elmer from Mayo County Council and with community support, we designed these boards to be inclusive, accessible, and genuinely helpful to everyone.

“They’re all about offering credible signposting and making sure people know they’re not alone - support is out there and within reach,” said Teresa Keane, development officer for Mayo and Roscommon, Mental Health Ireland.

Originally launched in 2012 by the Tullamore Mental Health Association in partnership with Offaly GAA, the Health and Wellbeing Board initiative has grown substantially over the past

decade. Today, more than 250 boards are installed nationwide in diverse settings including secondary schools, health centres, libraries, colleges, golf and rugby clubs, and GAA facilities.

This collaboration demonstrates a continued dedication to embedding mental health awareness and support into the heart of Irish community life.

The information boards will be on display in GAA clubs in the coming weeks.