Sláintecare Healthy Communities in Mayo launch 2026 calendar
THE Sláintecare Healthy Communities team - a partnership between HSE Health and Wellbeing, Mayo County Council, Mayo North East LEADER Company and The Family Centre, Castlebar – have officially launched their 2026 community calendar at Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet.
This year’s calendar features colourful and creative artwork from children attending local primary schools across the Erris and Achill areas, illustrating what a healthy lifestyle means to them. The artwork reflects themes of physical activity, healthy eating, community connection and wellbeing.
The calendar was officially launched by Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh and Councillor Seán Carey, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, both of whom acknowledged the importance of sustained investment in community-led health and wellbeing initiatives.
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities initiative ensures long-term, continuous investment for the Erris and Achill areas, enabling the delivery of free, evidence-based programmes that support people’s health and wellbeing. The annual calendar has become a trusted way to showcase these programmes and to ensure communities are aware of the supports available locally.
Programmes highlighted in the 2026 calendar include:
* Stop smoking supports
* Healthy Food Made Easy cooking courses
* Social prescribing activities
* Parenting workshops
* Community-based nutrition initiatives, including the development of community gardens
Elaine Prendergast, head of the Health and Wellbeing Division in the HSE West and North West, said: “The calendars are really impressive and provide a wonderful way to share essential information about the free health and wellbeing programmes available to people living in the Erris and Achill areas of County Mayo.”
Paul Gillen, Healthy Communities coordinator, Health and Wellbeing Division, expressed his gratitude and said: “The Sláintecare Healthy Communities team would like to sincerely thank all the students from the local primary schools in the Erris and Achill areas who contributed artwork for the 2026 calendar. The creativity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm shown in each piece of work is truly impressive.
“The students’ illustrations beautifully capture what a healthy lifestyle means to them and reflect the strong sense of community, wellbeing and positivity that exists across the region. Their contribution has played a vital role in bringing this year’s calendar to life, and their efforts are greatly appreciated by all involved.”
The free 2026 Sláintecare Healthy Communities calendars are available from local shops, post offices, health centres and libraries throughout Erris and Achill.
For further information or to request a free calendar, please contact Paul Gillen at (087) 406 6518 or email paul.gillen@hse.ie.