What Is The Keep Well Campaign ?
The Government Plan for Living with Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2020-21 highlights the important role that individual and community resilience will play in contributing to our ongoing response to Covid-19.
This campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines. It will provide guidelines, information, and tips on how we can make a plan to do things that are good for us everyday.
Our 2020 Catalogue
Full Details of all Kildare Wellbeing initiatives can be found at http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/coronavirusinformation/
Keep Active
Siel Bleu
Is a not for profit organisation who provide life enhancing exercise programmes to older adults and patient groups. Siel Bleu Ireland is the first specific effort to promote exercise among older adults and patient groups in Ireland, with the aim of improving overall wellbeing. They provide at home guide videos & have a Youtube Channel
Slà na Sláinte Walking Routes
Slà na Sláinte, meaning “Path to Healthâ€, is an innovative scheme developed by the Irish Heart Foundation and supported by the HSE and the Irish Sports Council, to encourage people of all ages and abilities to walk for leisure and good health. The Slà na Sláinte Walking Routes are mapped, measured routes which use attractive signage at kilometre intervals on established walking routes to help walkers identify the distance they walk. Click here for a list of Slà na Sláinte routes in County Kildare. Or Check out the Kildare Towpath routes here.
Coillte Walking Trails
Step it out and dive into the great outdoors on one of our magical walks in a beautiful location in Ireland. Whether you are looking for a gentle, forest ramble, or a challenging mountain hike, take your pick. We have an inspiring option to suit you. Our 3,000 kilometres of trails will bring you on unforgettable journeys with breath-taking scenery as a backdrop. Pack the family and a picnic and meander along lush trails in one of our 12 Forest Parks. Check out the map here.
Naas Library Photography Club
Have a camera at home and like to get out and about or to take pictures of the beautiful scenery we have here in Kildare. Then be sure to check out and join Naas Library Photography club where you can share your images and make connections with other like minded individuals. Find out how to join on their Facebook group here or follow along on Kildare Libraries Vimeo Channel here
Allotments
Kildare County Council has Allotments in the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. There are 55 allotments on the site. There are two sizes of allotment available. These are 100 & 150 square metres in size. The allotments are rented on an annual basis. For more information check out the website here.
Playgrounds & Skate Parks
here are several public playgrounds and skate parks in Kildare. Check out the listings for Playgrounds here and for Skate Parks here.
Kildare Sports Partnership
The Sports Partnership have put together fitness leaflets with a handy guide of Home Exercises for Older Adults and an Inclusive Family Circuit Challenge.
You can also access information on activities in K Leisure in Athy, Naas and Newbridge here or visit the Kildare Sports Partnership’s You Tube Channel.
Healthy Ireland At Your Library
The Healthy Ireland at Your Library service is available in all local libraries across the country. So, what does this mean for you? Your Library provides
- Guidance on access to health information
- Books on Health and Wellbeing you can search our catalogue here.
- Large Collections of books on health and wellbeing
- Online Health Information : E-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines.
- Programmes and Events : Talks, discussions and workshops relating to various health and wellbeing topics check out our Vimeo Channel
You will find the Healthy Ireland Booklist here and these book titles can be borrowed from any library in Ireland. For further information contact your local library branch.
For information on how to join the Library and access all these resources check out our Blog here.
Walking Trails Kildare
Now’s the time to make a plan to #KeepWell in the months ahead. Remember there are many things that you can do that make a big difference to how you feel. Keeping active helps to protect both our physical and mental health. Regular exercise such as walking will help us to relax, sleep well and feel better. Exercise helps to reduce stress and boosts our energy levels.
If you want to get some fresh air and exercise, there are some spectacular walks in Kildare to explore. These walks are right on our doorstep.
County Kildare has some of the most beautiful trails in the country, featuring ancient relics and archaeological sites on route. Explore some of these walks for some outdoor activity and exercise.
Killinthomas Woods– Killinthomas Woods is a five-minute drive from Rathangan Village with 10km of space to explore. The walk through the woods starts at the carpark and you can choose to take a short stroll or a long walk. This beautiful space has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Barrow Way– The River Barrow is one of Ireland’s most historical rivers. It is a 200-year-old towpath with flora and fauna spread along its banks. You’ll also see the lovely locks and the stunning old lock-keeper’s cottages. There is an audio guide available, that has stories and information on ancient history of Leinster.
Athy SlÖ This is a 2.5km walk that starts at the courthouse by the River Barrow in Athy. The walk will take you along the river, up the Barrow Path, past St Michael’s Church of Ireland, under the Horse Bridge and Railway Bridge and along the Canal Path. This walk is ideal for just getting out to enjoy the outdoors.
Donadea Forest Park– Donadea Forest Park is located about a 30-minute drive from Kildare Town. This beautiful park has three separate walking trails. The trails range from 1km to 6km. Follow the Lake Walk if you want to take a short walk. It loops around a lake and takes about 30 minutes. The Nature Trail leads through some of the beautiful architecture of the estate and is just under 2km. The Aylmer Walk is a 6km Slà na Sláinte trail which will bring you around the whole park.
Castletown House– Castletown House and its beautiful parklands are steeped in history. This extraordinary place is a fantastic way to discover the great outdoors. The park is free to enter, and it is open all year-round. Here you will get to explore stunning trails, river walks and beautiful lakes and you will see plenty of native flora and fauna.
The Royal Canal Way– This is a beautiful scenic linear walk. You can walk as far and for as long as you want and then you can easily take public transport back to where you started. Along the way you can admire some examples of late-eighteenth century industrial archaeology including the Ryewater Aquaduct which takes the canal high over the Rye river.
The Kildare Monastic Trail– The Kildare Monastic Trail is nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East and is at the heart of Christianity origins in Ireland. This beautiful 92km trail stretches from Castledermot to Oughterard near Straffan. Along the way you will see the ruins of ancient monasteries, relic round towers and weathered high crosses. You can download a free audio guide to help you explore the ancient monastic history of Ireland.
Kildare Tidy Towns Nature Project
What do you need to do?
Just follow Kildare Town Tidy Towns on Facebook and we will let you know where you can
collect your own pack !
What’s next?
Each month we will bring you a new creative project and supply you with the materials you need to get started. We will then give you a link to our online video demonstration so you can be creative in your own home. Some projects will require you to get outside and do a bit of your own foraging and we will be there every step of the way to help you on your rediscovery of nature. Here is a small description of what we have coming up…
December
Christmas Creative Workshops- Using natural materials design and create your own Christmas Logs and Wreaths.
January
Plant A Native Tree- Add biodiversity to your garden and help with carbon sequestering!!
Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Oak, Birch and Rowan.
Garden Bird Survey – from Birdwatch Ireland
Receive a seed pack and a bird identification pack and be included in this national survey.
February
Make your own St. Brigid’s Crosses -Connect with your ancient heritage and learn two types of St.Brigid’s Crosses the Trinity and the Square types.
March
2 x Foraging Workshops– Explore your surrounding nature and learn the ancient skill of foraging.
Birch Sap Collection– Learn how to sustainably tap your local birch tree for a nutritional dense spring tonic.
Wild Garlic Pesto- Learn to identify wild garlic ( a powerful anti-viral) and make your own pesto in the woods.
Eating well
Grow it Yourself
Grow it Yourself are launching the Grow it Forward programme, which is designed to help the nation eat well by inspiring and supporting people to grow, cook and eat some of their own food at home. Participants will register through their local library to grow some of their own food with a free GIY starter kit and encouraged to ‘grow it forward’ to 9 others by passing on seeds, seedlings or produce.
Safefood’s START
Safefood’s START campaign is encouraging parents to use the time they spend together as a family as a good opportunity to introduce healthy habits at home. The campaign asks parents to make the most of their family time by adding a healthy habit to their routine.
Stop Food Waste
Stop Food Waste has useful tips on meal planning, shopping, cooking, and plenty of free resources.
Healthy food For Life
The Healthy Food For Life resources are for the entire population over the age of five and they define the Irish Government recommendations on healthy eating and a balanced diet.
HSE Nutrition
You’ll find advice on why eating well is important for families, examples of nutritious meals and how to start making healthy changes at home on the HSE Nutrition page. Choosing a mixture of foods in your diet will help you get to get all the nutrients you need to be healthy.
Library Cook Books
You can always borrow cookbooks from your local library we have a huge range both online on Bolinda Borrowbox and in branch you can even search our catalogue online and reserve books you would like or contact your local library directly to order a book. For a list of Kildare Libraries click here. Would you prefer a cookery magazine? Those are available to borrow from your library both in branch and online too. For information on how to join the Library and access all these resources check out our Blog here.
Your Library Online
Check out Kildare’s online library – you have access to ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, music, comics, Language classes and online courses –All of which can be accessed with your library card and PIN number. Unsure how to access these services give your local library a call or keep your eyes peeled for our Library Blog How To posts.
Kildare Housebound Delivery Service
Following the announcement by government that the entire country was to love to Level 5, Kildare Library Service is providing a housebound delivery service to library users who are over 70 or who are medically vulnerable.
Kildare Online Bookclub
Join the Kildare Library online bookclub – there is a chat on Facebook but the meeting is every month on Zoom so you don’t need to be a regular Facebook user. The books borrowed are all available through Borrowbox.
Rewarding Reads
Rewarding reads is a new campaign from Libraries Ireland and Creative Ireland that is celebrating Irish writers and encouraging people of all ages to discover the joy or reading. Libraries have a wealth of books for all ages and interests as well as online library services including free access to eBooks and audiobooks. Join online or by contacting your local library.
Online Story Time
Check out the Kildare Library Vimeo Channels for a range of videos including author talks, story times for babies and toddlers and older children and much more.
Learn A Language
Learn a new language through Kildare Libraries. Online through Transparent Languages. Kildare Libraries are also running online Irish Language classes for absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced levels via Zoom.
Start A New Hobby
Pick up a new hobby or learn a new
skill or craft using Universal Class free through
Kildare Libraries. Did you know Kildare Libraries has a Photography Club? Check it out here. Also Keep an eye on our various Social Media accounts for more information about events, activities and what’s happening at your local library.
Kildare Readers Festival
We just celebrated our annual readers festival here in Kildare and had a wealth of events, activities and author talks take place online. Missed the festival don’t worry you can still access the online content here.
Discover Kildare
Kildare is actually a great place, not just because of it’s proximity to Dublin but because there are so many things to do, places to visit and great spots to eat. Check out some lists of things to do in the county here and discover Kildare for yourself!
Staying Connected
Kildare Community Call
A dedicated helpline to assist at risk members of the public in accessing non-emergency and non-medical supports and advice during the current public health emergency. The Covid Helpline hours are now extended and will operate from 8am to 8pm – 7 days a week.
Phone: 045 980 202 or Freephone 1800 300 174
Email: covidsupport@kildarecoco.ie
TEXT ‘KILDARE’ followed by your name NAME to 50555
Good Morning Kildare
Good Morning Kildare is a free telephone call by the community for a friendly chat about everyday things. You can contact this service on 045 859 037 or goodmorningkildare@yahoo.ie.
Older Voices Kildare
Older Voices Kildare Is a Social Inclusion Initiative which specifically targets isolated categories of older persons, including Older LGBTQI persons, Travellers, People with Disability, and Individuals who are experiencing social exclusion through lack of or limited social capital. The contact numbers for this service are Denise Croke, 087-1411669 and Susan Higgins, Befriending Support Worker, 087-1149175.
Age Action
Age Actions’ Getting Started KIT supports older people to keep in touch with their loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now it is more important than ever to keep in touch with family and friends so Age Action drew on their Getting Started programme which offered face to face digital skills classes, to create easy How To Guides. The Getting Started KIT is made up of seven How To guides that will support older people to learn, use, and be confident using smartphones and applications. RTÉ broadcast the video tutorials which were presented by Mary Kennedy on RTÉ One on the Today with
Maura and Dáithà programme in April. The video tutorials are available to view on the Age Action YouTube Channel.
Kildare Libraries will soon begin an Age Friendly – Online Tutoring programme in partnership with Libraries Ireland. More information to be provided soon
Library Book Clubs Online and In Branch
Your local Kildare Libraries are always running bookclubs give your local library a call and see if there is a book club you would like to join and they can organise a delivery of the books to you. For a list of Kildare Libraries click here. For more information on our once a month Facebook Book Club check out our page here.This group hosts a chat on Facebook but the meeting is every month on Zoom so you don’t need to be a regular Facebook user. The books borrowed are all available through Borrowbox.
Stay Connected Helplines
It is very important that social contact is maintained with people who are isolated in their homes at this time, even if it’s a friendly phone call. Even if you are not a formal volunteer, checking in via call or text with a vulnerable person in your locality can make a huge difference. There are also a range of initiatives that people can avail of during this time:
ALONE provides a telephone support line, seven days a week from 8am – 8pm, for all older people, their families, and those who are medically vulnerable. If you need any advice, reassurance or additional support call them at: 0818 222024
Gardaà – if you have any safety concerns, or need any essential items brought to you, contact the GardaÃ, they will be more than happy to assist you or direct you to relevant services
Third Age Ireland have a Seniorline which is a confidential listening service for older people, with trained volunteers. Freephone 1800 804591
Friends of the Elderly also run a friendly call service for those who just need a chat. Its available free and nationwide. Call 01 8731855
Managing Your Mood
HSE Health & Wellbeing
HSE Health & Wellbeing has launched a new, free, online mental health and wellbeing programme called Minding Your Wellbeing. This evidenced based programme, focusing on the promotion of mental wellbeing, has been adapted from a face-to-face programme into a series of online videos for everyone at this time.
HSE Stress Control
HSE Health and Wellbeing are offering a free Stress Control programme, beginning on 2 November 2020. Stress Control is an evidence-based programme that teaches you practical skills to deal with stress.The programme helps participants recognise the signs of stress. It covers topics including how stress affects our bodies and our thoughts. It teaches skills to overcome panicky feelings and tips to getting a good night’s sleep.Dr Jim White will live-stream the classes, free-of-charge, starting on Monday 2 November 2020. You can watch the sessions either in the afternoon or evening.
Free HSE Stress Control Classes online.
Kildare Library Vimeo
Check out the Kildare Library Vimeo Channels for a range of videos on different topics.
Kildare Libraries Housebound Delivery Service
Following the announcement by government that the entire country was to love to Level 5, Kildare Library Service is providing housebound delivery service to library users who are over 70 or who are medically vulnerable.
Books to Relax & Distract
Recognising that we might all be looking for a little distraction over the coming winter months, libraries across the country in partnership with Creative Ireland are letting everyone know that a wealth of books for all ages and all interests are available through the library, and reading can be an excellent way to relax, escape, boost creative wellbeing or learn something new. Online library services, including free access to eBooks and audiobooks, will continue throughout all stages of the Government’s Living with Covid-19 plan. All library members have access to these services completely free, and anybody can join online at www.librariesireland.ie or by contacting your local library.
HSE Your Mental Health
HSE Your Mental Health website for advice on minding your mental health.
Kildare Libraries Toys, Technology & Training (TTT)
The Kildare Libraries TTT project is designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. Based in Athy, Leixlip and Naas Libraries, a specialised collection of toys and equipment is available and can be accessed free of charge in branches throughout the county and can be borrowed or utilised by joining up at any Kildare library. The series of talks and workshops for this year’s Toys Technology and Training Programme has moved online. You can check out our TTT Vimeo Channel here.
Kildare Libraries Let’s Talk About Parenting
The Let’s Talk about Parenting Programme is a series of talks and workshops organised by Kildare Library Service with support from various agencies and organisations such as the HSE Primary Care Psychology Team, TUSLA Child and Family Agency, the County Kildare Childcare Committee, Foroige and is funded by Kildare County Council. Talks are designed to support Parents in their Parenting role but are also relevant to e.g. Healthcare Professionals, Teachers and anyone working with children. You can check out our Let’s Talk About Parenting Vimeo Channel here.
Kildare Covid-19 Notebook Project
As the COVID19 crisis unfolded, Kildare County Council were keen to provide some positive pro-active projects that could engage and inspire citizens of the county, particularly those who are cocooning and older people. The ask? Sign up for an A5 moleskine project that will be delivered to your home. Fill it however you wish, capturing the COVID months in some way, and return it to us for digital scanning, to become a permanent archive for Kildare County Council, before the notebook is returned to the participant for keeping. Participants were advised that there was no ‘right’ way to complete the notebook – it could take the form of a written diary, notes, poems or stories, looking forward, or back, or reflecting on how it feels to live through these challenging times. A well as the digital archiving, there was a desire to somehow share the project with participants and the public in a safe manner, as a public exhibition of the notebooks is not appropriate at this time.
If you are living in County Kildare, are feeling inspired and would like to get involved, it’s not too late to participate!You can contact Lucina Russell lrussell@kildarecoco.ie and a notebook will be sent to your home.
Funding was secured under Creative Ireland’s Positive Ageing and Creative Wellbeing Challenge Fund to create a documentary, with some of the older notebook participants, for online premiere screening on Culture Night, September 18th 2020 on Kildare Arts Service social media channels. You can view the film on Youtube here. Recording a selected number of participants on the film, in their own home, talking about their notebooks will add another layer to the project. 7 participants have been selected from across the county. Thanks to Anne Doyle, Marian Egan, Philip Fitzsimons, Lydia A. Foy, John Geoghegan, Elizabeth Kemmy, Paul Sheridan for their generosity in sharing their notebooks and their stories. This film concept was created by Lucina Russell, Arts Officer who also produced the film on behalf of Kildare County Council. David Christopher Lynch directed, edited and coloured the film and was also Director of Photography