Cllrs O\u2019Brien and Forde donated \u20ac2,000 from their discretionary funds to facilitate the programme on a pilot basis. <\/p>\n
\u201cI approached Predator Fitness a while back with this idea to see what we could arrange,\u201d said Cllr O\u2019Brien. \u201cFrom there I spoke to Madeleine Quirke (chairperson of IG2T) who agreed to come on board with the project. I had a meeting with them both and we all agreed that we would run this almost like a pilot;<\/p>\n
\u201cKen Murphy (Predator Fitness) has been fantastic and has drawn up a programme at an excellent cost, solely for this project. IG2T councillors will hand out the memberships at their own discretion, where they see a potential benefit for their clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they report back with positive results, then we will look at rolling it out regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aimed at supporting mental health through physical activity, the project focuses on linking exercise and wellbeing, recognising the positive impact fitness can have on mood, confidence and overall mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe initiative is designed to help people who may be struggling by providing an accessible and supportive environment where movement and mental health awareness go hand in hand,\u201d said Cllr O\u2019Brien. \u201cBy combining professional mental health support with structured fitness programmes, the project aims to encourage people to take positive steps towards improved wellbeing and to remind them that they are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having spoken openly about her own mental health struggles in the past, Cllr O\u2019Brien is well qualified to discuss the benefits of physical activity, even more so when you consider she is a former personal trainer herself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know first hand how poor mental health can consume you and your life; reaching out for help and talking about your feelings is a vital first step. With my history in health and fitness, I have reaped the rewards when it comes to improving my own mental health through physical exercise.<\/p>\n
“Not only do you release vital happy hormones and find a cathartic way to release stress and negativity, but you also feel like you belong. That\u2019s why myself and Cllr Forde decided to create this initiative; we want to provide a healthy \u2018third step\u2019 to therapy that is fun and highly recommended by health experts across the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mindful of how intimidating a gym environment can be, Cllr O\u2019Brien said Predator Fitness is the \u201cperfect fit\u201d for this initiative. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a safe haven, full of excellent equipment and supportive clientele. Knowing how Ken donates his time and money each year to local mental health charities showed me that they were the perfect fit for this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n
With regards to IG2T, which provides affordable, professional counselling for clients across Wexford, Cllr O\u2019Brien said she was \u201cthrilled to work with them\u201d on this project and \u201cstrongly encouraged\u201d anyone who is struggling to reach out to its team.<\/p>\n
For his part, Cllr Forde recognised how challenging it is to stay active when experiencing mental health difficulties but hoped this programme would help bridge the gap for IG2T\u2019s service users. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt can be hard to do during difficult times but we hope that this initiative with ItsGood2Talk and Predator Fitness is one where people can be encouraged to be active and can be supported through the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ken and Zara McGuire at Predator Fitness said they were happy to support such an important initiative.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Predator Fitness we pride ourselves in making our gym a positive and enjoyable experience for all. We have always aimed for Predator to be a safe space for our members and specifically having our facilities open 365 days a year to allow for people who use the gym for mental health purposes.<\/p>\n
“When Aoife Rose initially brought the idea forward to us, we jumped on it right away. If a number of memberships can make one small change to someone who is struggling, to us we have won already. We believe the gym is not just for the body but particularly for the mind. We have not only a gym but a community here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Founded in 2012, It\u2019s Good 2 Talk is a non-profit service primarily funded through community-led initiatives and private contributions rather than consistent government support, and chairperson Madeleine Quirke praised Cllrs O\u2019Brien and Forde for bringing this project to fruition.<\/p>\n
\u201cLocal councillors continually support the work of IG2T and Aoife Rose and Tom have committed to bringing this initiative to Co Wexford,\u201d she said. \u201cWorking with various community groups, gyms and sports clubs, we can connect people who perhaps need emotional and practical support either during or following their counselling sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n
IG2T can be reached on 053 91 26596 or visit itsgood2talk.ie<\/p>\n
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