In County Meath and neighbouring Louth, the CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath initiative is gaining momentum as a positive mental health and wellbeing project embedded in community collaboration. Developed jointly by Meath and Louth County Councils’ Healthy County programmes, this initiative aims to promote mental wellbeing and enhance community awareness of supports and services available locally.

CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath is structured around four key components:

• A Resource Pack offering tools and information to support wellbeing;
• A Network of community groups working together to promote community wellbeing;
• Community Connect Champions, trained volunteers embedded in local groups; and
• Louth and Meath Wellbeing Maps that signpost local activities and supports.

Community Connect Louth and Meath is about community empowerment and building resilience. It encourages organisations, clubs, and local stakeholders to come together, share resources, and support people’s wellbeing using an evidence-based framework — the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Becoming part of the Network offers access to practical tools, connections with other groups, and opportunities to shape future wellbeing efforts locally.

Pharmacies as essential partners in community wellbeing

Community pharmacies are ideally placed as a trusted healthcare practitioner to promote health and wellbeing beyond their traditional role. This role aligns closely with the vision of Healthy Ireland and Healthy Meath, where every sector of society plays a part in fostering better health outcomes for all.

Pharmacies can support the CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath project in two meaningful ways: by signing up and completing the training to become part of the CommUnity Connect Louth & Meath Network, and by providing Wellbeing Maps to members of the public.

Signing up and completing training: By joining the CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath Network, pharmacies become part of a community-wide effort to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Network members receive access to the project’s Resource Pack, including guidance on the Five Ways to Wellbeing and community engagement strategies. Groups and organisations that sign up can also nominate staff to become Community Connect Louth and Meath Champions, trained individuals equipped to support wellbeing conversations and signpost local supports.

Distributing wellbeing maps: An innovative resource within the initiative is the Louth and Meath Wellbeing Maps: user friendly guides that highlight available health and wellbeing activities, supports, and community groups across both counties.

Pharmacies can make these maps readily available at their premises. Displayed at the counter or handed out with advice, they help raise awareness of local supports that residents may not otherwise know about. For many people, this simple act of signposting can make a real difference, especially for individuals who may be experiencing stress, isolation or navigating health challenges.

A shared vision for healthier communities

Through CommUnity Connect Louth & Meath, pharmacies can contribute to a broader public health agenda that emphasises connection, prevention, and local support. By participating in the Network, completing the training, and sharing wellbeing resources like the maps, pharmacies will not only strengthen community ties but also underscore their vital role in promoting health and wellbeing at a local level.

For more information on how to get involved with CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath or, to receive copies of the Wellbeing Maps, contact healthymeath@meathcoco.ie or healthylouth@louthcoco.ie.

CommUnity Connect Louth and Meath is funded by The Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health.