Sláintecare

What is Sláintecare Healthy Communities Athy? 

Sláintecare Healthy Communities is a collaborative initiative led by the Department of Health, working in partnership with the HSE, Local Authorities, and community agencies.

The programme aims to deliver enhanced health and wellbeing services in the Athy area, supporting individuals and families to live healthier lives within their communities.

Since its launch in 2022, the programme has funded and developed a wide range of local initiatives that respond directly to the needs of the Athy community. These initiatives are designed to offer practical supports, activities, and services where they’re needed most.

Local Initiatives Include:

• Trauma-Informed Practice Training
  Supporting professionals and community members to understand and respond to trauma in compassionate, informed ways.
• Neurodiversity and Inclusion
  Providing tailored supports for neurodiverse children and their families, training for professionals, and creating sensory-friendly spaces in the community.
• Traveller Inclusion
  Partnering with Kildare Traveller Action to promote positive participation in community life for Travellers of all ages.
• Food Supports
  Delivering targeted programmes focused on healthy eating, growing, budgeting, and providing additional food supports to families and services—especially during school holidays.
• Creative Literacy for Children
  Running creative writing programmes in local primary schools to help children build literacy skills through fun, imaginative activities.
• Active Spaces for Wellbeing
  Improving paths and seating in People’s Park and along the Barrow Walkway to make physical activity more accessible and enjoyable.

By working together with local organisations and agencies, Sláintecare Healthy Communities continues to make a real difference—building a healthier, more connected Athy for everyone.

Who Coordinates Sláintecare Healthy Communities in Kildare?

In Kildare, the Sláintecare Healthy Communities initiative is locally led by the Development Officer, who works on behalf of Kildare County Council and the Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). The Development Officer helps coordinate activities, build partnerships, and ensure that the needs of the community are at the heart of everything Sláintecare Healthy Communities does in Kildare.

Maria Healy is the Local Development Officer supporting the Sláintecare Healthy Communities initiative in Athy. Her role is all about working with the community to make Athy a healthier, happier place to live. 

Maria connects with local residents, community groups, the HSE, and the Local Authority to listen, learn, and understand what people in Athy need to improve their health and wellbeing. Together, they co-create programmes and activities that respond to those needs—whether it's access to services, support for families, or opportunities to get active and stay connected.

This is a partnership approach, where everyone has a voice and works together to build a stronger, healthier Athy.

Coming Soon: Ireland’s First Interactive Health and Wellbeing Hub – Right Here in Athy

You may have noticed a newly installed unit in Edmund Rice Square, just across from Insomnia, and wondered what it is and what it’s for.

Slaintecare Healthy Communities are excited to share that this will soon be home to Ireland’s first Interactive Health and Wellbeing Hub, launching in Summer 2025.

This accessible, interactive, community-focused installation is designed to connect people with local services, support groups, and opportunities. The hub will feature:

Stay tuned for the official launch and find out how the hub can support you, your family, and your community.

What Health and Wellbeing services are available in Athy through Slaintecare Healthy Communities?

The HSE, together with Athy Community Family Resource Centre and County Kildare Leader Partnership, is offering a range of free programmes right here in Athy to help support your health and wellbeing. These programmes are designed with the community in mind—making it easier for everyone to access the support they need, close to home.

Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, mental wellbeing, or simply connect with others, there's something for everyone.

👉 You can find full details about all the available programmes on the HSE Sláintecare Healthy Communities website.
Programmes include:

• Healthy Food Made Easy
• We Can Quit 
• One-to-One Tobacco Cessation Clinics
• Social Prescribing
• Parenting Programmes

📱 Ready to get involved? You can refer yourself or someone else on the HSE website Sláintecare Healthy Communities - HSE.ie

Contact us

For further information please contact:

Maria Healy, Slaintecare Healthy Communities Local Development Officer, Community Section, Level 7, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare, W91 Z77F

Tel: 0879974155 Email: mhealy@kildarecoco.ie