COVID-19 has turned 2020 into a year like no other. 

The National Plan for Living with COVID-19 is fundamentally about our personal and collective resilience and wellbeing. So, let’s start with ourselves, as keeping well individually will help us support one another and our communities.

We all need a little help at times, and Healthy Ireland is building a programme of activities around five simple actions that we can all take to keep well.

Outdoor activity is important for physical and mental health. Sport Ireland will support people to stay active through the winter. Look out for online activities you can join.

Person-to-person connection is vital to our wellbeing. Don’t let isolation become a problem – ask for help if you need it, offer help if you can. Local Authorities will provide a helpline and support services as part of The Community Call.

Learn something new, get back to nature, find ways to relax, re-discover your own locality. Engage creatively with local historical spaces and places. Local Authorities and the Creative Ireland Programme will provide initiatives in the arts, crafting, culture and heritage.

Make the connection between the food you eat and how you feel, mentally and physically. Bord Bia will support healthy eating this winter. Libraries will promote a grow your own food initiative for spring. Safefood’s START campaign will help parents to introduce healthier habits with their kids.

Anxiety is a real problem – do not ignore it. Find out where to go if you or someone you know needs support. The HSE’s yourmentalhealth.ie website has useful information – and look out for the upcoming HSE online Minding Your Wellbeing programme.

Make a daily plan to do at least one thing every day that will keep you well. 

There’s an abundance of things to do and to discover in your area. Find what’s available at gov.ie/HealthyIreland, at your Local Authority website or your local Community Call Forum.