Hundreds of people across North Cork will continue to benefit from locally delivered health and wellbeing supports following the renewal of the North Cork Rural Community Health Project for a further three years.

Delivered by Ballyhoura Development, the project supports rural communities by improving access to practical health information, promoting wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and encouraging stronger community connections through a wide range of activities and events.

Since the beginning of 2026, the project has delivered an extensive programme of community-based initiatives across North Cork, including health talks, mindfulness programmes, social activities, gardening workshops, and wellbeing training. The project has engaged with communities throughout the region, creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and access support in welcoming and familiar local settings.

One of the most succesfull events to date was a health and wellbeing talk delivered to the Ballindangan Monday Morning Club, which attracted 67 attendees. Other successful initiatives included Men's Shed health talks, mindfulness courses, chair yoga sessions, social dancing programmes, and practical workshops such as Grow Your Own Vegetables in Kildorrery.

A key focus of the project has been ensuring that supports are accessible and inclusive for all members of the community. This included multilingual meditation sessions delivered during Seachtain na Gaeilge, helping to engage participants from diverse backgrounds while fostering social connection and wellbeing.

Strong partnerships have been central to the project's success. Ballyhoura Development has worked closely with Primary Care Teams, Ballyhoura Rural Services, the North Cork Dementia Alliance, local community groups, libraries, and voluntary organisations to ensure activities respond directly to local needs.

Feedback from participants highlights the positive impact of the programme:

"Very interesting and the talk was practical and down to earth, with useful, easy-to-understand information."

"At the end of each one, the question was always — when will this be running again?"

Welcoming the funding renewal, Gráinne Fitzgerald, Development Officer with Ballyhoura Development, said:

"What we've seen is that people value health and wellbeing supports delivered locally, in familiar community settings. Whether it's a Men's Shed talk, a mindfulness programme, a gardening workshop, or a community wellbeing event, people are engaging, connecting, and asking for more. This funding allows us to continue building on that success and responding directly to the needs of our rural communities."

The renewed programme will continue to deliver practical, accessible, and community-focused initiatives over the coming years, while also introducing new activities in response to community demand.

Upcoming activities planned under the project include:

• Sleep Awareness Talks
• ADHD Parenting Workshops
• Mindfulness Programmes
• Local Wild Plants and Biodiversity Talks
• Community Health and Wellbeing Events

With a continued focus on practical, inclusive and locally delivered supports, the North Cork Rural Community Health Project will remain an important resource in promoting health, wellbeing and social connection throughout rural North Cork.

To find out more about upcoming events, activities and supports, visit the North Cork Rural Community Health Project page: 

The North Cork Community Health Project