Regional Events 5th - 9th April

This year’s Easter activities saw Sphere 17 deliver a wide range of activities to more than 120 young people. Each day started with a breakfast club and this was followed in the afternoon with activities such as Easter egg baking, pool competition, table quiz, slippy slide, pamper session, drop-in’s to name but a few. An U15’s football blitz saw off alot of competition with 49 young people from Bonnybrook, Darndale and Priorswood taking part, with the winning team receiving a €10 voucher for each player. A trip to Newbridge farm was very much enjoyed by the young people who got to see lots of new born animals such as the kid goats, chickens and lambs. This was followed by a delicious BBQ and a big game of tag rugby with staff. One of the highlights of the Easter Activities was Karaoke with Sharon in which young people very willingly got up and sang in front of their friends and peers. This made for a very enjoyable evening. The week of activities was finished off with a BBQ outside Sphere 17 in Darndale with young people chatting about the fun they had during the week. Here’s to next years Eater Activities!!

Check out the photo gallery for photos!

Celebrate Life Week 26th-30th April 2010

Springtime, sunshine and that time of the year when once again thoughts turn to Celebrate Life Week and promoting positive mental and physical wellbeing. This year followed a similar pattern to the last two years. The Positive Response Group came together early in the year and started their plotting. The focus was on entertainment, fitness and informative events and activities.

The roll out of the week commenced with Near FM broadcasting live from the Darndale/Belcamp village centre. Along with some happy tunes, it highlighted the events of the week with a little something for everyone. There was chalk art for the budding young artists of Dublin 17, Comedy night, Dublin 17’s Got Talent, informative workshops on challenging topics such as Self Harm, Healthy food made easy, Health checks in Northside Shopping Centre and Donagmede Shopping Centre, Alternative Therapies, Yoga sessions, Soccer and a Gaelic Blitz courtesy of Parnells Football club. To boot we had visits from the Marie Keating Foundation, motivational talking from Leinster Rugby and suicide training (ASIST) taking place during the week. In addition, and a new venture in the week, Dr Harry Barry, Director of Aware kindly gave an interview on Near FM about depression and the GP role. In conjunction with this, a number of interesting professionals working in the area of education, medicine, youth work, mental health and alternative therapies came together to form a panel and discuss looking after your physical and mental health. To wrap up the week, Celebrate Park Life took place in the Stardust Memorial Park on Friday 30th April. However, the weather had another idea and as the party was getting started the heavens opened, but not before there was a chance to partake in the special “chocolate egg and spoon race”, two legged race, face painting and balloon making to name but a few. There was a great atmosphere thanks to our music duo, and despite the rain the party was finished back in Sphere 17 Darndale.

On reflection, Celebrate Life Week 2010 was another success. Those that engaged in the week most importantly had fun and not forgetting to have a laugh at ourselves and each other does help in combating the darkness. The week delivered in providing tools to help people look after themselves and each other. The success of the week has been the result of the efforts and collaboration of a number of organizations and the support of such events by the local community – young and old. In the current times, providing events such as this free of charge and believing in the spirit of Celebrate Life does indeed encourage hope and foster kindness in people. It also highlights the need to take responsibility for your own health and the community around you.

Listen live to Dr. Harry Barry's Interview on Near FM on the subject of depression. Just click the link below.

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