A gathering in Cardinal O’Fiach Heritage Centre in Cullyhanna on Wednesday, November 27, marked the conclusion of a successful cross-border pilot project spearheaded by Safe FOOD Ireland, funded by Shared Island fund.
The initiative was co-ordinated by the Rural Health Partnership, which is based in South Armagh and a member of the NI Healthy Living Centre Alliance.
The event celebrated the achievements and outcomes of the pilot, reflecting its impact on promoting food safety, health awareness, social connections and community well-being.
Guest speakers at the event were the chair of Safe Food Irelands Advisory Board, Dr Eddie Rooney, and Board Director Alex Attwood, a former MLA and Minister for Social Development and later Minister for the Environment.
The pilot set out to improve health and well-being in local communities. At its core, it focused on building skills and knowledge around food; empowering individuals and communities to positively transform their relationship with food.
A theme of the project was exploring the wider context of food – particularly its role in influencing mood and fostering social connections. By highlighting these links, the pilot aimed to create better outcomes not just for individuals but for communities.
True to the All-Island ethos of Safe Food Ireland, the initiative had a strong cross-border objective. Rural Health Partnership joined up with Connect Family Resource Centre in Drogheda and Clones Women’s Shed.
As part of this initiative, Strabane Health Improvement HLC Project in collaboration with Raphoe Family Resource Centre in Co. Donegal rolled out a similar programme.
Members of the Clones Women’s shed and participants from RHP joined together in Cullyhanna to celebrate the success of the project.
Amie Cumiskey, Project Co-ordinator, commented: “This cross-border collaboration has been an invaluable aspect of the project, yielding numerous positive outcomes.
“While all our organisations share a common mission to enhance mental health and well-being, it’s been both enlightening and inspiring to see how different groups approach their work.
“The shared learning, the discovery of both similarities and differences, has enriched all our efforts and provided new opportunities to grow and improve the services we offer.”
Dr Eddie Rooney, Chair of Safe Food Ireland, highlighted the transformative role of local community groups in translating policies into meaningful actions.
He emphasised the tangible impact of initiatives like this pilot program, which equip individuals with essential life skills in cooking, health, and well-being, ultimately contributing to improved lifestyles.
The Rural Health Partnership (RHP), a cornerstone of the South Armagh community for over 25 years, has played a crucial role in addressing local needs and health inequalities.
Recognised as a support hub for individuals and families, RHP has fostered a strong connection with the community, particularly focusing on combating social isolation, promoting positive health and wellbeing at grass root levels.
Teresa Nugent, CEO of RHP, expressed her enthusiasm about coordinating the pilot, noting the value of collaboration with other organisations and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants.
She extended heartfelt thanks to the participants, emphasising their central role in the success of the initiative: “Without you, none of this would be possible”.
Thanks was extended by Amie Cumiskey to SafeFood Ireland for their generosity in funding the project.
She told them: “Your support has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life, making a meaningful difference in the lives of participants.
“It’s through such partnerships and shared commitments to community well-being that impactful changes are possible.”
