Join us to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge. Come along to a FREE strength class suitable for beginners. Learn a few words in Irish, don’t panic, it will be bilingual!! Phone Ciara to register 085 1730400. Kindly funded by Coiste Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Mhioneacháin.

Bí linn chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Tar chuig rang láidreachta SAOR IN AISCE atá oiriúnach do thosaitheoirí. Foghlaim cúpla focal i nGaeilge, ná bíodh scaoll ort, beidh sé dátheangach!! Cláraigh le Ciara 085 1730400. Maoinithe go cineálta ag Coiste Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Mhioneacháin.

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Why Open Conversations About Menstrual Health Matter

Many families find it challenging to discuss periods openly. This discomfort can leave children feeling confused or anxious when they begin menstruating. When parents avoid the topic, children may turn to unreliable sources for information, which can lead to misunderstandings or shame.

Creating a safe space for honest dialogue helps children:

• Understand what to expect during their menstrual cycle
• Feel supported and less isolated
• Learn practical skills for managing their periods
• Learn about the different period products

For parents, these conversations build confidence in addressing questions and concerns, making it easier to provide ongoing support.

What Makes a Supportive Workshop Environment

The Blossom Workshop succeeded because it combined education with empathy. The facilitator, Colette Duffy, founder of Blossom, created a warm and relaxed atmosphere where families felt comfortable sharing and learning together.

Key elements that made the workshop effective included:

• Inclusive language that respected all participants
• Clear, honest information about menstrual health and hygiene
• Activities that encouraged children to express their feelings and ask questions
• Opportunities for parents to practice talking about periods in a supportive setting

This approach helped both parents and children leave feeling more confident and connected.

How Families Benefit from Learning Together

When families attend workshops like Blossom’s, they gain more than just facts. They build trust and understanding that can last a lifetime. Children who feel supported at home are more likely to have positive attitudes about their bodies and health.

Parents reported feeling:

• More prepared to discuss periods without embarrassment
• Equipped with practical tips for helping their children manage menstruation
• Reassured that their children felt supported and informed

Children shared that they felt:

• Less worried about starting their periods
• More comfortable asking questions
• Proud to talk openly about menstrual health

These outcomes show how education and open communication can reduce stigma and promote well-being.

Practical Tips for Families to Start the Conversation

Not every family has access to workshops, but there are simple ways to begin talking about menstrual health at home:

• Use everyday moments to introduce the topic, such as when shopping for period products or watching a related TV show
• Answer questions honestly and age-appropriately, avoiding euphemisms that can confuse children
• Share your own experiences if comfortable, to normalise periods as a natural part of life
• Keep supplies accessible so children feel prepared and supported
• Encourage ongoing dialogue rather than a one-time talk

These steps help build a foundation of trust and openness.

The Role of Community Support and Resources

Workshops like Blossom’s depend on community partnerships and funding to reach families. Healthy Ireland and the Department of Health provided essential support, while Monaghan Town Library generously offered the outreach room free of charge. This collaboration made the event accessible and welcoming.

Communities can further support menstrual health by:

• Providing free or low-cost period products to reduce period poverty
• Creating safe spaces for young people to ask questions

Such efforts ensure that no child feels alone or unprepared when their period begins.

Looking Ahead: Building on Positive Momentum

The feedback from the Blossom Workshop was clear: families want more events like this. They value the chance to learn together and break down barriers around menstrual health. Expanding these opportunities can help end period poverty and stigma in communities everywhere. Think about hosting an information event in your community service!

By continuing to offer supportive workshops, sharing practical information, and fostering open conversations at home, families can create a culture where menstrual health is understood and respected.

Look out for community services in your local area that offer free period products—small supports like these can make a big difference.

The post Blossom Workshop – Supporting Your Child’s Menstrual Health appeared first on Teach na Daoine.

Feeling a bit stuck, isolated, or simply in need of a gentle reset?

We are delighted to bring you our Healthy Horizons Programme.

Healthy Horizons is a relaxed, 4-week wellness journey designed just for you – no pressure, no judgment. It’s all about creating space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect, right in the heart of your local community.

Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, build small healthy habits, or just enjoy a bit of calm in your week, this programme offers a safe and supportive space to begin.

What to Expect:

• A small, welcoming group – so you feel seen and supported
• Gentle movement, breath & sound – perfect for all bodies and abilities
• Simple food and wellness tips – practical ideas you can use right away
• Calming touch therapy – to soothe stress and promote relaxation
• Mindful habits – to bring more ease into daily life
• A 1-to-1 intro chat – so you feel comfortable and ready to join

All of this, for just €20 for the full 4 weeks.

Local Group Locations & Dates:

Monaghan – Teach na nDaoine FRC Thursdays, 2–23 Oct | 10am–11:30am

Clones – Clones FRC Fridays, 3–24 Oct | 10am–11:30am

Carrickmacross – Primary Care Centre Tuesdays, 4–25 Nov | 10am–11:30am

Ballybay – Birches Court Thursdays, 6–27 Nov | 10am–11:30am

Ready to join us?

Spaces are limited – book your place today: Register here

*Please note that places are not guaranteed until confirmed by Social Prescribing Team.

This programme is funded by HSE National Lottery Funding & Monaghan County Council, and supported by Teach na nDaoine FRC & Clones FRC.

Because you are not alone. Because your wellbeing matters.

#HealthyHorizons #YouAreNotAlone #WellbeingMatters #MonaghanCommunity #FindYourCalm #SupportedAndConnected

The post Monaghan Social Prescribing: Healthy Horizons Programme appeared first on Teach na Daoine.

Families from across the area gathered to enjoy an action-packed afternoon filled with excitement. From the delicious BBQ to the thrilling rodeo bull, there was something for everyone. Kids (and some brave adults!) enjoyed merry-go-round rides, donkey rides, and plenty of games and activities to keep the smiles going all day long.

The raffle was a huge hit, with some lucky winners walking away with great prizes — thank you to everyone who supported it!

Most of all, Summer JAM was about coming together as a community, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made it such a special day. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the energy, generosity, and enthusiasm of our amazing community.

Here’s to more days like this — filled with fun, friendship, and community spirit!

We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success — Rafferty Donkeys for bringing Bubbles and Dolly along, Timothy Burns for supplying the Rodeo Bull and Merry-go-round, Kevin and Pamela on the BBQ, Teach na nDaoine shop for the icecreams, Cynthia and Aya our facepainters, Gardi and Civil defense and everyone else who made the event so great.

Mullaghmatt knows how to throw a Summer JAM! We’re already looking forward to next year.

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This year we had a massive stock of brand new polo shirts, white shirts, pinafores, skirts, trousers and school shoes all donated to Teach na nDaoine FRC by our local Tesco store in Monaghan. These were a huge help to our event and helped supply so many children with new items of clothing for September, where they otherwise mightn’t have been able to afford new items. We are so grateful to Tesco, and all the members of the local community who help to stock this fantastic event.

We were blown away by the attendance at the event, with families queuing outside from 35 minutes before the event. However, this sadly highlights the significant pressure that parents are under in order to provide to the needs of our children. The expense of uniforms is just a drop in the ocean to all the other bills needing paid and with the rising price of food, clothing, childcare etc parents are really struggling, hitting the working families hard as well.

We endeavour to respond to the differing needs of the community and this event was no exception. Teach na nDaoine FRC has and will continue to strive to meet our local communities needs and provide support and help always. Last but by no means least, a massive thank-you to all the staff who took time to facilitate this event. Unpacking boxes, sorting clothes, writing labels and helping families. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Check out our highlight of our event on our Facebook page.

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The theme for Social Prescribing Day 2025 was “Wellbeing in the Community”. This theme underscores how engaging in local activities, building social networks and participating in community projects can significantly improve mental and physical wellbeing. 

Mary & Sandra attended a number of events throughout the day to promote the service in the community.

Make your Mark – Community Art Programme, Monaghan

Our first stop of the day was to visit our “Make Your Mark” programme—an accessible and inclusive community art workshop series focusing on mark making, collage and journalling.  The programme is led by Siobhan Maguire and supported by Samantha Molloy. Participants were enjoying the opportunity to get creative and meet new people!

This programme is organised through Teach na nDaoine FRC Social Prescribing Service & funded through Creative Ireland via the Shared Island Creative Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

Getting Creative in Clones

After lunch, we marked the occasion with members of the local community in Clones by participating in a creative activity facilitated by Catherine from Sew Arty Studios and hosted by Clones FRC Social Prescribing Service. A cuppa and chat about Social Prescribing topped off the lovely afternoon.

Participating in creative activities within your community not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens community bonds and fosters a supportive environment for everyone.

Monaghan Public Participation Network Gathering

To finish off Social Prescribing Day, we were delighted to attend the Monaghan Public Participation Network (PPN) Gathering. A PPN is a network that allows local authorities to connect with community and voluntary groups around the country.

It was a lovely opportunity to meet people, learn about their services, and also tell them about Social Prescribing and discuss how we can all work together!

To find out more about the Social Prescribing service, please visit the page on our website, here.

socialprescribing #socialprescribingday25 #wellbeing

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