Thrive Ireland

Thrive aims to build an understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing within our homes, workplaces, schools and society by reducing stigma.  Mental Health Ireland are guiding people to help themselves by providing key support networks and processes to move from a deficit model to an asset-based approach.

• The aim of Thrive is to create a happy and healthy communities.
• It is a strength-based mental health and wellbeing movement led by the community.
• It empowers communities and works across diversities and inequalities to support and tackle the serious challenges that society has. Thrive conducts various projects aimed at creating healthy and happy communities and engages local community in initiatives promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Thrive-led initiatives include:

• Encouraging conversations about mental health and wellbeing at a local level
• Organisation of Connect Café for the local community (Connect Cafés are organised events that bring people together to connect and start conversations on mental health and wellbeing)
• Planning and organising of SafeTalk sessions (Suicide Alertness training) for a local community
• Hosting Five Ways to Wellbeing Workshops (actions to practice each day to maintain or improve our mental health and wellbeing) for the local community
• Active participation in Mental Health Ireland’s ‘Hello, How Are You?’ Campaign
• Participation and organisation of events to mark Mental Health Month in October
• Representation and participation at various events on a local and national level

Thrive so far

Thrive Balbriggan

Balbriggan, in North County Dublin was the first location in Ireland where Thrive was introduced. Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. Established in 2021 the aim of this community-led movement is to create happier and healthier communities by bringing people, organisations and service providers together to promote mental health and wellbeing through activities that benefit the local community. Among Thrive Balbriggan-led initiatives are: projects such as Balbriggan Great Places and Spaces, trainings such as SafeTalk Suicide Alertness Training and Five Ways to Wellbeing as well as different events, for example, Connect Cafés for the local community and events to celebrate Mental Health Month and Hello, How Are You? national Campaigns. The Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Wellbeing Map by  is an intergenerational project that highlights locations in Balbriggan promoting mental health and well-being. The  Map won the 2025 All Ireland Community and Council Awards in the Best Mental Health Initiative category. These awards celebrate the collaboration between communities and councils. To learn more about Thrive Balbriggan, please email thrivebalbriggan@mentalhealthireland.ie

Thrive Swords

Swords, Co Dublin was the second location in Ireland where Thrive was introduced in early 2024. Thrive Swords is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. The aim of this community-led movement is to create happier and healthier communities by bringing people, organisations and service providers together to promote mental health and wellbeing through activities that benefit the local community. Thrive Swords activities include coordination of Mental Health Ireland’s national Campaign, collaboration with local groups and service providers and planning activities to build an understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Swords. To learn more about Thrive Swords, please email

Thrive Connemara

Thrive Connemara has been established in 2024. The aim of this community-led movement is to create happier and healthier communities by bringing people, organisations and service providers together to promote mental health and wellbeing through activities that benefit the local community. Connemara is the third location in Ireland where Thrive was introduced. Thrive Connemara plans different events and projects focused on mental health and wellbeing. To learn more about Thrive Connemara, please email thriveconnemara@mentalhealthireland.ie