MHI-Thrive-Logo
MHI-Thrive-Logo

Thrive is an international movement that supports communities through engagement and activities that build and nurture our mental health and wellbeing. It is shaped and led by you and your community and supported by Mental Health Ireland.

Building upon the work of colleagues in Philadelphia, New York, West Midlands UK and London, Mental Health Ireland are bringing the mental health model of Thrive to Ireland.

Following a study of local demographics and profiles across Dublin and discussions with local community representatives and leaders, Balbriggan was identified as a compatible community to initiate this approach.

Thrive in North Dublin is endorsed by Seána Ó’Rodaigh the Mayor of Fingal and the local authority of Fingal County Council.  Thrive in Ireland has international peer support and is guided by evidence-based research.

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Thrive aims to build an understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing within our homes, workplaces, schools and society by reducing stigma. It keeps the character and identity of the town at its core and aims to create a mental health friendly community for all. As Mental Health Ireland, we are guiding people to help themselves by providing key support networks and processes to move from a deficit model to an asset-based approach.

· Thrive Ireland is an umbrella organisation for all established Mental Health Ireland Thrive initiatives.

· Thrive Fingal Steering Group is a consultative and overarching Committee to support Thrive development, sustainability and growth of Thrive Fingal.

· Thrive collaborates and shares its practice with other European Thrive members

· Thrive is mentioned as a case study in the HSE Stronger Together National Mental Health Promotion Plan

Thrive aims to build an understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing within our homes, workplaces, schools and society by reducing stigma. It keeps the character and identity of the town at its core and aims to create a mental health friendly community for all. As Mental Health Ireland, we are guiding people to help themselves by providing key support networks and processes to move from a deficit model to an asset-based approach.

In September 2021, key stakeholders in Balbriggan came together to develop aspirations and actions for the community to thrive at an engagement called ‘Thrive n’ Conversations’. This event marked the beginning of an open conversation about mental health and wellbeing and offered the opportunity for people to become part of a collective purpose in their community.

  • Thrive Balbriggan was launched in October 2021. It is shaped and led by the community and supported by Mental Health Ireland and Fingal County Council.
  • The aim of Thrive is to create a happy and healthy community of Balbriggan
  • 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 Balbriggan conducts various projects aimed at creating healthy and happy community of Balbriggan and engages local community in initiatives promoting mental health and wellbeing.
  • Thrive Balbriggan organisational structure includes a local Steering Committee, subgroups and a Fingal Steering Group
  • Thrive members work in three subgroups: Comms and PR, Campaigns and Events, Mental Health and the Community) using a coproduction as a formula for working.
DOWNLOAD THRIVE BALBRIGGAN LEAFLET

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? Campaigns
  • Participation and organisation of events to mark World Mental Health Month in October
  • Great Places and Spaces – an intersectional, intergenerational project to identify places and spaces that promote good mental health and well-being in Balbriggan.
  • Representation and participation at various events on a local and national level

Thrive Balbriggan awards

  • 2023 Volunteer Ireland Award in the Medium Group category.
  •  Runners-up in the 2024 All Ireland Community and Council Awards in the Best Mental Health category.

Get in touch

Membership is voluntary, including some members of the local community, representatives of distinct groups, organisations, service providers and local authorities based in Balbriggan, Fingal County, Dublin, Ireland.

If you have any questions about Thrive Ireland, please contact Caroline at caroline@mentalhealthireland.ie  If you would like to learn more about Thrive Balbriggan and its activities, see below: 

Contact: thrivebalbriggan@mentalhealthireland.ie