Thrive Balbriggan has officially launched the new Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Wellbeing Map at the Balbriggan Summerfest on June 1st Bremore Castle.

The Balbriggan Great Places & Spaces Wellbeing Map is intergenerational project which identifies places and spaces that promote good mental health and well-being in Balbriggan. The Map was produced based on survey responses collected from local Transition Year students and community of Balbriggan who indicated in which locations they feel relaxed, happy, energised or calm.

The project was coordinated by Thrive Balbriggan. The Map was created by local artist Lauren Fernandes and designed by local graphic designer Áine O’Beirne who is also Thrive Balbriggan Vice Chairperson. The project was inspired by Wexford Great Places and Spaces Wellbeing Map which was administrated and coordinated by Wexford Mental Health Association.

Speaking at the event, the Project Lead, Séamus Quigley said: “This map is a representation of Balbriggan and what it has to offer to its community in relation to places and spaces. We want this map to further raise awareness of our own mental health and wellbeing and how through interaction; whether that be with other people or their local environment, we can enjoy a more positive experience.”

“We want the people of Balbriggan to create a stronger sense of relatability with regard to the positive impact local places and spaces have on them and to also further explore and identify locations or trails unknown to them beforehand. Our aim for Balbriggan Great Places&Spaces is for it to continue to grow through continual engagement within the community and ensure it becomes even more accessible through means of a digital and interactive platform. We want to sincerely thank the community of Balbriggan for their contributions in creating this map and for the continued support for Thrive Balbriggan”.

Thrive is a community-led movement to create a happy and healthy place to live by conducting projects and events aiming at improving mental health and wellbeing. Thrive was introduced to Ireland in 2021 by Mental Health Ireland and currently operates in two locations in County Fingal in Balbriggan and Swords.
Thrive Balbriggan is an initiative of Mental Health Ireland and is supported by Fingal County Council. For further information please contact thrivebalbriggan@mentalhealthireland.ie or visit Thrive Ireland – Mental Health Ireland.