HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this podcast Ailish O’Neill (National Education and Training Manager with the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention) and Declan O’Shea (a Lived Experience Contributor) discuss the new, free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE, ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’.

 

'Let’s Talk about Suicide' is an introductory suicide prevention programme, that helps participants to identify others who might be at risk of suicide, confidently ask about the topic, and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe.

 

It is hoped that ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ will help people develop their language and confidence around talking about suicide, and not to be afraid to discuss it openly. In this podcast Ailish and Declan discuss the importance of breaking the stigma associated with suicide, and how people can sometimes be afraid to talk about suicide, because of the sadness and trauma around the subject. Sometimes, people are afraid to say the word ‘suicide’. But by being truly present for a person, and by hearing and validating their feelings, we all have the potential to have a life-saving conversation with someone. Ailish and Declan talk about recognising signs of distress, the importance of clear questioning, and the power of validation and support. The conversation highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about suicide, the power of listening, the effectiveness of support services, and the new programmes role in suicide prevention. Listeners are encouraged to complete the new training programme, and share the episode to help spread awareness.

 

‘Let’s Talk About’ uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. You can start and stop the programme at you own convenience. On average, the programme will take 60 minutes to complete, but you can work at your own pace.

·         To enrol and complete Let’s Talk About Suicide, visit https://traininghub.nosp.ie/

·         Let's Talk About Suicide is suitable for anyone over the age of 18, who wants to learn basic suicide prevention skills.

·         It is recommended that anyone recently bereaved, wait 12 months before engaging in this type of suicide prevention training.

 

If you, or someone you know needs support, visit the HSE site www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.

 

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In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, we speak with HSE CEO Anne O'Connor about the importance of prevention and community-based care in Ireland's health service. Anne shares her vision for keeping people well at home through health promotion initiatives delivered by the health service and by our community partners, like Making Every Contact Count, Social Prescribing, and mental health programmes. They also explore digital transformation, health inequalities, and the HSE's new regional structure.

For further information on key supports available go the HSE website and as discussed in the podcast the www.yourmentalhealth.ie webpages.

To get in touch with the podcast or to find out more about HSE Health and Wellbeing email: Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie

 

Produced by GK Media Studios

In this episode, we discuss Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids and much more.

With school routines starting again and parents getting to grips with what to put into those lunchboxes and what to avoid. Marian McBride, Dietetic Lead, HSE Health & Wellbeing discusses the importance of a balanced diet to ensure children develop a healthy relationship with food.

With tips on how to introduce healthier foods into children’s daily diets.  Marian gives ideas on what to include, recognising that parents are busy, she explains that it’s about frequency and taking those different opportunities to introduce healthier options. For more information and ideas visit: https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/healthy-eating

If you would like to get in touch with the podcast or join the HSE Health and Wellbeing mailing list, email Healthandwellbeing.communications@hse.ie.

Produced by GK Media Studios

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Dr. Abigail Collins to help families navigate starting primary school and the back-to-school transition. Dr. Collins shares practical advice covering everything from managing children's anxiety and separation worries to practical preparations like uniforms, school bags, and lunchboxes. The conversation also touches on important health topics, including vaccinations, when to keep children home when unwell, and good hygiene habits. Throughout, Dr. Collins reminds parents to lean on their support networks and, importantly, to be kind to themselves during this significant milestone. For further information go to www.mychild.ie

Produced by GK Media Studios

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast, host Noreen Turley is joined by Professor Michael West to explore how organisational culture shapes the wellbeing of staff and the quality of care across our health services. Drawing on his decades of research and experience with health systems, Michael discusses what compassionate leadership looks like in practice and how it can help create healthier, more supportive cultures for staff, patients and service users.
 
They talk about the realities and pressures facing healthcare staff across many organisations and health systems, how cultures develop and change over time, and the growing evidence for more compassionate, inclusive and partnership-based approaches to leadership that work with staff, patients and service users as genuine partners in care. Michael shares practical, everyday actions – such as listening with real attention, supporting teams, and prioritising staff wellbeing – that can help shift organisational culture and sustain people working in complex, high-demand environments.
 
Whether you are a senior manager, a team lead or working on the frontline, this conversation offers insight, encouragement and very practical ideas to support healthier, more compassionate organisational cultures across our health services.
 
Core behaviours of our culture

organisationalculturegroup@hse.ie

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie