Sailing Into Wellness Programme Supports Recovery at Sea
Participants from The Red Door Project in Drogheda and Turas in Dundalk are taking part in Sailing Into Wellness, a four-week programme based at Carlingford Marina and funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, which is delivered by Louth County Council.
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme is a Healthy Ireland initiative that brings together local authorities, the HSE and community partners to fund and support community-based initiatives.
Drogheda and Dundalk are designated areas under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, which was developed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in communities where health inequalities are most evident.
Sailing Into Wellness uses sailing and outdoor activities to support personal development, wellbeing and recovery. Participants from The Red Door Project and Turas will learn how to sail a keelboat while also building confidence, resilience and teamwork.
Developed in response to identified local needs, the Sailing Into Wellness programme combines practical sailing activities with personal and social development, offering an alternative, non-clinical approach to recovery support.
Through time on the water, participants are encouraged to set goals, work together and overcome challenges in a supportive environment. Each session begins and ends with a group check-in, allowing participants to share their experiences and reflect on their progress. As the programme develops, participants take on longer sailing journeys on Carlingford Lough, building new skills and gaining a greater sense of achievement and confidence.
Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
"Sailing Into Wellness is an excellent example of how the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme can make a real difference in people's lives. By working with community organisations and local partners, Louth County Council is supporting programmes that promote recovery, inclusion, confidence and wellbeing in our communities."
Tessa Kingston, Sailing Into Wellness, said:
"We work with support groups like The Red Door Project and use the sea and sailing as a platform to support people's recovery. It's about teamwork, personal development and overcoming fears. Participants learn new skills, set goals and reflect on their progress each week, and the journey we take on the water becomes part of their wider recovery journey."
Alison Caldwell, Sláintecare Local Development Officer (Drogheda) with Louth County Council, said:
"Sailing Into Wellness is one of a number of projects being delivered by The Red Door Project in partnership with local organisations and funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.
“The programme provides valuable support for people experiencing mental health challenges, addiction issues or dual diagnosis. It helps participants build confidence, strengthen social connections and support their recovery over the longer term.”
Cormac McGee, Sláintecare Local Development Officer (Dundalk) with Louth County Council, said:
"We are delighted that members of Turas are taking part and benefiting from a programme that supports wellbeing, personal development and recovery. Carlingford Lough is one of Louth's greatest natural assets, and it's wonderful to see it being used in a way that supports health and wellbeing for participants from both ends of the county.”
For more information on Sailing Into Wellness, visit www.sailingintowellness.ie