Laois Connects Podcasts

Episode 11: ‘Drugs & Young People’

In this podcast we discuss the impact drugs have on young people and their behaviour. We also explore what parents can do to help support their children if they are affected by drug-related difficulties. With special guests, Sinead O’Shea, Assistant Service Manager & Martina Dunne, Counsellor, from Extern Midlands Youth Drugs and Alcohol Service (MYDAS).

Episode 10: ‘A Journey of Displacement’

In this podcast we learn about the journey of displacement. We listen to some of the challenges people face when they are forced to leave their home & country and rebuild a life in a new country like Ireland. With special guests, Radwan Abouhajar, Resettlement Officer with the Syrian Resettlement Project in Offaly and Bolaji Adeyanju, founder of Laois Africa Support Group.

Episode 9: Creative Living

In this podcast we explore the health benefits to expressing ourselves using creativity. Whether it is writing a poem, painting on canvas, designing our gardens or simply arranging fresh flowers for the kitchen table, we learn why it is important to nurture our creativity. With special guests Emma Ryan, Senior Occupational Therapist & Dr. Amy Moriarty, Clinical Psychologist, with the HSE Laois Community Adult Mental Health Services.

Episode 8: Coercive Control within Intimate Partner Relationships

In this podcast we discuss the damaging impact coercive control has within intimate relationships and family life. We also discuss how to ask for help or support someone who is experiencing domestic abuse as well as reflect on how we can help teach young people about healthy relationships. With special guests Marna Carroll, Co-ordinator & Sean Gorman, Children & Young Persons Support Worker with Laois Domestic Abuse Service.

Episode 7: The Retiring Man

In this podcast we explore the inevitable journey towards and into retirement for men. We discuss the fears and hope many men have regarding their retirement and explore steps men can take to plan their retirement stage, ensuring they retire fulfilled and well. With special guests Liam Ramsbottom, SICAP Team leader with Laois Partnership and Tom Finery, Chairperson of Offaly Local Development Company.

Episode 6: Becoming Empowered

In this podcast we discuss self-empowerment and what it means. We explore ways in which we can empower ourselves, our children and our communities. With special guests Eileen Cunningham (Co-ordinator) & Tara Gibbons, (Peer Recovery Educator) for the HSE with Mental Health Ireland.

Episode 5: An Introduction to Alcohol & Drug Addiction

In this podcast we explore alcohol & drug use and addiction. We discuss how addiction develops, how it takes hold on a person’s life and the steps people can take to overcome it with proper treatment, care and support. With special guests Orla Fagan, Service Co-Ordinator with Midlands Drug & Alcohol Treatment Supports, Merchant Quay Ireland & Marion Mulvanny, Nurse Manager with the HSE Community Alcohol Drugs Service.

Episode 4: When Gambling becomes a Problem

In this podcast we examine the darker side to gambling, how and when it becomes a problem in someone’s life and how services such as Extern Problem Gambling can support people (and their family) into and through recovery. With special guests Barry Grant, Project Manager and Addiction Counsellor & Tony O’Reilly, Addiction Counsellor and Workshop Facilitator with Extern Problem Gambling.

Episode 3: Living with Hope

In this podcast we explore the power of hope, how to build and protect it and how to repair it if lost because of a set-back, disappointment or personal challenge. With special guests Josephine Rigney, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention (Laois & Offaly) & Bernie Carroll, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer with Pieta Midlands & Counsellor Psychotherapist in Private Practice.

Episode 2 – Part 2: Guided Meditation.

A short 5 minute guided meditation for general wellbeing by Fiona Gallagher. Please do not listen to this recording while driving or operating machinery; only listen when you can do so safely. Sit back, listen with headphones and enjoy a moment of self-care.