Toe in water is boost for health
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A RECOVERY-based approach to mental health is one that Sarah Fahy embraces in her role as Development Officer for Galway City and County with Mental Health Ireland.
As a Galway native, Sarah is passionate about helping people protect and mind their mental health before crisis point – and shares the significant benefits of sea swimming with free community dips in Salthill.
“Prevention and promotion are so important. Recovery looks different for everyone, but connection is at the heart of it,” she says.
The charity is celebrating 60 years this year – and, for the past year, Sarah has been building social connections across the city to encourage communities to take simple but powerful steps for wellbeing.
“Mental Health Ireland has been around since 1966, and we’re celebrating 60 years this year,” Sarah explains.
“Our focus is to educate, empower and connect communities, and to translate what happens at a national level into meaningful local action.”
One of the most refreshing examples of that local action is Dips for Health, a free monthly sea dip designed to build social connection and promote mental wellbeing.
The next dip takes place on Friday, March 6, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, meeting at the Yellow Shelter on the Salthill Promenade, between Ladies Beach and Grattan Beach.
The whole concept grew from Mental Health Ireland’s existing Woodlands for Health programme, helped by Galway’s enternal love affair with Salthill Prom and the sea.
Woodlands for Health is a twelve-week guided walking programme designed to support the mental health and well-being of adults engaged with mental health services across Ireland.
Launched in 2012 in County Wicklow, Woodlands for Health was inspired by Scotland’s award-winning Branching Out programme.
The programme has since expanded nationwide, reaching 14 counties and engaging over 380 participants in 2024 alone.
It is a collaborative partnership between Mental Health Ireland, Get Ireland Walking and Coillte nationally with many other organisations involved at a local level, including the HSE, Mental Health Associations and Local Sports Partnerships.
A previous evaluation of Woodlands for Health highlighted significant benefits for participants, with a 75% improvement in mood; 66% improvement in sleep quality and 82% reduction in suicidal thoughts – as well as enhanced nature connectedness and overall well-being.
“The premise is about connecting with each other, with community and nature,” Sarah says.
“It’s not that different from hopping in with a friend. But we’re creating space for people who might not have a gang to go with, or who haven’t tried it before.”
Each session begins with a relaxed chat about the benefits of blue spaces and how time by the sea can boost mood and reduce stress.
Participants walk along the beach together. Some take the plunge; others simply enjoy the fresh air and conversation.
“There’s absolutely no pressure,” Sarah emphasises. “No one needs to get into the sea. You can come for the chats and the tea.”
All dips are lifeguarded and delivered in partnership with organisations such as Water Safety Ireland, Galway Sports Partnership and Swim Ireland.
The initiative is currently a twelve-month pilot, with strong evaluation built in and hopes to expand nationwide.
The sessions are free; book on Eventbrite or email [email protected]