Naas LGFA embrace the Lidl One Good Club Initiative

Lidl One Good Club , in association with LGFA and Jigsaw- the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, is a 5-step youth mental health awareness programme for LGFA clubs which aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of mental health while facilitating clubs to positively affect their members, players and people in their communities.

Naas LGFA decided that nurturing mental wellbeing is an integral part of their responsibility as a club within the Naas community and this prompted the club to apply to participate in the #Lidl One Good Club programme. The application was successful and Naas LGFA were selected to represent Kildare . An enthusiastic project committee was formed to co-ordinate the various activities which fuel this mental health wellbeing programme commencing on March 6. The programme is based on

Jigsaw’s 5-a day for your mental health framework. The 5-steps include ‘ Be Active’ , ‘ Take Notice’ ,

‘Connect’ ‘ Keep Learning ‘and ‘ Give’.

The clubs have been given a two week period to implement each individual step and Naas LGFA is presently engaged in the first step ‘ Be Active’ until March 19.

On completion of the 5- steps on May 1`14 , the club will receive accreditation and a plaque for the clubhouse to confirm that they are an official One Good Club member and a set of jerseys for one of the Club teams. The actual implementation of the programme is invaluable as a means to improve mental wellbeing regardless of the incentives on offer. It is hoped that this initiative will assist Naas LGFA to respond more effectively to the mental wellbeing of its members and improve ways to

create effective links with the wider community in the Naas area.

It was decided to organise a ‘ Zumba’ Session for all the players from 13 years to Senior level. A training session with a difference and a bringing together of the various age groups in Naas LGFA.

Last Sunday , the Naas Gaa Hall was awash with players , sporting the blue and white of Naas , as they engaged in the lively and energetic dance routines under the guidance of Niamh Redmond and Elizabeth Hauroo who conduct Zumba sessions in Naas GAA every Thursday at 7pm and Monread Community Centre every Tuesday at 7 pm. Niamh and Elizabeth generated great enthusiasm and flair which encouraged all the players to fully engage and enjoy being active and explore a new

activity. This initiative was very successful and the two lucky winners of the ‘ Pamper Hampers’ were delighted with their gifts. It was so well received that the project committee have considered hosting

another Zumba Session next month.

A ’ First Aid Course ‘ was organised for the mentors in Naas LGFA and it had a representative from each age group. This was considered another ‘ Be Active’ initiative as the club was actively ensuring player welfare was viewed as another major responsibility of the club, as a sporting facility in the Naas community. Aoife Callan co-ordinated the presentation and it proved very informative and the practical aspects of the course will assist all the mentors in attendance as they begin their respective

competitions on the field of play.

The next step ‘ Take Notice’ will be launched on 20 th March and the main focus of this step is to encourage the players and members of Naas LGFA to become more aware of their local Naas environment. This awareness encourages us all to look at our environs and appreciate its environmental value ; the natural surroundings down the Canal , the historic landmarks, the modern Naas , the cultural Naas, its people, to name but a few. This step will surely excite all the players as they are invited to engage in Tik Tok activities to highlight the many treasures which make up the fabric of our Naas environment.

The other steps ‘ Connect ‘ , ‘ Keep Learning’ and ‘ Give’ will be launched in April and May. Exciting times ahead as Naas LGFA continue their # Lidl One Good Club’ journey and we will keep you informed about all the activities as they nurture the mental wellbeing of all our members. A worthwhile initiative which will benefit the Club and Naas community.