Mojo graduates visit Croke Park stadium
Graduates of a special programme for men in Offaly recently went on a tour of Croke Park stadium in Dublin.
The men have successfully completed a 12 week Mojo programme operated by Offaly Local Developmpent Company and now have the opportunity to continue to meet on a regular basis. The group, known as ‘Mojo Brothers’, meet up for a chat and engage in activities whereby they upskill, socialise and have fun in an environment conducive to promoting a positive sense of wellbeing.
This trip was feasible due to Healthy Ireland funding which is a Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. Healthy Ireland has come about because of concerns that the current health status of people living in Ireland, including lifestyle trends and health inequalities.
Following the tour of Croke Park, the Mojo graduates then went to visit a Men’s Shed project in Jobstown, where they had a bite to eat and a chat with other men who meet to engage in woodwork projects and horticulture.
Mojo is for men who are in distress and affected by employment related issues. The men must be motivated to make changes to their lives. Many men attending Mojo are unemployed for a variety of reasons including: a lack of availability of jobs in their related fields, poor physical or mental health and providing care to a family member. Some men who participate on the programme are employed/ self-employed and are experiencing distress. The training takes place over a 12-week period, Wednesdays 10-1pm and Thursdays 10-2pm in Offaly Local Development Company, Millennium House, Main Street, Tullamore. The training is free and lunch is provided. A man’s benefits will not be affected while participating on the course.
The group training programme combines a unique mix of mental health, adult guidance, physical fitness and social networking methodologies that afford men the opportunity to explore the following: how to be and stay well, barriers to achieving their goals and desires and how to plan for their future. In addition to the group work each man has two 1:1 sessions with a life planner. The physical element of the programme is conducted by Offaly Sports Partnership.
The next Mojo Programme commences on May 15 and 16 in The Mojo Male Space, Offaly Local Development Company, Millennium House, Main Street, Tullamore. If you would like to know more about Mojo, please contact Caroline Brickland, Programme Manager on 0876028801 or email cbrickland@offalyldc.ie.