New heart health guide for communities in Roscommon

National stroke and heart charity, the Irish Heart Foundation, has announced the publication of ‘My heart health: A helpful guide to taking care of your heart’.

Aimed at improving heart health awareness and understanding in Roscommon and Galway, the new health literacy resource was developed in partnership with Galway City Council, Healthy Galway City and co-designed with local community groups.

The guide is sponsored by Adult Literacy for Life Strategy Collaboration and Innovation Fund 2025 and supported by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death and disability in Ireland and was responsible for 28% of all deaths in 2024.

This is despite an estimated 80% of premature cardiovascular disease being preventable.

However, there is a clear need for improved health literacy and to address the barriers to understanding healthcare information.

The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report 2024 revealed around 40% of adults in Ireland had limited health literacy, impacting the overall health and well-being of the population.

‘My heart health’ has been developed to support individuals and communities in Roscommon and Galway to better understand their cardiovascular health, risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and the steps people can take to protect and improve their heart health.

With an emphasis on being practical and accessible, the resource was shaped through co-creation workshops with local community groups including Westside Resource Centre, Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre and Salthill Men’s Shed, ensuring local voices guided the language, content and design.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Galway City Mayor, Councillor Alan Cheevers, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the partnership approach behind the project.

“This group collaboration between the Irish Heart Foundation, Galway City Council and Healthy Galway City and most importantly, local community groups in the city, will further empower our communities in terms of health literacy, one of the most powerful ways in which we can improve public health.” 

Now in its 60th year of leading the fight against cardiovascular disease, the new health literacy resource is the latest example of the Irish Heart Foundation’s commitment to tackling health inequality in communities across Ireland.

Commenting on the project, Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion, Information and Training at the charity said: “Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of premature death and disability this country.

“Improving health literacy is a vital step in prevention and early intervention. As an organisation, we are dedicated to improving health equity by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the same quality of heart health services and support so that they and their families can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.” 

 ‘My heart health: A helpful guide to taking care of your heart’ is available from the Irish Heart Foundation and online at irishheart.ie. 

Copies will also be available through Galway City Council, Healthy Galway City and relevant community groups in the coming weeks.