A mental health project set up for locals affected by the Lough Funshinagh flooding in Co. Roscommon has been nominated for a Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) award.

The initiative is being recognised under the 'Best Mental Health' category, having emerged as a well-being response supporting members of the local community who have endured significant flooding of their homes, lands and other local infrastructure.

The programme involved a collaborative response between Roscommon County Council’s 'Healthy Roscommon' initiative and members of the local community. It was facilitated by Laura Tully, who runs the county’s ‘Fit Farmers Programme’.

While an an interim flood relief scheme has been set up to pump water from Lough Funshinagh, the wait for a resolution led to flooded fields, homes and farm buildings causing stress and anxiety.

The aim of the ‘Rise and Thrive’ programme was to provide a rapid response to the community living in crisis with supportive tools to reduce and manage stress, signpost support services, explore psychological first aid and give lifestyle education to promote positive health.

The programme was broken into a workshop and workout format delivered across two hours on four consecutive weeks. Week one was an introductory session which also signposted service referral pathways.

The second week focused on the theme of resilience and the role of nutrition and stress management, while week three looked at the importance of managing and maintaining well-being such as good sleeping patterns.

The fourth and final week focused on renewal and the pathways from stress to strength and endurance, supporting recovery for people’s mental health and well-being. It also explored the importance of maintaining community connections.

Healthy Roscommon Co-Ordinator Aisling Dunne said: “All of the community affected by Funshinagh are to be commended for their courage, immense dignity and willingness to support each other.

"I’d also like to pay tribute to the HSE and other stakeholders whose support ensured the delivery of this very successful initiative”.

The initiative is one of six nominees shortlisted for the awards which take place in Rochestown Park Hotel in Co. Cork this Saturday, February 22

Among the county’s remaining nominees for this year’s awards are Roscommon Community Transport in the 'Best Community Transport' section and Castlerea’s An Chistin Food Hub in the 'Best Enterprise and Start-Up Hub awards'.