We were delighted to join Counselling Psychologist Maeve Halpin and volunteer with Dublin South FM on her radio show ‘Wellbeing for Everyday Life’ recently.
Maeve was interested in hearing about the various activities that take place in Richmond Barracks such as workshops in arts and crafts, dance, singing, creative writing, gardening, biodiversity and nature, creativity and wellbeing, learning to play an instrument, as well as the history talks and tours that take place in and from the building.
The interview focused on the many benefits of taking part in creative and cultural activities for our mental health. You can listen to the interview here:
Laura Howe, Culture Connects Programme Manager told Maeve that people come to join in the workshops to have fun, learn something new, and meet others from the community.
"It’s about giving people the opportunity to try out new things, finding out what you like, and of course connecting with other people while you are doing it”.
The idea of accessibility and people trying out new things without commitment was also discussed. Laura explained that even though some of the workshops take place over several weeks, people can come along to as few or as many as they like.
Laura also talked about the value of listening to people in the community when it comes to creating relevant and meaningful programming. The programme of activities at Richmond Barracks is created based on feedback from the community, and celebrates the experiences and interests of the local communities and people.
“Our programming is very much people-led. First of all we listen to what people say they are interested in, and then we respond to that by putting on things that they say they want to do".
Joining Laura and Maeve was Mary McCarthy, a longtime participant at Richmond Barracks workshops, in particular Sing for Fun, a workshop for anyone who is interested in singing as part of a group. You don’t have to have singing experience or be able to read music to take part.
Mary also takes part in Dance Delights, a series of lively movement workshops that introduce you to simple ways of creating dance.
“It’s great fun, and it’s very much about community, because you’re engaging with the other people during the dance as well, so you’re getting that connection, and I know I come out energised”.
Mary talked about the importance of connection in our lives, and of learning new things and nourishing our brains and bodies. Mary said she goes to Dance Delights and Sing for Fun because she knows that at the end of the class she will go home with a ‘dopamine hit’.
Maeve and Laura also chatted about the various activities throughout the year at Richmond Barracks for children and young people, and about the building also being home to Inchicore library.
They talked about the rich history of Richmond Barracks, and how visitors can experience walking tours that chart the history of the local area and the building as a military barracks, a significant site of the 1916 Rising, and as a cornerstone of a Dublin community.
Laura advised people who wanted more details about any of the activities they talked about to visit the What’s On page on the Richmond Barracks website which all the latest information. She said that most of the activities are free of charge.
Wellbeing for Everyday Life is broadcast live on Dublin South FM (93.9 FM) Thursdays from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Posted 02 Bealtaine 2025
Tagged with: News