The innovative Smart D8 project piloted a range of community programmes in 2024 designed to boost population health and wellbeing
17.02.25
Smart D8, the health and community wellbeing demonstrator project in Dublin 8, recently published the results of its innovate community engagement activities in 2024.
The smart city district brings together a range of partners from local enterprise clusters, hospitals and health providers, and third level and research to develop and trial innovative solutions to day to day health challenges and also to promote a greater sense of community wellbeing in the area.
In 2024, Smart D8 engaged over 1,000 people across Dublin 8 in health and wellbeing activities through a diverse range of initiatives that it undertook with local community partners. These efforts established a vibrant network of community-centred programs, benefiting workers, residents and students across Dublin 8.
Speaking about their programme in 2024, co-ordinator Giulia Camera pointed out that Smart D8 collaborated with a range of local organisations to develop programmes to drive positive, lasting change in the health and wellbeing of the Dublin 8 community.
“The success of these initiatives reflects Smart D8’s commitment to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and meaningful educational growth in Dublin 8”, says Camera.
“Last year, through its targeted community programme, Smart D8 established connections with 34 community organisations, 18 schools, 8 preschools, 3 adult education services, and 3 community networks across Dublin 8, cumulatively representing over 9,500 citizens. Initiatives included mental health, healthy heart, mindfulness, drama and music therapies and more”.
Partners included Fatima Groups United, The Liberties Community Project, St. Andrew’s Community Centre, The Digital Hub, Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, Tusla, MagicMinds Podcast Foundation, Turn2Me, Common Ground, Family Resource St. Michael’s Estate, Infinite Sound, and St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
Building on this success of the community programme, Smart D8 launched its first Call for Tutors and Facilitators in June and established a panel of 30 health-related experts. It then partnered with four local organisations – The Digital Hub, National College of Art and Design, Inchicore College of Further Education, and Guinness Enterprise Centre – to run tailored health and wellbeing programs ranging from cacao ceremonies to mental health workshops.
“In all approximately 300 workers and students took part in programmes designed to promote wellbeing in workplace and educational settings”, says Camera. “Highlights included a choral program at NCAD and mindfulness and yoga sessions at The Digital Hub, which were particularly successful, prompting partners to explore ways to sustain these activities for ongoing support to their employees”.
More at www.smartd8.ie.
