HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, we speak with Joseph Morning, Head of Learning and Curriculum at spunout, about digital mental health resources for young people. Joseph introduces Navigator, which is a free, anonymous online tool helping 16–25-year-olds find tailored mental health support in Ireland and explains how real young people shaped its development.  We also explore spunout's Safer Conversations Online course, which guides users in discussing sensitive topics like suicide and self-harm responsibly on social media. Overall the episode offers a warm, insightful conversation about empowering young people through trusted digital resources. For more detail on spunout’s resources check out:

Navigator: https://spunout.ie/navigator/

Safer Conversations Online: https://spunout.ie/academy/course/view.php?id=24

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

This episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing explores the real experiences of fostering in Ireland, Noreen Turley is joined Noeleen O'Reilly, foster parent who has welcomed many children into her family home over the last 20 years and Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla’s national lead for Foster Care. Together they explore what fostering really looks like day to day. Listeners will hear honest reflections on the emotional ups and downs, the impact of trauma, and the difference a safe, stable home can make in a child’s life. The conversation looks at the supports available for foster carers, the importance of working together across services and with birth families and clarifies some of the most common misconceptions about fostering and who is eligible to foster children in Ireland. Whether you are simply curious or actively considering fostering, this episode offers clear, accessible information and signposts on how to find out more about fostering in your area.

 

To talk to Tusla about fostering as an option - visit fostering.ie, call freephone 1800 226 771 or email [email protected].

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing, we speak with Michael Ryan, Head of Mental Health Engagement and Recovery at the HSE. Together, they explore the evolution of mental health services in Ireland, highlighting the shift towards recovery-oriented, person-centred care. Michael shares his personal journey and emphasises the value of lived experience, peer support, and recovery education. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace hope, empowerment, and collaboration in mental health, and invites everyone to view recovery as a shared, ongoing journey.

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

This episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, hosted by Noreen Turley and joined by Dr. Jean Sorohan, Senior Clinical Psychologist, offers practical support for parents and carers helping a young person through exam season. Jean shares down-to-earth advice on how to stay calm, ease pressure, build healthy routines, and encourage mindful coping at home. The conversation also touches on neurodivergent inclusion and trusted supports, along with the reminder that one exam does not define you. It is a reassuring conversation for any parent or carer who wants to feel more confident in supporting their young. For supports and further information, visit https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/camhs/ or https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/primary-care-psychology/

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Fergal Fox is joined by Dr. Mary O’Mahony to discuss radon; a naturally occurring radioactive gas and the leading source of radiation exposure in Ireland. They explore radon’s health risks, especially its link to lung cancer, and highlight the importance of testing homes and using radon-proof membranes in new builds. The episode also covers government efforts, prevention strategies, and available resources, while encouraging listeners to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from radon exposure. They highlight the increased risk to smokers and also point to HSE Stop Smoking services available on https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/. For more on Radon go to HSE National Cancer Control Programme website.

 

Produced by GKMedia.ie