30 May 2008

Friends of Millview launch Health Promotion DVD

‘Friends of Millview’ based at Millview Resource Centre in Bessbrook have launched their interactive health promotion DVD.

Speaking at the launch in Newry Arts Centre, Bernie Sloan said that the project came about as a result of the groups interest in health promotion issues and a desire to educate and inform other people with or without a disability.

“The DVD addresses alcohol, addiction to prescription and illegal drugs, smoking, diet and exercise. There are interviews with numerous health professionals in the public and private sector.

“We would like everyone viewing the film to pause and discuss the many issues relating to health promotion. For example how alcohol affects your mood, whether too much alcohol can be harmful, the addictiveness alcohol? We learned that there is no safe level of smoking. One puff of a cigarette can still do damage as can breathing in second-hand smoke. One in three of all cancers are smoking related, 74 per cent of all diagnosis are for lung cancer.’

Martin Mallon who was involved in the project said, “This was a great learning curve for everyone involved and I can speak on behalf of everyone in saying that we look back at the development the project with great satisfaction. We learned new skills, consulted and involved others and had many discussions about health issues and their impact on our lifestyle. Using newly acquired skills, the group were involved in all aspects of the DVD including filming, musical development, audio production and editing.”

Friends of Millview Treasurer Freda Power adds, ‘‘The group’s knowledge about lifestyle choices has increased significantly and so has our feeling of control over our own health. We researched statistics and had numerous group discussions which helped shape our opinions. Some group members felt that because they have health problems they weren’t in a position to educate others. But by completing this interactive health DVD the group have shown everyone that the choices we make now can influence our future health.’’

John Sheehy concluded: “I would like to thank the professionals who participated in the project, led discussions and who agreed to be filmed. We really appreciate their help, enthusiasm and input. We hope their DVD will create an awareness of how health inequalities and poor lifestyle choices can impact on everybody’s lives.”

Millview Resource Centre is managed by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. Bronagh McKeown, Head of Physical and Sensory Disability Support Services at the Trust, says, “We often say that our health is our wealth and this innovative and important health promotion initiative highlights that we should treasure our health and take control of our choices and lifestyle. The five key messages apply to everyone and thanks to the DVD these topics can be discussed by other groups and their families.

“The production team has at all times encouraged participation, partnership and recognition of individual skills. It is evident that significant time, energy and the sharing of ideas has helped to make this project a success.’’

The Southern Drugs and Alcohol Coordination Team (SDACT) funded the project through its Small Grants Programme. Kieran Devlin, Chair of SDACT, said, “We are very happy to support projects like the DVD by Friends of Millview which help to address the issues of drugs and alcohol in the Newry and Mourne community and further afield. Over the last four years the Programme has grant-aided 47 projects with funding of £73,000.