Galway Hospice Joins National Workplace Wellbeing Week

At Galway Hospice, staff wellbeing isn’t just a priority, it’s part of who we are. We recognise that providing compassionate care begins with supporting our own team, both physically and emotionally.

That’s why we were proud to take part in Ireland’s National Workplace Wellbeing Day, marking the occasion with a week of engaging activities and events. It was a meaningful opportunity to pause, reconnect, and reaffirm our commitment to building a healthy, positive workplace environment.

National Workplace Wellbeing Day is Ireland’s biggest celebration of workplace health and wellbeing, and took place on 30th April. The theme for this year was Celebrate Connection, which highlights the joy of simple human connection. In a world of AI, hybrid working, and an always-on culture, pausing for an in-real-life moment of connection can reinvigorate colleagues.

To honour this opportunity to focus on building a healthy and supportive workplace environment at Galway Hospice, we organised several workshops that took place during the week for our staff to choose from. Examples include:

• Life Coach and Breathwork Facilitator Marian Conneely held a session to support emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and inner resilience.

This blended tools such as breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness practices to reconnect with themselves and cultivate presence, clarity, and emotional balance. Attendees were also provided simple, practical tools they can use daily to maintain a regulated mind and body.

• Pelvic Health Event

Pelvic Health West was established by Orlaith Kilgannon, a Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health. They kindly provided specialised pelvic health physiotherapy to educate and empower staff to overcome symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and how it can restore quality of life.

• Sea Swimming

Staff members were also invited to go sea swimming together at Galway Bay Rowing Club in Oranmore on Tuesday, 29th April. A second sea swim took place at Mulranny Car Park in Mayo on Wednesday, 30th April. Research shows that even a little dip in the sea helps to put your organs into ‘rest and digest’ mode, which lowers your heart rate and reduces inflammation. Participants were also given the opportunity to enjoy tea, coffee and treats after the swim.

• H E.A.R.T.S. Process

Our Aromatherapists Ann Marie McGrath and Donna Tuohy provided a H.E.A.R.T.S. demonstration. This draws on a range of natural skills and sensory experiences, including Hands-on contact, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures and Sound.

• Art Therapy – Connection Cards

Staff at both the Galway and Mayo Hospices took part in an art therapy-based activity called “Connection Cards,” led by Kathy Hyland. This creative session encouraged reflection and connection through guided art-making, helping participants unwind, express themselves, and build deeper connections with colleagues in a relaxed and thoughtful way.

• Music Therapy

Staff were also invited to take part in a music therapy session led by Ronan de Burca. These uplifting, informal gatherings offered a chance to explore rhythm and sound in a playful, supportive space. It was simply a moment to breathe, laugh, and reconnect through music.

• Walk to Win

Taking the time to go on a walk was also a core focus of the week, where participants could track their steps and be entered into a draw for the chance to win from a selection of wonderful prizes.

Other activities which took place during the week included pilates classes, creating space for movement, relaxation, and renewed energy.

We would like to sincerely thank our external providers Orlaith Kilgannon (Pelvic Health West), and Marian Conneely (Life Coach and Breathwork Facilitator) and prize sponsors (Evergreen Healthfoods; Connacht Hotel; Revive Active; The Foods of Athenry; Tranquillity Leisure & Spa; Ecohomme; Lisa Cannon, Galway Bowen Therapy Clinic).

Their generous involvement allows us to facilitate these fantastic events in support of this yearly initiative, enhancing our ongoing commitment to the physical and mental wellbeing of our hardworking staff.