Empowering Communities Through Collaboration
Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) was delighted to host the awards ceremony and official launch of the My Health Matters programme at the LOETB Midlands Skills Centre, Axis Business Park, Tullamore, on Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
This innovative pilot programme, delivered in Birr and Mountrath, was developed in direct response to health literacy needs in our communities. Working together with the HSE – including Integrated Care for the Older Person (ICPOP), Patient Service User Engagement, and Health Promotion – LOETB co-designed a programme that empowers older adults to understand their health needs and make informed decisions.
Why Health Literacy Matters
In Ireland, almost one million people have limited health literacy, with 42% reporting embarrassment when asking healthcare professionals for clarification. Research shows:
- 17% of adults understand little of the information provided by healthcare practitioners.
- 33% only sometimes ask for help if they don’t understand.
- 38% have taken the wrong dose of medication at least once.
The My Health Matters programme addresses these challenges by building confidence, improving communication, and supporting overall well-being.
A Programme Shaped by Learners
The programme is based on the internationally recognised Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms: Mobility, Medication, Mind, and What Matters to Me. The programme also includes a session on healthy Meals. Over seven weeks, learners engaged in practical sessions supported by guest speakers from the HSE and public services, receiving tailored resources and a specially designed handbook.
At the heart of the My Health Matters education programme are the voices of the participants. Their lived experience shaped the programme from the start, and their feedback will guide its future design. Certificates were presented to these learners, recognising not only their achievement but their vital role in co-designing a programme that truly meets community needs.
Tamara Latham, Regional Literacy Coordinator with LOETB, said: “This programme shows what can happen when education and health work hand in
hand. Our learners have been central to this journey – their insights will help us make health literacy accessible for everyone. We thank each participant for their commitment and for helping us shape what comes next.”
Amanda Caulfield, Health Promotion Officer, Health and Wellbeing in the HSE said:
‘Health promotion is at its strongest when communities are empowered and they lead the way. By listening to the voices of older adults and recognising their expertise in their own lives, we can build supports that truly empower individuals to take control of their health. The My Health Matters programme is a powerful example of how partnership, respect, and community wisdom can drive meaningful change’
Looking Ahead to 2026
The success of this pilot marks the beginning of something bigger. My Health Matters will roll out across Laois and Offaly in 2026, continuing to build confidence, improve communication with healthcare professionals, and support overall well-being.
For more information, contact [email protected] or call 085 856 0160.
