The Glen Health Action Zone – Health Action Zones and Community Health Projects

Welcome to The Glen Health Action Zone

Our Features & Facilities

Community Orchard – recently planted, providing apples, pears, plums, and other seasonal fruit for the community.
Community Market Garden – growing a wide variety of fresh produce which is shared locally, promoting healthy, seasonal eating.
Sensory Garden – filled with plants chosen for their colour, scent, texture, and sound, offering an inclusive and therapeutic space.
Community Composting – turning garden and food waste into rich compost, while demonstrating practical climate action.
Community Polytunnel – for year-round growing and seed propagation.
Sustainable water Systems – reducing reliance on mains water and promoting sustainable gardening through both rain water harvesting and water from our own well.
Wildlife-Friendly Spaces – to support biodiversity and pollinators.
Zen Meditation Area – a peaceful corner for reflection, mindfulness, and quiet moments.

Groups & Activities

We host a wide range of regular meet-ups, workshops, and community events, including:

Weekly Gardening Groups –
• Wednesdays: 11 am – 1 pm
• Thursdays: 11 am – 1 pm
Men’s Social Group – every Monday morning until 1 pm.
Parent & Toddler Group and Plant & Play – for parents of children with additional needs and autism.
School Groups – working with local schools to teach children about growing, biodiversity, and healthy eating.
Work Experience Placements – supporting horticultural training and skills development.
Wellness Initiatives – including seasonal yoga sessions, mindfulness activities, and nature connection workshops.
Food based workshops: Sauce making, preserving, cooking demos and community food events
Art Projects – creative workshops that combine gardening, nature, and community expression.

Meet Barry Hickey – Community Health Worker for The Glen

Hi, I’m Barry Hickey, and I’m proud to serve as the Community Health Worker for The Glen. I’m truly passionate about the work I do and grateful for the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others. My role involves engaging with both individuals and groups throughout the community to help address their health concerns and promote overall well-being.

I strive to create a friendly and inclusive environment where people can relax, connect with others, and feel a strong sense of community. Together, we’re building a healthier and more connected Glen for everyone.

Contact:
Barry Hickey
Community Health Worker HSE– The Glen Health Action Zone
Open to new members/volunteers
Thusday mornings from 11 am to 1 pm
Email: barry.hickey@hse.ie
Mobile: 087 1659084

About The Glen Community Garden

Food poverty is recognised as the inability to access or afford an adequate quality or sufficient quantity of food in a socially acceptable way, or the uncertainty of being able to do so (Dowler & Turner, 2012).

At The Glen Community Garden, we address this by providing fresh, locally grown fruit and vegetables for our community, while also offering a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share skills. Over the past decade, we have grown into a vibrant, award-winning garden with over 60 regular members and a proud record of collaboration with schools, community groups, and local initiatives.

Sharing the Harvest

Everything we grow is shared with the community — ensuring fresh, healthy food reaches local people while reducing food waste and strengthening community connections.

Whether you’re interested in learning to grow your own vegetables, joining a creative workshop, or just enjoying a cup of tea in the fresh air, you’re welcome here.

📍 We’re based in the grounds of The Glen Resource Centre – come along and get involved!