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Award-winning Care Aware Crew programme comes to Limerick schools

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Laura Ginty, Health Sciences Academy with pupils of Presentation Primary School, Sexton Street Limerick who completed the Care Aware Crew programme.

Primary Schools in Limerick invited to join free, award-winning, Care Aware Crew education programme

Primary Schools in Limerick invited to join free, award-winning, Care Aware Crew education programme
Pupils in St Joseph’s National School Ballybrown, Co. Limerick completing the Care Aware Crew programme.

HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy and partners expand fun, free and engaging Healthcare Skills Programme for primary schools across the Mid West.

Primary schools across Limerick can now register for the award-winning Care Aware Crew programme, a free initiative that teaches primary school children essential health knowledge, including emergency skills, about the human body, and health literacy, while introducing them to the idea of careers in healthcare.

The Care Aware Crew programme offers schools a series of interactive videos and workbooks on health topics like making a 999 call, first aid, and brain health. The programme, already piloted with over 1,000 students across 20 Mid West schools, has received enthusiastic feedback from teachers and students alike. Developed by local healthcare professionals and informed by teachers, Care Aware Crew is a partnership between Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy, and University of Limerick.


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Following initial funding from QExchange in 2022, the Health Sciences Academy recently secured additional funding of €88,000 from HSE Spark Innovation enabling the programme to reach all primary schools in the Mid West region. This expansion ensures that more students can gain invaluable, lifelong skills and confidence in handling health emergencies.

“As a principal who has delivered the Care Aware Crew programme, I’ve seen our students gain essential, lifelong skills for handling emergencies with confidence and care,” says Seamus Barry, Principal of St Joseph’s National School, Ballybrown, Co. Limerick. “I highly recommend the programme to schools across the Mid West.”

Miriam McCarthy, Health Sciences Academy Manager, adds, “We’re thrilled to have secured this funding, allowing us to bring the Care Aware Crew to every school in the region. This fun, engaging programme teaches health knowledge and life skills, and we hope to expand access nationwide by next summer.”

Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Chief Executive (Acting) of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board stated “We’re thrilled to expand the Care Aware Crew programme to reach every primary school in the Mid West. This initiative empowers young people with essential life-saving skills, equipping them to handle emergencies with confidence. Through our partnership with the HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy and University of Limerick, we are bringing vital health education to schools. The Care Aware Crew program is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving the well-being of our young people.”

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.