Health Education And Relaxation Therapy

The H.E.A.R.T Project was developed in response to the health inequalities evident within the area of the Falls Ward.
Funding was secured through The Big Lottery (formerly the New Opportunities Fund) to provide the following:
- Information, advice and referral services which allow people to make positive decisions about their health.
- Access to education programmes including accredited and non accredited courses.
- Developing self help activity, which improves the physical health and mental well being of people and contributes to a healthier community.

Six priority topics have been identified and these provide the basis for H.E.A.R.T's work
1. Healthy Eating
2. Physical Activity
3. Smoking
4. Life Skills
5. Alcohol and Drug misuse
6. Mental Health and Social well being

The H.E.A.R.T. Project is based in the Maureen Sheehan Healthy Living Centre in Albert Street.
This two building complex has been developed to provide a central focus for provision of health related issues for local people.
This impressive building was named in memory of District Nurse Maureen Sheehan and built on the site of the old Presbyterian Church at 106 Albert Street.
Officially opened in October 2004, the building brings together the community centre and the renovated health clinic into a single complex.
The complex offers a range of services provided by community based groups such as Clan Mor Sure Start, The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Drs Campbell/McHugh's GP Surgery.
Further information and contact details on the tenants of the Maureen Sheehan Centre can be found in the Directory of Services .

Brief History of the Maureen Sheehan Centre :

• A local partnership came together in 1998/99 to discuss the development of a new community centre and the existing health centre into a single complex incorporating community development activities and community health service provision.

• Built on the site of a derelict Presbyterian Church at 106 Albert Street the new building was completed in 2002. The renovated health centre shortly followed.

• The building was named after district nurse Maureen Sheehan. Nurse Sheehan worked in the Falls area for over 25 years and was tragically killed whilst on duty.

• A commemorative stone to Maureen sits in the garden that links the 2 buildings.

• One of Maureen’s sons, Timothy was involved in the development of the building as part of his role in the Estates Department of what was then the North & West Belfast Health & Social Services Trust.

• The front of the new building incorporates 4 of the gargoyles from the original church

• The current tenants of Building 1 include the H.E.A.R.T. Project, Clan Mor Sure Start & Medicare Dispensing Pharmacy. There is also a Health Information Point and the LOAF Café.

• The tenants of Building 2 include a GP’s Practice and a variety of services of The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.