Author: info@smartd8.ie

Dublin 8’s demonstrator proves population health innovations work — and we’re just getting started

2025 Impacts at a Glance

• Reached milestone of 21,500+ citizens in Smart D8’s first five years through established connections with community organisations and direct pilot engagements – representing over 40% of Dublin 8’s population
• Launched fifth annual Pilot Call across Positive and Healthy Ageing, Community, and Connected Patient in the Community, with 10% international proposals received
• Selected and delivered three breakthrough pilots focusing on cancer detection, heart failure management, and men’s health through community football
• Welcomed Ana Coughlan as Smart D8 Community Coordinator in collaboration with The Liberties Community Project, strengthening engagements with local organisations across Dublin 8
• Delivered 37 community wellbeing initiatives through 15 new community-organisation collaborations, reaching an additional 400+ participants where people live, work and learn
• Expanded co-design capabilities through collaborations with multinationals, including Boehringer Ingelheim and Vhi Healthcare, embedding citizen-led innovation in digital health
• 100+ registered attendees at Smart D8’s third-ever showcase event, showcasing 2024–2025 pilot projects’ innovation journeys and ongoing community engagement activities
• Further increased visibility through 6,900+ new website visitors, 30,000+ social media impressions and 15,000+ members reached, and growing

2025 marked a defining year for Smart D8 as Dublin 8’s place-based population health demonstrator, bringing innovators and citizens together to demonstrate and validate innovations to tackle real-world community health and wellbeing challenges at scale. We launched our fifth consecutive pilot call, reaching over 40% of the local Dublin 8 community in the first five years. We selected three game-changing pilots: AI technology helping GPs detect cancer earlier, remote monitoring empowering citizens to self-manage heart failure at home, and football bringing men together for better social and mental wellbeing. 400+ residents took part in accessible wellbeing programmes — from International Women’s Day workshops to nature-based learning for schoolchildren — while 100+ registered attendees for our annual showcase to connect, learn, and build what comes next. With new capabilities expanded in co-design with collaborations with multinationals such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Vhi Healthcare, Smart D8 is not just pioneering new cross-sector collaborations with citizens for community health; we’re building the blueprint for population health transformation across Dublin 8, Ireland and beyond.

Validating Solutions for Real-World Impacts

Fifth Pilot Call Breaks New Ground

Smart D8’s fifth Pilot Call reinforced Dublin 8’s role as the go-to place-based demonstrator for validating health and wellbeing innovations that can work with the community at scale, attracting a broad range of applications (10% international) from industry innovators, academic thought leaders, public body visionaries and community changemakers. Following screening, review panel scoring and validation interviews, three pilots moved from proposed concepts to real-world delivery.

🎯 Pilot 1: LISTEN — AI That Helps GPs Spot Cancer Earlier
LISTEN (Leveraging an AI Scribe Tool to Detect Early Non-Specific Symptoms of Cancer) by the PRiCAN research group at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, developed and deployed an AI-supported ‘non-specific symptoms’ approach across four GP practices and 554 consultations — prompting clinicians on potential subtle cancer indicators (such as appetite loss, fatigue, vague abdominal pain) and helping ensure subtle cancer symptoms don’t go unnoticed.

💙 Pilot 2: Smart Heart — Remote Monitoring That Keeps Patients Safe at Home
Smart Heart by PatientMpower, in collaboration with St James’s Hospital Heart Support Unit, supported citizens to measure and transmit real-time blood pressure and weight data through remote monitoring — demonstrating how citizens living with heart failure can stay home safely while clinicians can gain insight into important bioindicator changes for early intervention.

⚽ Pilot 3: D8 Astro Football — Where Kickabouts Become Health-Changing
Using a simple yet powerful hook of ‘pick-up’ football, D8 Astro Football by Football Cooperative engaged 159 citizens through informal, community-led games at three Dublin 8 locations across 11 game nights. Supported by enterprise-academic collaborations with South East Technological University and University College Dublin, the pilot co-designed an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) framework that captures real-time mood, stress and wellbeing data before and after games, supporting a Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework for scale-up.

Community in Action: 400+ Residents and Wellness To Last

Smart D8 also delivered a range of inclusive wellbeing initiatives that reached an additional 400+ residents across 2025, designed to meet people where they are — schools, community centres, festivals and local spaces. Early in the year, health weeks reached 100+ students and teachers, followed by a Love Your Heart event supporting physical and mental wellbeing, and a Women’s Wellness series engaging 99 women through workshops spanning bone health, pregnancy, menopause and breast cancer recovery.

As we saw our pioneering team member, Giulia Camera, progress to exciting new horizons and open doors for new collaborations in her next chapter, the stellar appointment of Ana Coughlan as Smart D8 Community Coordinator in May, in collaboration with The Liberties Community Project, further transformed Smart D8’s capacity to listen and respond. Paving new paths for the latest programme evolution, active local outreach engaged an additional 15 key organisations and carried out a range of initiatives, including conducting focus groups that helped surface critical themes around isolation and service gaps, coordinating extensive community wellbeing initiatives in Dublin 8 and carrying out tailored community engagement activities for continued participation.

Summer and autumn sustained the momentum through Culture Date with Dublin 8’s Louder Voices songwriting and wellbeing activities, in addition to Dublin City Council summer camp workshops reaching 63 children, and festival sessions engaging 45 community members through accessible movement and wellbeing classes. Workplace wellness and healthy eating workshops further broadened participation, demonstrating that accessible, culturally responsive health initiatives can further lasting impact when carried out with the local community for healthier futures.

Alongside delivery, Smart D8’s community engagement in 2025 generated a strong evidence base through surveys, participant feedback and focus groups, identifying physical activity, nutrition and stress management as key priorities, with accessibility and social connection emerging as critical enablers of wellbeing. Feedback indicated tangible impact, with 60-70% of participants intending to maintain higher activity levels and over 80% expressing interest in continuing these activities regularly. These insights continue to inform Smart D8’s co-design approach and pilot validation processes, ensuring innovation remains grounded in lived experience and responsive to community need.

Growing the Movement

In 2025, Smart D8 strengthened its role as a connector, expanding its co-design capabilities with collaborations with multinationals including Boehringer Ingelheim and Vhi Healthcare. In April, Smart D8 supported Vhi’s annual CXM Innovation Day at The Digital Hub by showcasing lessons from previous pilot innovators — MoveAhead, the Irish Heart Foundation, Wellola and Civic Dollars — demonstrating how place-based collaboration helps move ideas toward implementation to deliver meaningful, validated digital health solutions and help citizens live longer, stronger and healthier lives.

In May, Smart D8 collaborated with Boehringer Ingelheim, The Digital Hub, Tyndall National Institute and local Dublin 8 organisations to explore how everyday digital devices such as smartphones, smartwatches and smart rings could help support more personalised and equitable approaches to health and wellbeing. Commenced with a multi-workshop co-design series, the collaboration explored potentials for citizen-led co-design on digital biomarkers using wearable technology, engaging residents, workers and students — opening new doors for a more responsive and inclusive digital health future.

In October, Smart D8’s third in-person showcase brought together 100+ registered attendees across all sectors for presentations, roundtables and networking, demonstrating increased impact measures while expanding the engagement infrastructure and evidence base for validating the next-generation population health innovations to scale in Dublin 8 and beyond.

What’s Next: Your Invitation to 2026

As our programme moves into 2026, Smart D8 looks forward to building on this momentum with new collaborations and initiatives, and fresh opportunities for you to get involved — to help validate innovations that can drive lasting, measurable change in population health and wellbeing. Want to be part of Dublin 8’s health innovation story? If you haven’t already, here’s how:

• Subscribe to our mailing list at smartd8.ie for updates on pilot launches, community events and impact stories: https://smartd8.ie/contact
• Follow us on LinkedIn and X (@SmartD8) for real-time news and behind-the-scenes content
  X: @smart_d8 https://x.com/smart_d8
  LinkedIn: @smart-d8 https://www.linkedin.com/company/smart-d8
• Get involved as a community participant, innovator, or partner — contact us at info@smartd8.ie

Thank you for being part of Smart D8’s remarkable 2025 journey. We are excited for what 2026 will offer. And we’re just getting started…

Wellbeing Workshops for Community Workers in Dublin 8

In December, Smart D8 was delighted to partner with Fatima Groups United to host two wellbeing workshops for community workers in Dublin 8 at the F2 Centre in Rialto. Across the two sessions, 30 community workers from a wide range of local organisations came together to take a well deserved pause from their busy schedules.

Community workers are often supporting others through complex and challenging situations, and the emotional demands of the role can be significant. These workshops were created in direct response to feedback from a recent social prescribing event, where many workers spoke openly about the ongoing pressures they face and the lack of time to prioritise their own wellbeing.

The first session, Laughter Yoga, took place on Tuesday December 9th. While laughter yoga may sound unusual at first, the session quickly filled the room with energy, connection, and (unsurprisingly) plenty of laughter. Through simple, playful exercises combined with gentle breathing, participants were encouraged to let go of stress, connect with one another and enjoy a moment of lightness in the middle of the working day.

The following week, on Tuesday December 16th, participants were invited to slow things down with a Sound Bath session. This hour offered a calm and restorative space, where soothing sound vibrations helped quiet the mind and release tension in the body. For many, it was a rare opportunity to fully switch off, even briefly, during a busy week.

What stood out across both workshops was the sense of shared understanding in the room. These sessions weren’t just about relaxation techniques, they were about acknowledging the importance of caring for those who care for others.

Smart D8 x Solas Project: Supporting Men’s Mental Health Month

Smart D8 is delighted to partner with Solas Project for ‘Mind Your Mate’, a community event dedicated to supporting and celebrating men’s mental health. Taking place in the heart of Dublin 8, the evening is designed to bring men of all ages together in a relaxed, positive and welcoming environment. The aim is to create space for connection, open conversation and practical support, all while encouraging men to prioritise their wellbeing.

The event will offer a wide variety of activities that promote both physical and mental health. Attendees can take part in seven-a-side football, guided breathwork, yoga, arts and crafts, and hear from a range of mental health speakers. There will also be a nutritionist and an on-site nurse offering health checks, alongside a food truck to help keep everyone fuelled throughout the evening. The atmosphere is intended to be friendly and inclusive, making it easy for men to meet others, learn something new, and enjoy an evening focused on wellbeing.

As part of the programme, Smart D8 tutors will host two workshops that are free and open to anyone attending. The first, Mental Health First Aid for Young Adults, will be delivered by Kieran Doyle. This session introduces the key principles of Mental Health First Aid, giving young adults the tools to recognise when a friend or peer may be struggling. Kieran will guide participants through the ALGEE action plan and discuss ways to offer effective support, while also emphasising the importance of self-care for those who provide help to others.

The second workshop, Fuel Your Mind, will be led by nutritional therapist Margaret O’Brien from Balance My Life. Margaret will explore the relationship between nutrition and mental wellbeing, highlighting how our food choices influence mood, energy, focus and resilience. Participants will learn about foods that support brain health, how to avoid habits that drain energy, and simple daily changes that can make a real difference. The workshop is engaging, practical and suitable for anyone interested in understanding how diet can support overall wellbeing.

Mind Your Mate is more than an event – it’s a chance for the community to come together, support one another and learn tools that strengthen both individual and collective wellbeing. Whether you join for the workshops, the activities, the conversations, or simply the atmosphere, everyone is welcome.

The event takes place from 6pm to 9pm on the 27th of November 2025 at Solas Project, Liberty View, Unit 1 Long’s Place, The Liberties, Dublin 8. We look forward to being part of an evening that encourages learning, connection and community support.

Celebrate Earth Day with Smart D8 & Our Lady of Lourdes National School

To mark Earth Day 2025, SmartD8 partnered with Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Inchicore, to deliver immersive outdoor workshops that encouraged environmental awareness and hands-on engagement with the natural world. Set in the picturesque War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin 8, the sessions combined learning, creativity, and play in a refreshing outdoor classroom.

Workshops Recap

On Monday, April 7th 2025, two one-hour workshops were delivered by Rosalinde Schut, part of the Smart D8 Tutors and Facilitators Panel. First and second class students – 34 in total, aged 6 to 8 – took part in these vibrant workshops from 10 am until 12 pm.

Each workshop began in a circle where students introduced themselves and picked a playful “nature name” to spark connection. The group then split into smaller teams to rotate through three nature activity stations. Each station featured two engaging, accessible activities designed to foster creativity, teamwork, focus, and environmental care. By the end of the workshop, every child had completed six unique tasks rooted in nature.

Workshops Goals

These nature-based workshops helped the students connect with the outdoors and each other.

They were designed to:

• Introduce students to the War Memorial Gardens

• Teach the meaning and importance of Earth Day

• Promote environmental awareness and responsibility

• Encourage hands-on interaction with nature

• Foster collaboration in a non-competitive setting

• Provide an enriching outdoor learning experience

Workshops Highlights

The sessions were enthusiastically received by both students and staff. Children were curious, engaged, and remarkably calmer while participating in the outdoor activities. Teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) highlighted how inclusive the workshops were, with students of all abilities able to join in at their own pace.

There was a noticeable shift in energy as children connected with the natural surroundings and with one another. Activities like nature observation and litter collection helped them reflect on their role in caring for the planet.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students described the day as “fun”, “mind-blowing”, “lovely”, and “excellent”, and said they felt “happy”, “delighted”, and “calm” afterwards.

Teachers and SNAs appreciated the break from routine and expressed a strong interest in bringing more nature-based activities into the classroom. One SNA commented on how well students with autism responded to the environment, while the school principal shared:

“All the staff and children were really happy with today’s nature workshops. They all commented on how great it was, how many activities there were, and how no one was ever bored. Everyone loved it. Several staff members are already asking if we can do more. The children gave it a 10 out of 10. A few children from our autism class also took part, and they absolutely loved it. A huge thank you for organising this – it’s brilliant to see everyone returning so positive and happy after a trip.”

What’s Next?

These workshops clearly met a need, offering students a meaningful way to engage with nature while giving educators a fresh perspective on outdoor learning.

SmartD8 is excited to build on this success and bring even more nature-based educational opportunities to schools across Dublin 8. As one teacher put it, “Can we do more?” , the answer is “Absolutely!”.

Celebrate World Health Awareness Month with Smart D8 & The Digital Hub

We are thrilled to invite you to a special, free health event in honour of World Health Awareness Month. This event is a collaboration between Smart D8, The Digital Hub, and the Irish Heart Foundation, aimed at raising awareness of heart health and providing essential health checks to the community. Whether you’re new to health screenings or you make them a regular part of your wellness routine, this event is a fantastic opportunity to prioritise your health.

Free Blood Pressure and Pulse Checks by Irish Heart Foundation

As part of our ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing, we are hosting a free blood pressure and pulse check event on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. The event will take place at The Digital Depot Car Park at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8, from 10:30 am to 4:15 pm.

This event is open to everyone in the community, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular at The Digital Hub. No appointments are necessary – just drop by at your convenience, and our team will take care of the rest!

Why Should You Attend?

High blood pressure is a silent health issue that affects millions of people, often without them realising it. In fact, 2 in 3 adults over the age of 50 have high blood pressure, many of whom are unaware of their condition. This makes regular checks crucial, as high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

By attending this free event, you’ll have the opportunity to get your blood pressure and pulse checked by the professionals from the Irish Heart Foundation’s Mobile Health Unit. These quick and simple tests could potentially prevent future health issues and help you take control of your heart health.

What to Expect During the Event

The event will feature the following services and resources to help you understand and improve your health:

• Free Blood Pressure and Pulse Checks: Trained professionals from the Irish Heart Foundation will be available to check your blood pressure and pulse at no cost to you. These checks are quick, easy, and could offer important insights into your overall health.

• Risk Factor Assessments: Along with your blood pressure check, you’ll receive a personalised risk factor assessment. This helps you understand your individual health risks and what you can do to manage them effectively.

• Personalised Heart Health Advice: After your check-up, you’ll have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with trained Irish Heart Foundation nurses. They will provide tailored heart health advice to help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and wellbeing.

• Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke: In addition to health checks, the nurses will offer valuable tips on how to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, including advice on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

This event offers a unique chance to not only monitor your health but also take proactive steps to improve it.

No Appointment Necessary – Just Drop By!

One of the best parts of this event is how accessible it is. No appointment is needed – simply drop by during the event hours (from 10:30 am to 4:15 pm) at The Digital Depot Car Park in The Digital Hub. We understand that everyone has busy schedules, so we’ve made it easy for you to come at anytime that works for you.

While we’ll do our best to keep things moving quickly, there may be a short wait depending on demand. We appreciate your patience and will ensure you’re attended to as promptly as possible.

Share the News – We Look Forward to Seeing You There

We encourage you to share this exciting opportunity with your colleagues, friends, and family members, especially those living in or near Dublin 8 and the surrounding areas. This event is open to everyone, and we would love to see as many people as possible take advantage of this free health service.

This health check event is a great way to invest in your wellbeing and take the first step toward better heart health. We look forward to welcoming you on Wednesday, April 16th and helping you on your journey to a healthier future.

A Community-Driven Initiative for Women’s Health

In March 2025, Smart D8 and Live & Breathe Pilates joined forces to launch Women’s Wellness in D8 – Spring Series, an initiative dedicated to empowering women in Dublin 8 to take an active role in their health and wellbeing. Led by expert Pilates instructor Steph Grey, this initiative provided free workshops tailored to different stages of a woman’s life, ensuring accessible, practical, and movement education based on research.

The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between women and movement, addressing common concerns around fitness, mobility, and health conditions that often discourage physical activity. By creating a welcoming and informative space, the program enabled participants to gain confidence in their bodies and take proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

A Collaborative Approach to Wellness

The project aimed to develop a wellness initiative in honour of International Women’s Day. With financial support from Smart D8, Live & Breathe Pilates hosted four impactful workshops throughout March 2025, welcoming participants both in-studio and online.

The collaboration underscored the importance of community-driven wellness programs. Smart D8, committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the Dublin 8 community, recognised the need for accessible and targeted health education. Live & Breathe Pilates brought expertise in movement therapy for women, ensuring that each session was rooted in science and tailored to the participants’ needs.

Four Workshops, Four Key Themes

Each workshop addressed a crucial aspect of women’s health, offering both educational and practical movement sessions:

1. PILATES FOR BONE HEALTH (March 1)

This workshop tackled the pressing issue of osteoporosis, a condition that disproportionately affects women. The session focused on bone-strengthening exercises, weight-bearing movements, and postural awareness to help reduce fracture risk and improve mobility.

• Impact: 49 participants (25 online, 24 in-studio)
• Key takeaway: Movement is essential in preventing and managing osteoporosis, and safe exercise can be highly beneficial.

2. PILATES FOR PREGNANCY & BEYOND (March 15)

Designed for expectant and postpartum mothers, this workshop introduced safe and effective exercises to support core stability, pelvic floor health, and overall strength. With a focus on breathwork and mindful movement, participants learned how to ease discomfort and maintain fitness during and after pregnancy.

• Impact: 6 participants (3 online, 3 in-studio)
• Key takeaway: Pregnancy and postpartum recovery require specific movement strategies to ensure long-term wellbeing.

3. MOVEMENT MATETRS IN MENOPAUSE (March 22)

Menopause is often accompanied by changes in bone density, muscle mass, and joint health. This session provided practical strategies for incorporating resistance training, balance exercises, and mindfulness techniques to support overall wellness during menopause.

• Impact: 38 participants (23 online, 15 in-studio)
• Key takeaway: Strength training and movement can ease menopausal symptoms and promote long-term health.

4. PINK RIBBON PILATES FOR BREAST CANCER REHAB (March 29)

Recovery from breast cancer treatment comes with unique challenges, including limited mobility and lymphedema risk. This workshop guided participants through gentle yet effective exercises to restore range of motion, improve circulation, and enhance overall wellbeing post-treatment.

• Impact: 6 participants (2 online, 4 in-studio)
• Key takeaway: Gentle movement and targeted exercises can aid recovery and support long-term healing.

Breaking Barriers to Fitness

One of the key achievements of this series was empowering women to feel more confident in movement. Many attendees had previously been hesitant to engage in exercise due to conditions like osteoporosis, menopause, or post-surgical limitations. By providing evidence-based instruction, participants gained both knowledge and assurance that movement is not only safe but vital to overall wellbeing.

A common theme emerged throughout the workshops: many women had been avoiding exercise out of fear. Some believed their conditions made movement unsafe, while others lacked access to the right guidance. These sessions provided a crucial shift in perspective, showing that exercise is adaptable and beneficial at any stage of life.

Beyond the Mat: Giving Back

The workshops were offered free of charge, but participants were encouraged to donate to Women’s Aid (https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Liveandbreathepilates) or Arc Cancer Care Centre (https://www.idonate.ie/LiveandbreathepilatesLiveandbreathpilates11). Steph Grey also donated her fees from the program to these charities, highlighting the community-driven spirit of the initiative. To support the cause, they created an iDonate page for both charities, allowing participants to make contributions. In addition to iDonate, cash donations were also collected. Currently, the total donations for both charities amount to €1,397, and donations will remain open until April 19, 2025.

This initiative was about more than just movement – it was about community, support, and advocacy. By choosing to give back, both organisers and participants contributed to a greater cause, reinforcing the idea that wellness extends beyond the individual.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women’s Wellness in D8

The success of Women’s Wellness in D8 – Spring Series has demonstrated the immense value of targeted wellness programs for women. The enthusiastic response from participants highlights the need for ongoing education and accessible health initiatives in the community.