Respond’s unique Brain Health Village nominated as finalist in the ICSH 2025 Housing Awards

Respond, an Approved Housing Body and service provider is delighted to announce that their unique Brain Health Village project based in Baltinglass, developed in partnership with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), has been announced as a finalist in the Irish Council for Social Housing Awards, 2025, under the Building Community category.

You can vote for the Brain Health Village in the Public Choice Award 2025 category on the ICSH’s website here Community Housing – Public Choice Award 2025 – Irish Council for Social Housing.

Respond was also nominated as a finalist in two other categories including:

• Large Family Housing Project, Elanora Court, Dublin 12,
• Small Regeneration Project, Millfield Cottages, Cork City.

The Brain Health Village is the first of its kind in Ireland. Located in the scenic Rathcoran development in Baltinglass, Wicklow, it is at the forefront of integrating the concept of brain health into housing and community development. This initiative aims to enhance the long-term brain health and overall well-being of the people who live there.

Lifelong brain health is underpinned by several factors, including our health choices, openness to learning new things and opportunities to be creative.  While high quality housing is a key component, social connectedness and access to nature also play an important part in promoting good brain health.

Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond said:

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for our efforts to combine brain health principles with high quality housing development. It’s a testament to our belief that our environments play a crucial role in our health and well-being.”

The Brain Health Village caters to a diverse population including families, individuals and refugees from Iraq and Syria, embodying Respond’s commitment to inclusive and innovative housing solutions. “Our work at Rathcoran is a prime example of how thoughtful housing design can support not only physical health but also mental and cognitive well-being.”

This recognition underscores the success of the Brain Health Village’s pilot phase, which aims to promote the awareness of brain health within the community, develop a framework for a brain-health-friendly environment, and identify key initiatives for future focus. “The enthusiasm and participation of the Rathcoran community have been pivotal to the project’s success. We look forward to expanding our efforts and continuing to learn from this model,” said O’Sullivan.

As Respond continues to lead the way in innovative housing solutions, this nomination highlights the importance of holistic approaches to health and well-being in the development of housing and communities. Respond extends its gratitude to the Irish Council for Social Housing for this honour and to all the partners and community members who have made the Brain Health Village a model of success.