Event to address Traveller mental health challenges
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Rena O’Sullivan at the launch of an event which will help support and inform Traveller families’ mental health by promoting intervention at earlier stages.Photos: Michael O’Sullivan/OSM PHOTOImage 2 of 2
Nora Cash, Traveller Community Health Worker, Traveller Visibility Group, Eileen Burke, Traveller Community Health Worker, Traveller Visibility Group, and Bridget O’Brien, Traveller Community Health Worker, Travellers of North Cork at the launch.An event aimed at breaking the cycle of poor mental health within the Traveller community will take place online next Tuesday.
The event, called Supporting Traveller Families' Mental Health, will have a focus on early intervention and recovery. According to the All-Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010 carried out by the Department of Health, 62.7% of Traveller women experience frequent mental distress compared to 19.9% of females from majority population. The research found the suicide rate among Travellers is 6 times higher than the majority population, accounting for 11% of Traveller deaths. At the event, 2 animations developed by the Cork/Kerry Traveller Youth Mental Health working group will be launched, shining a light on the experiences of Travellers. The animations will be used to help support Traveller families to access services.
The event will see the launch of the Stages of Intervention for Young People, a summary document designed by and for Traveller projects.
The purpose of these resources is to support and empower Traveller parents to access help for their young people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties.
Tehmina Kazi, Traveller Health Coordinator, Cork Traveller Visibility Group, said Travellers’ mental health experience and recovery can be quite challenging due to social status: “Tackling social issues is an ongoing challenge, locally and nationally. We know that Travellers experience poorer mental health and higher suicide rates. Research also tells us the Traveller community is very young. There is a need to intervene at earlier stages to promote recovery and break the cycle of poor mental health.”
Speakers at the event will include Minister for Older People and Mental Health, Mary Butler TD and Senator Eileen Flynn.
The event is funded by the Traveller Health Unit, HSE Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare and the National Office for Suicide Prevention through Connecting for Life.