By Maighread Ni Mhaonghail
Helena is the Mental Health Community Development Worker with the Kilkenny Travellers’ Community Movement (KTLC) and is also an Irish Travellers Movement Board Member.
Her previous experience as a Wellbeing and Awareness worker for a primary healthcare project has fueled her passion for promoting diversity and mental health awareness while addressing the daily injustices and discrimination her community faces. Helena, a proud member of the Traveller community, shares with Travellers’ Voice the importance of her cultural heritage, the prevalence of mental health issues within her community, and how the Commission on Itinerancy in 1963 has played a role in this. She shares how her brother and other trailblazers in her community inspired her to become an advocate combatting negative stereotypes and discrimination.
Helena Power radiates energy and a strong commitment to her culture and making a positive impact. As we converse in the office of Travellers’ Voice, her passion for heritage, community, and culture is palpable. I am struck by her warm yet assured demeanour and willingness to welcome any challenge.
At the start of our meeting, Helena shared how her brother’s work in community development sparked her passion. She shared her gratitude for the support she received from her family and community while growing up. She considers her upbringing privileged, explaining, “I was fortunate to complete my education and never faced serious discrimination as our neighbourhood was supportive. Any adverse incidents were isolated and did not reflect the overall environment.”
However, she also recalls the one incident that significantly contributed to her pursuing a career in community development. “ One thing that stuck in my mind was Carrickmines and how the families were treated afterwards”. Helena says,” I listened to my brother talk about things happening within the community regarding discrimination and many different issues, such as education, employment, and housing”. It was this that fueled her determination to do something to create change.
A New Sense of Purpose
During our conversation, I couldn’t help but admire Helena’s resilience. She told me that she started her beauty business in Earlingford after finishing school. Rather than being idle while preparing for her wedding, she offered eyebrow and beauty services. Helena rented a chair from a local girl in Earlington and continued to work even after getting married. However, after the birth of her son, who is now five years old, Helena decided to engage in community work, “I felt a strong desire to engage in community work; I couldn’t stand to witness the injustices around me, she says, adding, ” My Son gave my life a new purpose, and I wanted to impact his upbringing and perception of the world positively.”
While talking about her son, of whom she is incredibly proud, Helena also talks about her pride in being from the Traveller community, sharing her opinion that there is no right or wrong way to be a Traveller. She tells me, “Culture is unique to each individual, and its impact varies from person to person. she says, ” My life experiences have influenced my perception of what it truly means to be a Traveller.” Helena adds, ” I think I would have had a different idea about it several years ago.” Helena thinks momentarily and then adds, ” For me, it’s about the beauty of our Culture, the singing, the storytelling, the language, and the family being together. That’s what I want to pass on to my child. It’s important to know your heritage and pass it on to your children no matter what.”
A Healthy Support System is Important
“I wish young Travellers could understand that it’s okay to prioritise their education, leave an abusive situation, or talk about their mental health,” said Helena. She emphasised that these choices do not diminish one’s status as a Traveller but make them stronger individuals. Helena also stressed the importance of having a solid support system, like the one she received from her family.
As we discussed some of the challenges faced by the Traveler Community, particularly regarding mental health, Helena brought attention to the discrimination young Travellers often face. “Many struggle with a lack of identity or a feeling of not belonging, which is particularly worrying as it is a substantial contributing factor to mental health issues and high rates of suicide”. Helena continues, “This is a huge concern, especially since 54% of the community is under 25. These figures are alarming and highlight the need for support and understanding.”
Helena believes several problems can be linked to the Commission on Itinerancy in 1963. She explained that issues arising from that, and other laws have resulted in employment, education, and housing difficulties. These problems are, unfortunately, interconnected and have led to discrimination, addiction, and trauma for the community.
“It hurts to be told your community is considered as having failed because they didn’t fit the general norms,” she adds.
While recognising the existence of systemic discrimination in Ireland is both hurtful and frustrating, Helena remains optimistic and believes that change is possible. “While previous legislation and laws cannot be altered, the future is ours to shape, particularly in the hands of young people. That’s why I fight. It’s to create a better future for my son and future generations.”
Decades of Discrimination Have Taken a Toll
Helena tells me, she admires the resilience of the Traveller community, especially the women. However, she acknowledges that their long-standing experience of discrimination has led to a high prevalence of mental health issues and suicide.
The elevated rates of suicide among the Traveller population are a cause for concern, with men being seven times more likely and women six times more likely to take their own lives compared to the settled community, according to the 2010 All Ireland and Traveller Health Study. Helena, however, believes these figures do not capture the full extent of the problem, given the worsening situation since the study was conducted. She is well-versed in the daily hardships that the community faces.
As Helena begins to talk about her work, she expresses that for fundamental change to happen and for people to make a real difference, “it’s about working from a trauma-informed place and understanding that everybody who walks through your door has a different path than you might have had. And so, it is important for people in services and providing mental health services.
The fact is, Helena continues, “Most people with mental health difficulties find it difficult to reach out or are inclined to do so during a crisis and then step back. So, much of the work around the wellbeing and awareness role is about signposting and building awareness around available support information around what will happen. ”
Working With What We Have
However, like many other people working in the health, community and voluntary sectors, Helena says she can’t help but feel frustrated by the limitations the services face due to the lack of adequate funding. “A considerable part of the wellbeing and awareness role and my current position is ensuring that people have realistic expectations and know that we are working with what we have.”
Helena reiterates that the lack of appropriate resources has a knock-on effect on service providers in those sectors. One result is that people passionate about their work often find it challenging to remain in positions due to the rising costs of living and inadequate resources and salaries.
In Helena’s opinion, most community workers are driven by the passion to create better environments, living conditions and opportunities for their community.
However, in increasingly demanding jobs, the lack of appropriate funding and the pressure of the cost of living all take their toll. “If we take the Traveller organisations, for instance.” says Helena, “They know what they need to do but need to be appropriately resourced to do it. The reality is that most primary health care workers are being paid what often feels like a tokenistic salary.” She continues, “And that’s something I think needs to change, but the political will needs to be there, and to be honest, it doesn’t feel like it is. Many community activists need more fundamental change in the systems they work with.”
Being new to this work, Helena says she has yet to experience the burnout that veteran activists do. But the importance of passing the torch and letting others take up the cause is something she advocates. “It’s fundamental to change,” she says.
As part of that process, Helena feels the Traveller community also has some work to do from within.
The Need For Genuine Conversations
Helena believes the government should be held accountable for allowing ongoing systemic discrimination and racism her community experience. However, she also thinks the Traveller community must engage in authentic conversations within the community. “To see real change, we must address the internalised oppression within our community.” She says, “We need to ask why people are afraid to speak about mental health, sexuality, domestic violence, early marriage, and other challenging topics that seem to cause unease within the community.” Helena continues, “If we want real progress, the Traveller community must have honest conversations about these issues.”
The passion in her words indicates that Helena feels strongly about this as she continues, saying, “Showing respect, understanding and care towards others and their unique journeys is essential. We must remember that not everyone has the same experiences, and their journey is just as significant.” She adds, “As we ask others to be allies for us, it is crucial that we also come together and support each other. If we witness something we believe is wrong, we must speak up and call it out. Otherwise, we’re just hypocrites.”
Helena has a real sense of the future she wants to see for her son and future generations. She expresses her admiration for fellow activist Councillor Eillen Flynn, her work on behalf of the community, and her many achievements, especially her ability to navigate Leinster House, particularly given the lack of representation of women or diversity there.
“Do you see yourself moving into the world of politics?” I asked. “I considered it and have spoken in the Daill at an International Women’s Day event. That was a great achievement, but. I do not know if I could do what Councillor Flynn does”.
It is the passion for community development that propels Helena forward, and while politics may not be for her at present, she is open to exploring other areas. “I would love to branch out into different community work, like direct provision, working with migrants or prisoners or ex-prisoners as long as it involves human rights.”
The Importance of Travellers’ Pride
Helena has been overseeing the successful annual Travellers’ Pride events in Kilkenny County for the past three years. The events are significant to her as a platform for highlighting her community’s rich culture and heritage.
In Helena’s opinion, shifting the events to the heart of the town creates a lively and inclusive atmosphere, providing a platform for the younger generation in the Traveller community to celebrate their identity and roots. Moreover, it offers an opportunity to break down barriers through creating more inclusive and diverse events.
The Copper Art Project and “Gloak Our Laces” is one such project that aimed to provide a space for participants to talk about wellbeing and mental health. The project was a collaborative effort of the Carlow/Kilkenny Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse and Traveller Pride. Led by artist Mary Cassiday and offered a platform for participants to express their own stories using the creative arts. The copper artwork highlights the intricate craftsmanship of Traveller Artists in Tin Smiting, a valued tradition in Traveller Culture. It is displayed at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny’s Department of Psychiatry.
Self-care and Communication is Crucial for Mental Health
Helena, a remarkable individual at just 26 years old, has significantly contributed to community development and has passionately advocated for her community. Despite being a busy mother, Helena’s commitment to human rights is unwavering, and she is a true powerhouse.
I asked Helena about what she does to maintain her wellbeing. She explained that while she understands the importance of setting boundaries, her work often demands attention outside regular hours. Helena believes that her community’s needs come first, and she couldn’t live by herself if she didn’t respond to calls for help, even outside of working hours.
Despite this, Helena recognises the importance of self-care and utilises different strategies to unwind. She leans on her co-workers for support, walks, jogs, listens to podcasts, or anything that helps her relax. According to Helena, communication is vital in maintaining good mental health. She stresses the importance of talking to someone about your feelings and emotions. Helena advocates for a holistic approach to wellness and encourages people to check in with themselves regularly.
In Helena’s words, “We need to prioritise our mental health just as we prioritise our physical health.” She encourages people to find what makes them feel better, whether walking or chatting over a cup of tea.
Helena tells me that communication is a crucial element of anyone’s well-being. “ I can’t emphasise the importance of a conversation with someone and vocalising how you feel.”
