By Miriam Kerins Gardaí have commenced what is their third phase of Operation Faoiseamh, an initiative which seeks to protect those affected by domestic violence; insisting the vulnerable will receive the “highest priority response” from the force. Under this new phase, Gardaí will be reaching out to those who sought help in the past and…
Autism: Your child received a diagnosis…don’t despair! By Rosemarie Maughan When you finally get the diagnosis your child is autistic don’t despair; being autistic is not a tragedy, but a neurological difference which is to be understood and embraced. It’s going to be ok. The best thing you can do now for your child is…
By Rosaleen McDonagh Culture, gender, history, tradition; identity, sexism, ableism, homophobia and racism are all complex issues, and conversations need to be had around them; particularly when dealing with a world pandemic. Jurisdictions, the denigration and disregard for certain members of society in the context of public health care and access to health information…
By Rose Marie Maughan I am a Traveller woman from Ballinrobe, County Mayo. Like many Traveller women, I became a human rights activist in 2004 after having enough of both external and internal oppression as a Traveller woman. I have been blessed to work within the Irish Traveller Movement ever since in various different positions.…
Minnie Connors: The Story of one Woman’s Crusade to Secure Mental Health Supports for her Community. By Miriam Kerins When a beloved family member dies by suicide, the people affected most dramatically are those closest to them. And, if a certain family member has daily interaction with the deceased, then they will very often feel…
The number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland has continued to increase in the past three weeks. People in high-risk groups are urged to get vaccinated against influenza. Influenza is expected to increase over the coming weeks and to circulate for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks. Seasonal flu Seasonal…
Recognising the Problem Introduction by John Madden While we are more and more aware of the mental health issues facing the Traveller Community, we can share information from key organisations from across the country. This can be effective to some degree, but often it is the case that people relate more to a person’s lived…
By John Madden and Noelle Mann During the week of the 9th to 16th October, Arthritis Ireland ran an awareness campaign to create a great understanding of the hugely common condition that affects so many people across the island of Ireland and beyond. For many, Arthritis can be a massive setback in life and can…
Does Self-Medication Equal Self Destruction? We take a look at the balance between self-help and self-harm and ask the question – When does the substance become the presence in one’s life? By John Madden Let’s be frank, substance abuse is widespread) and there does not seem to be any end in sight. We turn on…
Currently, we are seeing a momentous shift in our own approaches and attitudes to mental health. It’s everywhere, which of course is a hugely positive step in the right direction for Irish society. The last few years have seen a wide range of celebrities opening up about their own stories around their personal struggles and…