mental health

Understanding Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Illness (Including information on Accessing the Mental Health Services & Advocacy and Mental Health)

The module explores what is meant by stigma and discrimination in the context of mental health. It looks at how people with mental illness are marginalised and the impact this has on their recovery. Participants will gain a greater understanding of different ways to tackle stigma and discrimination and will discuss national and international programmes that have been developed in a response to this issue.

This module also informs the participant on key issues such as:

Accessing the Mental Health Services

This module aims to increase awareness about accessing the mental health service in

Ireland. It outlines the steps you can take if you suspect you or a member of your family is experiencing a mental health issue. It clearly explains the ‘who’s who’ of the mental health service and the different type of support offered by each health professional in the mental health service. This training would be of particular benefit to those who work with the general public and are from a non-health related background.

Advocacy and Mental Health

This module introduces participants to the concept of advocacy, the different types of advocacy, why advocacy is important in the area of mental health and the different advocacy platforms available to people in Ireland.

Facilitators: Ted Tierney; Michael Noble & Finola Colgan, MHI Development Officers

Social Housing

Social Housing is identified in the MHI Strategic Plan 2009 – 2013 as a key area of activity for MHI. Social Housing has been traditionally provided by a number of local Mental Health Associations (MHAs).

• Are the housing needs of people with mental health difficulties different from that of other homeless people?

• What is the difference between supported accommodation and hospital or residential care?

• What is the role of the Statutory Bodies in providing housing?

• How are residents facilitated in participating in the management and upkeep of housing project?

• How can local authorities best support MHAs in their role in providing social housing?

Facilitators: Ted Tierney; Dan O’Connor & Michael Cummins - MHI Development Officers

Introduction to Mood Disorders

This training introduces the participants to the most common mood disorders. The module outlines how to identify and deal with mood disorders, treatment of mood disorders, how an individual with a mood disorder can help themselves and how family and friends can support someone with a mood disorder.

Facilitators: Ted Tierney; Linda Thorpe & Michael Cummins - MHI Development Officers.

Mental Health Ireland: Mental Health Matters Facilitator Training for TEACHERS* free of charge

As mental health problems are on the increase, it is now more important than ever for young people to be introduced to the concept of positive mental health.

Mental Health Matters, a mental health resource pack for 14 – 18 year olds aims to:

• Address the issue of mental health in a realistic, relevant and age appropriate manner

• Present mental health as a distinct concept integral to our daily lives, the maintenance of which is vital to physical health

• Provide resource material which in its methodology and content is informative for any school which intends to introduce a module on mental health into Transition

Year

• Challenge young people’s attitudes and misconceptions as regards mental illness

• Look critically at society’s attitude to mental illness and the factors which influence such attitudes

• Make young people aware of the mental health services and facilities available should they, a member of their family, or a friend require to avail of same.

Facilitators: Staff of Mental Health Ireland

Introduction to Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Workshop

This awareness programme explores suicide and self-harm in Ireland. By completing this session, participants will be able to: discuss the incidence of suicide; identify the risk factors and list the signs associated with someone who is thinking of suicide; outline a response to a suicidal person; be more aware of the services available to support people in distress and those who have been affected by a suicide.

Facilitators:  Ted Tierney; Bill Vaughan -MHI Development Officer