Traveller Road to Hope & Change 2025

Posted on 20 Aug 2025

Traveller Road to Hope & Change 2025 – the National Traveller Suicide and Mental Health Awareness Campaign – runs from 10 September to 8 October 2025. 

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural campaign – with over 37 events nationwide, all using the one banner and message - all Traveller and supportive organisations across Ireland are invited to take part. 

Why Get Involved? 

By hosting a local event during the campaign period, you will be part of a national movement to: 

  1. Raise Awareness – Highlight the mental health crisis in the Traveller community and promote suicide prevention. 
  2. Create Hope – Offer support and inspiration to those affected by suicide. 
  3. Engage Communities – Encourage dialogue and participation across Ireland. 
  4. Impact Policy and Services – Gather local voices to influence Traveller mental health policy and services. 

What You’ll Receive 

Organisations that sign up will get a FREE resource pack filled with branded campaign materials, including mugs, T-shirts, information flyers, banners, and more – all to help you create a strong local presence.  

Key Dates & Events 

  • 10 September – Campaign launch event in Cork City with Traveller Visibility Group Cork (details to follow). 
  • Throughout September–October – Local and national events organised and hosted by you and your team. Examples of last year’s events; a food festival, a mass, prayer vigils, sports events, coffee morning, tree planting and more. This is totally up to you and your team. 
  • 8th October – Campaign culmination on National Traveller Mental Health Day with the annual Mass in Knock Basilica, Co Mayo. 

Our Banner/Message – Together We Can Create Change 

This year, we especially encourage Traveller groups to lead local conversations about what are the changes needed in their communities to improve suicide prevention. These local discussions will help local and national organisations to focus on specific policy changes needs to get better outcomes in Traveller mental health. 

Quote from Campaign Lead: 

“This campaign is not just about raising awareness, but about creating hope and working collectively to change the narrative on suicide and mental health in the Traveller community.” 
– Pa Reilly, Pavee Point 

How to Get Involved 

If your organisation is interested in hosting an event between 10th September and 8th October 2025, please email: 
john.obrien@exchangehouse.ie, Patrick.reilly@pavee.ie or thomas@travellercounselling.ie with: 

  • Your organisation’s name and contact details 
  • Proposed event idea(s) and location 
  • Any support you may require.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 5 September. 

This project is a national initiative coordinated by Exchange House Ireland, Pavee Point & Traveller Counselling service and directed by a steering group made up from representatives from across the country.