WATCH: These Irish Young People Are Helping Fund Mental Health Workshops For Members Of The Travelling Community

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One For Ireland is a nationwide fundraising movement, working in conjunction with the Irish Youth Foundation, that is hoping to raise €1million for Youth Mental Health over just one weekend (April 28 – May 1) in an effort to get the people of Ireland working in tandem altogether to combat some of the nation’s most deserving charities.

As well as targeting Youth Mental Health, the charity itself will also be helping to create a centre for mental health workshops specifically for members of the travelling community, conveniently located in Dublin 1.

This valiant effort, acting alongside the Exchange House facility, is hoping to act as a base for building traveller mental health in Ireland. This move is of utmost importance to both the travelling community and Ireland as a whole, as studies show that raveller mental health is extremely, with suicide rates at ‘six times that of the rate in the general population‘.

One For Ireland is a youth-run group, with all members being under the age of 25. They’re hoping the safe space they’ve chosen will become a centre from which traveller mental health projects can grow.

Speaking about the task-at-hand, CEO of Exchange House Ireland, Sé O’ Connor had this to say:

“Supporting One for Ireland will make a vital difference to the lives of young people. We will create a youth mental health centre supporting young Travellers. Our centre will provide a safe, inclusive and supportive space. A place where they can talk, learn about mental health, undertake mental health training, and get involved in activities that build their network of support and encourage growth. Please support the One for Ireland campaign and help us to bring positive change to the lives of young people.”

Exchange House are a national service for members of the travelling community who provide a range of services from Social and Family support, Education and skills support, Youth Services, dedicated mental health services and just a place to come and be themselves.

They are one of the seven charity partners the One For Ireland campaign will be supporting this year.

Want to get involved?

Of course you do. All it takes is €1.

By donating just €1 on their website from April 28 – May 1 or getting in touch on [email protected], you can make a massive differences to so many people’s lives.