Disability and Mental Health Community Inclusion

Mental health impacts of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency, the scale, speed and nature of which is beyond anything most of us have experienced in our lifetimes. The mental health burden associated with this pandemic is also likely to surpass anything we have previously experienced. Lockdowns, physical distancing, protective mandatory measures combined with fear of contracting the virus, permanent and temporary job losses, relationship struggles, loneliness, boredom, and lifestyle changes (e.g. working from home, home schooling) have had an enormous impact on the psychosocial and economic well-being of the general population. Adapting to lifestyle changes has been particularly difficult for people with mental health conditions. Isolation, stress and financial strain are associated with adverse mental health outcomes.

IRD Duhallow’s Towards Occupation Programme

IRD Duhallow is in a unique position through its strong links and “ connectedness ” with communities to provide leadership and promote mental health and emotional wellbeing utilising an integrated approach. The Towards Occupation Programme is a free, confidential community based training initiative designed to support those who are unemployed as a result of mental ill health to develop the skills and confidence to move into employment, education, training, voluntary work or other directions.

The part-time modular and flexible programme is delivered in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket and includes training opportunities in the areas of: Life Skills, Career Guidance, Craft Skills – Sewing and Upholstery, Horticulture and Cookery. The programme helps participants identify and develop their employment and educational goals in a positive and supportive environment. The programme includes skills training, employment planning, support and follow-up services. The recovery oriented programme encourages participants to adopt a healthier lifestyle and to widen their social networks. The person centered approach aims to provide each participant with the tools to set personal goals, learn coping skills and become more employable.

Barry Clarke, TO participant reviewing his Personal Action Plan as part of IRD Duhallow ’ s Job Centre with Development Officer Stephanie Moynihan.

TO Participants enjoying their activity session as part of the 8 week course “Promoting Resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic ”

Forest Bathing

A&B Participants of the Forest Bathing course in the Island Wood Newmarket which was led by Kerry Walker of the Nature Hub.

Looking for outdoor activities given the covid restrictions, the equality working group came across the work of the Nature Hub, and its founder Kerry Walker, who is a trained Forest Bathing Therapist. Forest Bathing, also known as “Shinrin-Yoku, ” refers to the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. The practice follows the general principle that it is beneficial to spend time bathing in the atmosphere of the forest. The Japanese words translate into English as “Forest Bathing. ” Forest Bathing walks are gentle guided walks that enhance wellbeing through sensory connection in nature. There is a strong evidence base supporting these walks. Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku walks have been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve mood, boost the immune system and improve sleep. In May, Duhallow ’ s first forest bathing walk was held in the Island Woods. Participants were encouraged to slow down and connect with their senses through various different invitations. Afterwards there was a tea gathering amongst the bluebells. The event proved extremely popular with further workshops planned in the future.

IRD Duhallow’s Emotional Support & Counselling Service

Counsellor Aoife Douglas and ICHAS Masters student Declan Sheehan who provide “Walk and Talk” counselling sessions as part of IRD Duhallow ’ s Emotional Support Service

This confidential, non-judgemental voluntary service was set up in April 2014 to offer an Emotional Support & Counselling service in the community for those who cannot afford to pay. The service currently has five voluntary Counsellors/Psychotherapists (made up of student and preaccredited therapists) who offer one-to-one emotional support & Counselling/Psychotherapy to anyone over the age of 18 affected by mental ill health. To date the service has provided one-to-one counselling to approximately 70 individuals within the community. The number of combined client hours (sessions) is in excess of 1000 hours. In addition emotional support and information about alternative supports is being provided to those who cannot attend the service for reasons such as age, need, suitability and availability. The service has been adapted to offer the service by alternative means (other than traditional inperson sessions) in order to ensure a safe environment for clients and therapists to receive and provide the service throughout the pandemic.

Ability Programme

We are in the final year of our 3year Ability Programme where we have supported young people with disabilities across a wide spectrum aged 15-29 to bring them closer to the Labour Market. We were due to finish in June 2021 but we received an extension of 2 months due to the restraints of Covid-19. This will allow us to continue to support participants and to focus on work placement. With the success of this programme we have applied for a new 16 month programme through Dormant Account funding for September 2021. We recognised the hugely positive impact that this program has had on individual’ s health and wellbeing which is why we are determined to continue to support them into employment and help break down the barriers. IRD Duhallow as lead partner, supported 81 young people with Ballyhoura Development and SECAD to deliver the Ability programme across Cork, Kerry and Limerick. These persons centered supports enabled Young People to make informed choices about how they want to live their life, at present and in the future. The programme has been key in helping the participants to develop skills to enhance their independence, build their self-confidence and in supporting greater engagement in community life. We work closely with a number of referral agencies including St. Joseph’ s Foundation, HSE Mental Health Services and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Ability Programme provided funding to 27 local, regional and national projects in the Republic of Ireland. Nationally, the Ability Programme has supported 1505 Young People with a Disability, 2574 families and 977 employers.

Response to Covid-19

With the COVID-19 outbreak we adapted our learner engagement from traditional learning environments to a greater use of digital technologies and remote learning. We had 15 young adults this year including some of year 1 & 2 participants. Families and individuals were greatly impacted so we maintained learning continuity to support all participants. We designed an interactive classroom integrating onsite learning and online via Zoom for virtual Classroom interactions. This worked very well and we are able to carry out most activities with both groups to ensure all complex needs of all learners were addressed.

Education & Training

A broad range of courses have been delivered this year including: • Cookery, money management, teamwork. • Social and Personal Development which included confidence building, community involvement, assertiveness, public speaking, relationship building • Career Preparation; interview skills, CV’ s • Vocational Assessments • Art & Craft • Sport, Exercise, Nutrition & Healthy Eating • Drama, Bird Box Creating, QQL Level 3 Sign Language course, First

Aid, Manual Handling, Online Road and Water Safety

Social Day Trips

The group enjoyed a Christmas day trip to Tralee where they participated very well as a group which was key in developing their social skills, independence and IRD th Duhallow received an Arts e Ability group through Irel and and Crafts grant for Funds- part of assertiveness. The next day trip this was used for building, painting and is to Smugglers Cove in decorating bird boxes. Rosscarbery in August. Social inclusion programmes such as the Ability Programme allow individuals to feel a sense of belonging and to make choices. It helps to identify the unique needs of the person, focusing on their strengths and abilities.

Group Project

The group are currently producing a video where they are interviewing public figures in the area. Some Ability group took part in a steps challenge and interviewees include; Eddie completed over 1.7 million steps between them in Dunbar, Aidan Walsh, Deirdre O 28 days. Cork Sports Partnership provided Reilly, Tony Buckley, Michelle pedometers for the group to track their steps. Finn, Michael Moynihan TD, Michael Winters & Maura Walsh. This experience for the group has increased their confidence in public speaking, IT skills and project skills and it has showcased their talents and abilities for future work and community roles. Participation in meaningful social activities has been demonstrated to

The Ability Group were delighted to receive their have a significant positive impact on Young People. new jackets.

Engagement with Families

It became evident during the delivery of the programme and in particular during the pandemic that additional supports were required by parents of participants who themselves were really struggling. We organised an online wellness session for parents, this was a huge learning process for all concerned and extremely well received.

Engagement with Local Employers

The Ability programme aimed to help Young People to gain the skills, competencies and experiences needed to be career ready. It has directly addressed the barriers faced by Young People with Disabilities, trying to access the labour market They were supported to make informed choices about their future careers and to seek work placements. Over the last 3 years the programme participants have been supported with work placements through Duhallow Furniture REVAMP, a local clothes shop, accounts/administration, delivery services, food & catering, retail services, hotel and Leisure Club.

Ailbe Coffey, The Wellness Circle, Caroline Jones, Joe Collins, Shauna Quinlan, Jamie O Donoghue, Kevin O Connor, Hayleigh Naughton, Killian Buckley, Bríghid-Íde Walsh and Jackie Kelly, IRD Duhallow, Andrew Lavery and Tim Twomey enjoyed a Christmas trip to Ballyseedy Garden Centre for lunch followed by a trip to the Cinema.

Walking along the new Gallops funded through LEADER with Kevin O Connor interviewing Michael Winters as part of the group interview project.