Innovative new programme for ADHD launches in Meath

An innovative new early intervention programme which will benefit hundreds of families affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has officially launched in County Meath.

The award-winning Changing Lives Initiative programme is being rolled out in Counties Louth and Meath by Community Organisation Archways with thanks to funding from HSE Mental Health Services. The initiative is closely linked to a number ofrecommendationsrelating to ADHD support underSharingtheVision,Ireland’s national mental healthpolicy.

The Changing Lives Initiative is a communitybased initiative, creating betterawarenessofADHD and providing an early intervention programme for families. The programme is targeted at families with children aged 3-7 who are demonstrating behaviours consistent with ADHD but are oftentimes too young toreceiveformaldiagnosis ofADHD.

Potential families are identified through health, educational and community services, or can selfrefertotheprogramme.As well as working with families the Changing Lives Initiative provides training on ADHD for those workingwithyoungchildren,in particular teachers and earlyyearsprofessionals.

The Changing Lives InitiativeProgrammewasinitially delivered and evaluated as part of a 3.5 year EU funded project which endedin2021.Theevalua- tions demonstrated the programme’sabilitytosignificantly reduce ADHDrelatedbehaviourinyoung children as well as other emotional and conduct problems. The programmeisnowsettobenefithundredsoffamiliesin Counties Louth and Meath, thanks to funding fromtheHSE.

Speaking at the Launch to mark the roll out of the Programme in Counties Louth and Meath, Jim Ryan, Head of Mental Health Operations, from the HSE said “The Changing Lives Initiative is a hugely important programme for children and families who are impacted byADHD.”

“The initiative links with a number of recommendations in Ireland’s national mental health pol- icy, Sharing the Vision, and provides evidence basedearlyinterventionin linewithinternationalbest practice. This is another great example of the HSE working with service providers to bring about real change in people’s lives.”

Christina Riordan, ProjectManageroftheInitiative said “The Changing Lives Initiative was borne out of an identified need.

Early intervention is essentialforchildrenexperiencing behaviours consistentwithADHD.”

“The programme provides an invaluable support at a crucial time. This programme will have a profound impact on families, in helping improve their quality of life and helping them support their children to reach their full po- tential.Wearedelightedto beabletoprovidetheprogramme to families in Louth and Meath with thanks to the HSE funding.”

The Changing Lives Initiative programme is now available to families in Meath. Further information on how families can avail of the programme is available at www.changinglivesinitiative.com

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