Changing outcomes on mental health issues
Genio has launched Facing Change, a film and photography exhibition which illustrates some of the positive outcomes for vulnerable people in the Cork-Kerry region.
The Facing Change exhibition ran from 26th – 30th September at St. Peter’s Cork. Genio is marking ten years of collaboration with government to reform social services in a person-centered, sustainable direction for people with disabilities, mental health difficulties, dementia and those who are long-term homeless.
The exhibition showcased the impact of this work which celebrates inspiring people across Ireland who have been supported to overcome challenges and lead a life of their own choosing in the community. It features ten short films, co-produced by Cork videographer Sam Whelan- Curtin and ten portraits of people with disabilities, mental health difficulties, dementia and those who have experienced homelessness. Participants include Cork local John Healy and Kerry natives Mary O’Sullivan and Mark O’Brien.
To date, projects to the value of €5.3m have been funded through Genio in the Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare area (contributed to by the Department of Health/HSE; the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government/local authorities; and the Atlantic Philanthropies). Some examples of service reforms being currently carried out in the region include:
• Helping build community-based, person-centred models of support for people with disabilities and mental health challenges to replace out-dated, congregated institutions, including Cluain Fhionnáin, Killarney and St Raphael’s, Youghal, Cork
• Working with HSE Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare Organisation & Cork City Local Authority and NGOs to expand the roll out of the national Housing First programme to solve long-term homelessness in Cork.
• Focusing resources on Cork and Kerry as part of the national roll out of the Individual Placement and Support programme to help people with enduring mental health challenges into mainstream employment.
Commenting on the announcement, John Healy, Deputy Executive Director, Genio said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Facing Change exhibition to the Munster region where government and Genio have supported projects that have made a real impact on people’s lives over the last ten years. This is an opportunity to celebrate local and regional projects and the inspiring people who have shared their stories.
“There has been a lot of progress nationally and within the Cork-Kerry region in delivering improved supports, which crucially put those who use services at the centre of reform efforts.”
Barney Whelan, West Cork resident and Board member, Genio said: “This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the reform of services being delivered in the Cork-Kerry region as well as nationally.
“The stories represented in these portraits and films illustrate the change that can happen in people’s lives when they have access to supports that are community-based and personalised to their needs.
“Genio has developed a cutting-edge approach to reform which is now advancing in Europe and which has been profiled in the United States. This is why we will be bringing this exhibition to Brussels in 2020.”