New initiative trains in mental health first aid
A new Wexford initiative that gives members of local communities the skills to assist those experiencing mental health difficulties will soon be rolled out across the county.
CommunityMinds focuses on providing training to ordinary people so that they can identify and help those in their localities who may be in difficulty. The brainchild of Leonard Kelly of Friends of It’s Good to Talk and Cycle Against Suicide campaigner Vincent Byrne, it will be launched in September. Local couple Alan and Bernadette Doolan have also come on board.
‘We were looking at some of the great initiatives that already exist in town and there are plenty of them. But both of us felt that we need people who are embedded in our communities,’ explained Leonard. ‘For a lot of people, it can be difficult to ring a councillor. This initiative will give ordinary people in communities the language and tools to direct those in difficulty towards the appropriate services.’
The first 20 volunteers will undergo training in September. Provided by Mental Health First Aid Ireland at a discounted rate, it will equip trainees with the skills, knowledge and language to help those in crisis until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. It follows the model that has been successful with conventional first aid, which focuses on keeping a person safe until they can access more advanced treatment.
‘ The aim is to have a point of contact in the community who people will know is there if they need them,’ said Leonard. ‘ These people will also work to help remove stigmas surrounding mental health.’
Leonard and Vincent are currently seeking the first 20 volunteers who will take part in the first stage of training on September 16 and 17. They are looking for people from all walks of life who deal with people on a daily basis. In the first batch, they are ideally looking for those based in Wexford town but the initiative is set to be rolled out further afield in the coming months.
‘We hope to build from this and create something that everyone in Wexford can benefit from,’ said Leonard. ‘ This is just the beginning.’
‘Our motto is: “Street by Street, Estate by Estate, Club by Club, Business by Business, we can reduce the stigma, and give members of our communities the skills to help others who may be facing a mental health issue.’
Those interested can email info@communityminds.ie.