TheCity

Tag: Mental health

  • When is it ‘too late’ to change your college course?

    When is it ‘too late’ to change your college course?

    A study conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in 2024, found that 92% of college applicants who entered during the 2022/23 academic year progress into the third year of their course, and subsequently their final year as well.

    The study indicates that gender also plays a part in the statistics on who is more likely to remain in college throughout their programme.

    Those who identified as female aged 25-34, and those aged 35-44 years were the age ranges of students who maintained the highest college completion rates at 68% and 66%.

    Those who identified as male, however, had a lower percentage than their female counterparts. Male students aged 25-34 had a college completion rate of 60%, while the age group of 35-45 had one of 55%.

    The gap between gender in third-level education does play a role, whether we acknowledge it or not. This is especially prevalent in the older aged groups, with their rates of completing college being 5-10% lower than their younger counterparts.

    Age and gender do play a factor in college dropout rates, but so does those who aren’t as financially well off. The HEA did a study on the progression rates of students who receive the SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) Grant from 2012-2022.

    But what happens to the remaining 8% of students that either drop out of their chosen course, or change their course entirely?

    Scott McDonald was a third-year mechanical engineering student in TU Dublin before deciding to change from his heavily maths-based course to a new option, culinary arts. He became a first year again this September.

    “I realised I didn’t enjoy my degree anymore when I was struggling to get up in the morning for lectures and spending extra hours doing studying for topics I no longer understood,” said McDonald.

    “I was becoming a lot more unhappy and miserable in my course. I’m pretty sure you could see it in the way I did my assignments too. The biggest for me was I began to dread what my future might be someday, working in an industry I clearly didn’t enjoy anymore. I just didn’t want to continue being unhappy to force myself to finish a degree I began to hate.”

    According to the HEA report, degrees with the highest dropout rateswere in the services degrees, which include social care, at a high of 28%.

    This is followed by any engineering, manufacturing or construction degrees at a dropout rate of 20%.

    Scott continued: “When I switched to culinary arts, it was a completely different ball game. When I was in engineering, everything had to be so exact, to the T. But with my new course, I can be more creative and have more sense of freedom to explore things how I want in the kitchen. All my friends and family can see how much happier I am. I’m really glad I got over my fear and switched,” he said.

    Photo courtesy of Scott McDonald

    Students often feel pressure to continue with courses they decided to do when they’re 18 or 19, with parents often adding to the stress of students continuing courses they aren’t happy in.

    “My advice for others going through a similar thought process is that you’ll be much happier once you take that leap of faith. You’ll see how much happier you can be when you start focusing on yourself, and what you really want to do now. You have the time,” Scott said.

    Stories like Scott’s serve as a reminder to everyone pursuing degrees that no matter the year or age, that you aren’t limited on what you can do. But the most important being, there isn’t any shame on starting again.

  • Growing Men’s Mental Services in Agriculture 

    Growing Men’s Mental Services in Agriculture 

    By Molly O’Reilly  

    November is Men’s Health month which focuses on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  

    The purpose of this is to try and get men talking about their health. One of the initiatives for men’s mental health in November that has become a household name is “Movember”. This involves men growing moustaches to raise money for suicide prevention. 

    Despite the multiple efforts made to combat suicide it is unfortunately not uncommon in Ireland in men especially in the farming community. 

    In September 2023 the HSE released a report called “Dying to Farm: Developing a Suicide Prevention Intervention for Farmers in Ireland” 

    According to the report, over 20% of the farmers that were surveyed were considered at risk of suicide. 

    Photo Credits- Molly O’Reilly 

    The report also said 55.5% of farmers reported experiencing moderate to extremely severe depression, 44.1% of farmers reported experiencing moderate to extremely severe anxiety, and 37.9% of farmers reported experiencing moderate to extremely severe stress. 

    In addition to this there was multiple recommendations in the report to help combat mental health issues within the farming community in Ireland. 

    However, a year on, and the issue of mental health and suicide is still increasingly prominent in the Irish farming world.  

    However, Alice Doyle the now deputy president of the IFA and former Director of Mental Health Association, said information in these reports about mental health with farmers can often be inaccurate. 

    “You must be careful with the information provided. t’s an indicator (the statistics) but we should only see it as an indicator not as a definitive piece of information,” said Doyle. 

    Luke O’Reilly, a 61-year-old farmer from County Cavan who has lost extended family members to suicide, spoke about the importance of better mental health infrastructure for farmers. 

    “It can be very lonely in dark cold evenings in the winter, a lot of the time you are on your own with just your thoughts, which can be difficult for some. It’s important to speak up and get help,” he said. 

    O’Reilly recalled the era before the online streaming of marts, when you could go to the mart and get someone to check your blood pressure.  

    “It was great for socialising and for checking on older farmers that lived on their own and wouldn’t go to get checked,” said O’Reilly 

    The stigma surrounding mental health in Ireland can hinder people from asking for help. This can be seen in the agriculture industry as there tends to be a stereotype of farmers to fall into – to be strong, quiet and to simply get on with things.  

    The fact that the issues in work within agriculture are harder to walk away from as it becomes a lifestyle as well as a job makes it easier for people in agriculture to unfortunately experience mental health issues. 

    Photo credits- Molly O’Reilly 

    For instance, their hours are not structured and a problem arising can alter their career and income significantly.  

    The agricultural voluntary youth group Macra na Feirme also sent an email to its members for the month of November with the title “Rural Youth- Mind Our Men”  

    The purpose of the email is to reflect the importance of praising the work the men do within these communities and in the Macra group itself.  

    There was also a suggestion to organise events such as speakers to further reflect the importance of opening such conversations for men’s mental health and physical health. 

    “We encourage clubs and counties to consider the great role of many of the men in our organisation and we encourage you to celebrate their contributions during the month.” 

    IFA Deputy President Alice Doyle is originally from Carlow and now works with her husband on their farm in Wexford. She spoke about how important it is to have these conversations; 

    “They’re part of society (farmers) and they suffer from the same pressures that come from society as do and as anybody else. And then they have their own added pressures as well because of the sector that they belong to,” said Doyle. 

    Doyle explained how the services are there, but it is a matter of applying the services to those who need them. 

    “I had a girl who rang me to ask where she could find someone to speak to her dad, he is 70 years old and told her he felt a bit low,” she said. 

    An unfortunate reality of farm life is accidental deaths which can lead to mental health problems for surviving members of the family. Organisations such as “Embrace Farm” offer support for families grieving from accidental deaths. 

    “We think of the guy that’s driving the tractor but not necessarily the person who has been left behind,” said Doyle.  

    An initiative that has taken place to check the mental and physical health of farmers was a survey that was issued across 20 marts over Ireland. 

    Throughout the survey the farmers were asked questions about their well-being and then were followed up with support.  

    Doyle explained that there are services and infrastructure for farmers in Ireland, but the issue now is to make them accessible and enticing for farmers. 

    “Farmers like to talk to someone who understands their way of life is different to a nine to five job- they like to be able to talk to someone who understands farming.” 

  • Braywatch: Local Sea Swimmers Making Waves Along Ireland’s Coast

    Braywatch: Local Sea Swimmers Making Waves Along Ireland’s Coast

    By Jamie Ryan

    The City caught up with the ‘Bray Beach Bathers’, who are a group of men and women who all share a common love for swimming in the ocean, as they brave the cold water on a brisk, but beautiful October morning – which made for perfect swimming conditions. 

    In seaside towns across the country, sea swimming has become a rapidly rising phenomenon – but for many, it’s become much more than just a hobby – it’s become a way of life.  

    As part of their now daily routines, sea swimmers have formed several groups who come together for their daily dips into the Irish Sea all year round.  

    While every swimmer has their own respective reasons for being involved in taking part, one thing is for sure – no matter the weather, sea swimming is here to stay. 

  • How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    By Paul Lee

    A recent study from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) in Ireland shows that about one-third of adults over 50 in the Republic of Ireland have experienced emotional loneliness at some point, with 7% feeling lonely often.  

    The research found that loneliness tends to decrease between the ages of 50 and 67 but rises again after that. 

    People over 75 are more likely to report feeling moderately lonely compared to younger groups. Factors like lower education, living alone, poor self-rated health, physical limitations, and chronic health conditions were linked to higher levels of loneliness. 

    Ireland is currently ranked number one in Europe for people suffering grom loneliness as of last year, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing generations to feel isolated.   

    Source: Institute of Public Health 

    Men above 65 years old saw a 25.1% increase in living alone, while women over 65 saw an 18.4% increase in the last six years. “The numbers are only going to continue rising,” said psychotherapist Maggie Molloy. 

    “I often deal with young people suffering from loneliness, so I know how bad it must be for the elderly who have far more reasons, most of which are out of their hands for feeling lonely.” 

    Last year The World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

    Anne Butler is a woman who knows the effects of loneliness all too well, inspiring her to commit her life to helping the most vulnerable in her community. 

    “Loneliness is a big issue for older people, and I don’t think the general public realises this enough,” said Mrs. Butler, who is the manager of Walkinstown Social Service Centre. 

    “It is dangerous to the elderly, we are social creatures that need to interact and get out of the house, but for some people that’s just impossible. It is heartbreaking because some of the faces around here were stuck in nightmare cycles of being upset, refusing to eat, or turning to drinking alcohol at home. It’s stories like these that make me so happy that we’re making an impact in the community and the bigger problem,” she says.  

    The centre takes in 60 people daily between lunch and dinner with some walking and others taking the centre’s bus that collects them from their houses. The centre charges €10 for transport, a meal, and bonus activities, whether that is a game of bingo, or a fitness instructor to get them exercising. 

    Members of the centre enjoying the warm summer 
    Source: Facebook – Walkinstown Social Service Centre 

    Group day trips around the country are organised and voted on. Special events happen year-round with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ watch parties and even live shows with staff members performing dances. 

    “I’ve been coming for the last few years now and it’s just brilliant,” said Monica Walsh, age 72. 

    “I’m not great on my feet any more so going out wasn’t really possible unless I waited for my kids to come and bring me out somewhere. The centre is great because I get a sense of independence back, able to go out on my own. 

    “I feel like a kid again, going out with friends, singing songs. This place has given me some of the best moments I’ve had in years. All the staff are true heroes.” 

    The centre’s staff is made up of half full-time workers and half part-time voluntary workers from the local area such as Amanda Nic Fhannchaidh.  

    “I don’t work on Thursdays or Fridays, and I’d just be watching the Telly all day, so it’s really a no-brainer for me to come here, have a laugh, and feel good about myself for helping out where I can,” said Amanda.   

    Both local schools, the Assumption Secondary School Walkinstown and Drimnagh Castle Secondary School, have included helping out at the centre as a part of the transition year experience. 

    “It’s the right thing to do, so it’s what the lads will do. It gives the school a good name in the community and a chance for the boys to see how far a little help can go,” said Drimnagh Castle Secondary School principal John Haze. 

  • HSE Safer Nightlife Programme Promotes Safe Festival Culture at District X 

    HSE Safer Nightlife Programme Promotes Safe Festival Culture at District X 

    By Sadie Murray 

    The highly anticipated debut of District X Festival took place last weekend in Kildare, with HSE teams making headway amongst the crowd. 

    The festival is the result of a collaboration between popular venues District 8 and Index and is the first of its kind in Ireland. The organisers had a strong emphasis on harm reduction measures, working closely with the HSE to create a safer festival environment.  

    There were spaces throughout the festival provided by the HSE for harm reduction outreach teams and ‘back of house’ drug checking as part of their Safer Nightlife Programme.  

    The Safer Nightlife programme was launched by the HSE in 2022 in response to the evolving drug landscape in Ireland. This campaign involved the development of tailored resources, media awareness and an outreach drug service to support people at events, including four festivals over the summer of 2024.  

    The initiative has been successful in reaching festival goers. Karen O’Grady, from the HSE said, “Based on discussions at events this summer, we feel our message is reaching people, more and more people are reporting that they are aware of trends and are applying harm reduction measures like “start low, go slow.” 

    Photo Credits: http://www.drugs.ie/festivals  

    This is a key message from the HSE, to start low and go slow, meaning that if someone chooses to take drugs they should start with a small dose and pace themselves.  

    When the HSE’s festival campaign first began, there was a fear of Garda interference with the spaces. Karen O’Grady said:, “There is less fear of engaging with us now, people who come to the service see that it is not monitored and feel safe discussing use and surrendering drugs with us. 

    “We will continue to create awareness of drug trends and try to engage with more people to build trust,” said O’Grady.  

    Surrender bins were provided throughout the festival for people to submit drugs for analysis. The service relies on people surrendering drugs for harm reduction purposes- the more drug samples people provide, the more the HSE will know about what is in circulation. This process helps the HSE to issue alerts and spread awareness around particularly risky substances.  

    The ‘back of house’ approach means that the sample is destroyed upon analysis and the person will not be contacted directly with the results. If anything noteworthy is found, this information is broadcast on social media and on screens at events. 

    This HSE initiative was introduced following recommendations from the Government Emerging Drug Trends and Drug Checking Working Group, which examined nightlife environments including festivals.  

    The review identified these as risk-taking settings that can provide the HSE with more opportunity to engage with groups not typically presenting to traditional addiction services. 

    Photo by Sadie Murray 

    Karen O’Grady said:, “The overall aim of the programme is to engage with and support festival attendees in a non-judgemental way on the topic of substance use and related health issues that emerge in nightlife spaces. The programme is based on a harm reduction ethos to inform and support people to amend behaviours to help minimise harms caused by substance use.” 

    The development of a drug safety culture within festivals is crucial with an increasingly volatile drug market and substance abuse epidemic. 

    A recent report from The European Drug Report 2024 found that Ireland had the highest instance of drug deaths in the EU, with more than four times the average number of fatalities. The report showed that Ireland had 322 drug-related deaths in 2020 — 97 deaths per million people, compared to the EU average of 22.5. 

    The HSE’s core message is that it is safer not to use at all and that the drug market is currently very volatile. For those who do choose to use, it is advised that they stay up to date with drug trends and alerts on the HSE site and to follow harm reduction messages. 

    Photo from HSE’s Drugs.ie campaign 

  • Rory’s Stories talks mental health

    Rory O’ Connor, author of the bestselling book Rory’s Story, delivered a seminar on Monday aimed at tackling mental health stigma to TU Dublin students.

    Known as Rory’s Stories on social media, Mr O’Connor is a prominent advocate for mental health in Ireland today, serving as brand ambassador for the Construction Industry Federation.

    During his talk at Blanchardstown Campus, he shared details about his own struggles and experiences to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

    “When I was a young fella my cousin took his own life completely out of the blue, had everything going for him from the outside world but obviously he didn’t feel that internally. 

    “This is why mental health and suicide prevention is so important and trying to find ways to combat it.

    Speaking about a particularly low point in his life, Mr O’Connor said “In 2013, I hit rock bottom. The club I adored playing for were knocked out of the championship, when we were favourites to win.

    “I took that to heart, the next day I went into Dublin and spent all day in the bookies and pubs, running away from my problems.

    “I put my last 200€ on a roulette table in a casino and lost it in minutes. I should have really said to my friends I was going to go off gambling, but that’s the thing with addiction, you never want to admit it.”

    Since then, Rory has built a career doing what he loves, producing comedic skits and performing stand-up routines, while doing more to improve his mental health.

    “I met with Gerry Cooney from the Rutland Centre, he told me how my addictive personality could be used on a positive platform like some of the most successful people in the world.

    “I made a Rory’s Stories Facebook account in 2014, where I started to do sketches of the GAA and these started to go viral very quickly. That’s where Rory’s Stories came from.”.

    “I can’t emphasise how important exercise is for your mental health, along with talking about the good days and bad days.”

  • How Online College Has Affected Students

    How Online College Has Affected Students

    woman writing on a notebook beside teacup and tablet computer
    Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

    Emily Goss Guildea

    Another year of online studies, a handful of in-person classes and the college “social life” still different from how it used to be. 

    Students around the country have been affected immensely due to their studies being taught online, taking away the constant in-classroom learning and the classes that are in person are now only permitted to 45-minute learning time, due to government regulations. So, how are students finding college this semester?

    An Instagram survey was set out to investigate whether students prefer college online or in-person and how the pandemic has affected their studies. One student from Technology University Dublin, who wishes to remain anonymous stated, “I used to be a very good student until online college and covid shattered my mental health,” they then went on to say that they were not receiving their money’s worth within their education. “My course needs a lot of communication from lecturers and that collapsed this year.”

    When asked on an Instagram poll conducted by a student from TUD whether or not students preferred online college or in person, 25% of students who took part in the poll voted for online and 75% voted for in person. This poll consisted of 99 students, and it is evident that the majority voted in favour of in person college. Following this question, students were asked if they believed that students should still pay full tuition fees although classes are still online, 96% of students voted “no”, and 4% voted “yes”. With “no” being the majority vote, it is clear that students feel they should not have to pay full tuition fees when their course is being held online. 110 students participated in this poll.

    Visual Merchandising and Display student from Technology University Dublin explained how the pandemic has affected her studies. “My first year of college was online, we were lucky enough to have one day on campus as it is a very hands-on practical course, but I feel like the online aspect made me somewhat lazy and less interested in my course.” When asked how she felt about this semester of college she explained that they have online and in-person classes, but the online classes are not for her. “I would much rather college to be completely in-person, I understand the severity of the pandemic, but I feel my course is at a loss as it is very practical and being in person is beneficial for our projects and hand-on learning.”

    Many students agreed that they shouldn’t have to pay full tuition fees due to college being partly online and not completely in person. Psychology student from IADT stated, “no we shouldn’t have to pay full fees, I’m only in person two days a week, with a class being cancelled nearly every week.” Other students explained how lecturers aren’t as attentive as they should be and that facilities being closed within colleges does affect their studies. From shorter opening library times, too little to no hands-on use of college equipment, students aren’t getting the full college experience. DCU Students Union Officer Ross Boyd stated, “students shouldn’t have to pay full fees full stop and should be purely government funded.”

    The Instagram survey concluded that students are not happy with how the pandemic has affected their studies, most students with the same response, that full fees should not have to be paid and the “college experience” not living up to expectation. Numerous students explained how their mental health has also been affected by this, and that they are less motivated to pursue their studies when classes are online.

  • Movember helps MENtal and Physical Health

    Movember helps MENtal and Physical Health

    Shay Galon

    Already three quarters through the month, Shay Galon reports on how social media allows Movember to spearhead the change in perceptions of masculinity for the better. 

    Movember is urging the public to check in on a mate and to open the conversation about mental and physical health. It encourages men to speak openly about anything that isn’t right and to check their body or go get checked professionally. The iconic “manly” moustache aims to promote the idea that being a man truly means to be comfortable opening up about one’s mental and physical health.

    The leading charity recently released figures that show approximately 60% of men rarely admit or even speak about issues regarding their mental health. The figures also tragically reveal that in 2021 a man dies by suicide every minute around the world. On top of that, the statistics show that unchecked prostate cancer rates are to double over the next 15 years. Internationally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15 – 39 years of age.

    “Movember is the leading charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health on a global scale. We have one goal: to stop men dying too young,” Movember spokesperson wrote to The City. 

    “Since the Pandemic began, we have all seen the power that social media has on allowing us to feel connected to one another even when we are far apart. Social media is a great way for our MoBros and Sisters to come together as a community.”

    A Hairy Tale

    Two mates from Melbourne, Australia, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, were having a few pints at the Gypsy Bar when they joked about bringing the trend of having a moustache back into fashion. The pair then talked some of their friends into growing a Mo.

    Inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, the two friends decided to base the campaign around men’s health and prostate cancer. They designed the rules of Movember, along with the first logo and began their journey. Initially charging ten dollars per person growing a Mo, they sent an email titled “Are you man enough to be my man?” which immediately received responses from 30 guys willing to participate in the challenge.

    In 2004, Adam Garone took Movember to the next level and registered it as a company and created a website. 

    After researching men’s health issues, the Mo Bros agreed to formally support prostate cancer as their cause. Globally speaking, the charity donated all proceeds from their first year to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). The four boys collaborated with the PCFA who became the first official men’s health partner in 2005. That year, 9,315 Mo Bros in Australia raised AUD 1.2 million for the PCFA.

    Fast-forward a year later, the Movember Foundation became an official Australian Charity.

    Furthering their research, they discovered that depression was a significant issue in men’s health in Australia which brought their second partner, the national depression and anxiety initiative, to join. 

    The same year, the foundation expanded to New Zealand in partnership with The Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ. Campaigns in the UK and Spain were also successful. This enthusiasm allowed the co-founders to grow internationally which generated enormous awareness of men’s health issues. 

    Social media is by far the most successful platform for men and women to vocalise their Movember stories and to raise awareness about mental and physical health. The hashtag #Movember has been used across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by those who participate each year.

    Connections with ‘like-minded people‘

    Ross Galvin, Movember ambassador, spoke to @humansofdub about his mental health struggles over the past year and how he stumbled upon a wave of like-minded people who were undergoing the same journey. Once the pandemic hit in 2020, Galvin felt the ground shake from underneath him as he moved back into his childhood home with no job and the repetition of doing absolutely nothing dragging through each day. 

    “That was when I got sick. I couldn’t eat or sleep for weeks and in a matter of days I lost 10kg…  I had reached a really low point and was thinking very dark thoughts, unsure how things would ever improve.”

    Growing up in Howth, he decided to swim every day for 30 days in November to raise awareness for men’s mental health and posted about it on his Instagram. As the days progressed, Galvin openly admitted that he led on as if this act was for others, “but internally, I was really doing it for myself,” in the hopes of turning his life around. In time, a community of kind, positive, “like-minded” sea swimmers began to emerge, all supporting the same cause. At the end of the month, he raised nearly €3300. 

    One year later, Movember Ireland invited Galvin to be an ambassador to promote positive mental health among men and women. His daily Instagram posts about his sea swims continue on throughout this month with a time and a location encouraging others to join along. 

    Toughen-Up Mentality

    Kevin Sharkey is a returning participant of Movember, also advocating the charity’s message about prostate cancer awareness within men.

    Sharkey understands that there is still a stigma attached with men discussing their mental and physical health which Movember aims to change. The organisation allows men to use social media as a platform to discuss their own struggles and to get rid of the taboo that is so prominent in society. He continues to say that with a bit of online investigation, someone silently battling their own thoughts, “can find people who have had the same or similar issues and hopefully can find help and realise that they are not alone.”

     “Being a ‘man’s man’ should mean something different in this day and age. We need to make it mean something different, like being a man’s man means you are there for friends, open and honest about your feelings and health.”

    The Movember spokesperson also mentions that the supposed ‘masculine’ traits like strength, resilience and resourcefulness are displayed by men and women. However, those who subscribe to the stereotypes of masculinity are typically in danger of having poor mental health.

    “Previous research has shown that men who subscribe to the traditional stereotypes of masculinity –the ‘toughen up’ mentality -are at higher risk of poor mental health and suicide. Men aren’t always comfortable talking about what’s going on in their heads. If they are struggling in silence and don’t ask for help until it’s too late, then that is a serious problem.”

    “One of the ways Movember is trying to tackle this issue is to get men to understand what good mental health looks like, challenge outdated stereotypes about what it means to be a man and make it okay for them to open up and get the support they need.”

    Since 2003, the organisation has funded more than 1,250 innovative men’s health projects across three areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. The Mo Community continues to grow while also raising awareness across Ireland. 

  • Growing in 2020- The Gardening Podcast

    Growing in 2020- The Gardening Podcast

    2020 has definitely been a challenging year, but it has brought us many opportunities to learn and to grow- be it growing as people or growing plants. Eibhin Kavanagh talked to Peter Dowdall also known as The Irish Gardener about gardening as an activity in lockdown and the benefits of this for our mental health.

  • Watch: The mental health impacts of Direct Provision – Asylum seekers speak to TheCity.ie

    Watch: The mental health impacts of Direct Provision – Asylum seekers speak to TheCity.ie

    At the Asylum Seekers Feminist Conference, which took place prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, TheCity.ie spoke to Eoin from Abolish Direct Provision Ireland and conference attendees about the impact of Direct Provision on their wellbeing. By Kate Brayden, Cameron Weymes and Ayumi Miyano.

    Many of those who came to the conference travelled to be there in order to hear guest speakers and panelists give talks on mental health and host art and yoga workshops. Sonia from Cameroon, Julie from Uganda — whose company ‘Julie’s Kitchen’ catered at the conference — and organiser Eoin generously spoke to us about their unique and personal experiences.

    The controversial system of asylum has repeatedly hit the headlines over the mistreatment of those who must wait for their refugee status to be granted, or to be allowed to stay in Ireland. One of the State’s largest providers of accommodation to asylum seekers recorded a pretax profit of €2.36 million in 2018. That the Irish Government allows the system of asylum to be a for-profit service for multinational corporations such as Aramark has been a dominant point of frustrations. Those in the system receive just €38.80 as a weekly Daily Expenses Allowance, and are often moved to differing centres around Ireland before given time to settle in to the local community.

    Many centres are located in isolated areas, far away from local villages, which harms the mental health of asylum seekers – who have few options for seeking out services and often face language barriers. For those who have survived war, famine, discrimination and sexual violence, their trauma cannot be addressed. Living conditions in certain regional centres have been a cause for complaint, as well as the troubling impact of the situation on children living in the system.

    It’s worth noting that the Irish State’s response to Covid-19 in terms of testing those in Direct Provision has been heavily criticised by human rights groups, politicians, lawyers and health experts alike for effectively ignoring their concerns and putting them at risk. There are currently around 1,700 residents in centres around the country – 149 had tested positive for the coronavirus as of early May.