Mental health peer support website to benefit Mayo families
HEALTH Service Executive (HSE) Mental Health Services Galway, Mayo and Roscommon Family Peer Support Service have launched a family peer support website, the first initiative of its kind in Ireland.
Launched at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Castlebar, this innovative platform was designed by Family Peer Support Workers (FPSWs) with lived experience, as well as family members, carers and supporters (who have used or are using the service), and health care professionals, to provide much needed support to those who are supporting a loved one going through mental health challenges.
Its purpose is to improve outcomes for families, carers and supporters, people using the services and people working in mental health services by providing advice, information, support on self-care, signposting to services, navigating the mental health system, diagnosis, medication and so much more.
Recognising that mental health challenges affect not just the individual, but also their support network, the HSE, in collaboration with Metal Health Ireland (MHI), now employ 10 FPSWs within the adult mental health services. These FPSWs utilise their lived experience to support other family members, ensuring they do not feel alone in their journey.
Dr. Grainne Fadden, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and key note speaker at the event, stated: “When someone experiences mental health difficulties, it is challenging for them, their families and others who care for them. This new website is a comprehensive and accessible resource for anyone in this situation.
“Families and friends always want to understand what is happening and, importantly, what they can do to help. The website provides information on so many topics in different formats. It will certainly help people to feel they are not alone and I am full of admiration for all those involved in its development.”
Charlie Meehan, Head of Mental Health Services in HSE Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, remarked: “This website evidently supports the work of mental health services in increasing awareness, improving services, educating and empowering families, combating stigma, and supporting families in their journey to help those experiencing mental health challenges achieve recovery and wellness. This initiative was led by family members who have lived experience with mental health challenges within their own families, and we are incredibly proud of what was achieved here.”
Mike McGeough, senior social worker, added: “We are very fortunate to have family peer support workers employed in Mental Health Services Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for some time now, who share their lived experience and provide an authentic space for families, carers and supporters to talk about what they are experiencing as well as empowering them to seek support for themselves.
“This website was set up after the family peer support service identified that family members, carers and supporters need guidance and supports for themselves when a loved one is experiencing a mental health challenge. There is a huge need for families to be able to access trustworthy, reliable, safe mental health supports.
“The need for a resource like this has never been greater and I would encourage all to use the website as everyone will benefit.”
For further details on the family peer support service and to explore the resources available, visit https://familypeersupport.ie/.