On Thursday, 6th November, our Cork Project Coordinator, Ailbe, proudly represented both Cork Mentoring Projects at an event hosted by the Traveller Community Health Services Network (TCHSN) in Ballyphehane Community Centre. The gathering, attended by almost 200 people, brought together close to 30 community-based organisations, all sharing one goal — to promote mental health, inclusion, and wellbeing across Cork’s communities.
The event was coordinated by the Healthy Minds Service Network (HMSN), a subgroup of the TCHSN. The HMSN focuses on mapping and strengthening community-based health and social supports for the Traveller community. Its core mission, as outlined in the National Traveller Health Action Plan 2022–2027, is to improve equality of access, enhance communication pathways, and address barriers that Travellers often face in engaging with health services.
Ailbe’s participation provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Le Chéile’s Parent Mentoring Programme, a support designed to help parents navigate the challenges of having a child involved in offending behaviour. Through one-to-one mentoring, parents are supported to manage the emotional weight that can come with this experience, including feelings of shame, frustration, disappointment, and isolation.
Speaking at the event, Ailbe emphasised Le Chéile Mentoring’s commitment to diversity and social inclusion, highlighting the organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Traveller representation among its volunteer base. He also shared details about Traveller Culture Awareness Training (T-CAT), which is offered to all Le Chéile volunteers in Cork to ensure greater cultural understanding and respect in their work.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration and partnership in community health. With participation from groups such as the Traveller Visibility Group, Cork Traveller Women’s Network, and a range of health and social services, the day created new opportunities for connection and understanding.
By taking part, Le Chéile strengthened its ties with the Traveller Health Network and reaffirmed its role in promoting inclusive, person-centred support. The event not only showcased the depth of community spirit within Cork but also reinforced that collective efforts rooted in respect and understanding can create meaningful pathways toward mental well-being for all.
