HSE launches website supporting Mayo families affected by mental health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Mental Health Services have launched a comprehensive resource to support Mayo families affected by mental health.

The HSE Mental Health Services Galway, Mayo and Roscommon Family Peer Support service launched the first initiative of its kind in Ireland, at ATU Mayo, a Family Peer Support website.

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 Mental Health Ireland (MHI), now employs ten 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 keynote 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,” she added.

Maria Walsh, member of the European Parliament for Midlands North West endorsed the initiative, said it is ‘incredibly important’ to acknowledge that the resource was created ‘learning from and leaning into the lived experience of people’.

Charlie Meehan, Head of Mental Health Services in HSE Galway, Mayo & Roscommon added: “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, said, “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.  

“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,” he continued.

The family peer role was mainstreamed within the HSE in 2021 and there is a commitment from the Mental Health Engagement and Recovery Office (MHER) to recruit more FPSWs in other areas in the near future.

This new and expanding service is available in a number of locations throughout the HSE regions of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, South Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny.

The launch marks a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of families, highlighting Ireland’s commitment to comprehensive mental health care.

For further details on the family peer support service and to explore the resources available, please visit the Family Peer Support website.