Empowerment

South Munster Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has reported an increase in requests for assistance following the lifting of the eviction ban on March 31. MABS, which provides free advice to anyone who wants help in managing their money and taking control of debt, has experienced a significant increase in referrals from over 65s in particular.

Readers wondering should they study for a masters in youth and community work at Maynooth University can hear what it's like this coming Monday, April 24th, when current students take part in a questions and answers session.

A new report putting a spotlight on the community services available nationwide for people with neurological conditions was launched yesterday by Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte. The Neuro-Mapping Project Report describes the range of community services across the country that people with neurological conditions can access from voluntary organisations, and identifies a number of joint service initiatives between voluntary organisations and the HSE.

Just over a year ago, residents and staff from various organisations in Darndale and Drogheda began a new programme which aimed to develop solutions to the challenges posed in their areas. The place-based Leadership Development Programme was created in response to an increase in gang-related activities in the two localities, and to encourage greater collaboration between residents and those working in the community, such as gardaí and HSE and community development staff.

AkiDwa, a national network of migrant women in Ireland, is hosting an event recognising the contributions of migrant women to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

Traveller men of various ages, employment statuses and circumstances spoke to researchers in Donegal about their experiences on accommodation, education, employment and sudden bereavement, and how these experiences affected their mental health.

“I can’t go to any bar. They hear my accent, look at my appearance and they think I’m violent, it’s that negative stereotype," - Martin Mongan, Donegal Travellers Project A major study of Travellers’ lives in Dublin published in mid-February pointed to racism and discrimination for directly leading to many Traveller suicides. Research among a smaller group, focused specifically on Traveller men’s mental health, came to the same conclusion. This study was launched in December in Donegal and it marked the first time that Travellers themselves conducted all the research. Facilitated by David Friel, the first Traveller in the North West to be educated to Masters level, the research paints a picture of the daily lives of 12 Traveller men living in Donegal.

“For every member of staff freshly recruited, another experienced staff member is walking out the door. The situation is both unacceptable and unsustainable,” says Trade union Fórsa, complaining about unequal pay and conditions. Last Thursday (Jan 26) the trade union moved towards “indefinite strike action” involving hundreds of its members working in community and voluntary sector health services across the country. It is not immediate, however, nor is every county certain to be impacted.