During this year's First Fortnight Mental Health Art & Culture Festival, a short film called "It Doesn't Matter" formed part of the Empowered Voices event on Sunday, January 17th.
Funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with HSE Mental Health Services, Exchange House Ireland, Turn2Me and featuring members of the Traveller community from Dublin and Clare, the aim of the film was to raise awareness about suicide in the Traveller community, end the stigma associated with suicide and promote mental health services equipped to help.
The screening of the film was preceded by the first performance of the poem "Gloke" by a Traveller man, Martin Reilly. The poem delves into racism, discrimination, identity and the impact these issues have on the mental health of the Traveller community today and was developed as part of a workshop consisting of Pavee Point’s Men’s Health Team, a group of Traveller men and Geoff Finan (AKA The Poet Geoff).
- For professional support information visit www.turn2me.ie
- If you prefer to text, start a conversation by free-texting TURN2ME to 50808
- Get in touch with Exchange House Ireland by phone on (01) 872 1094 or visit www.exchangehouseireland.ie
