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4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

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Findings from the Investigation <strong>of</strong><br />

Cross-Border Collaborative <strong>Mental</strong> <strong>Health</strong><br />

Promotion Practices<br />

<strong>of</strong> project activities are jointly delivered by members <strong>of</strong> other organisations/<br />

agencies and some steering group members, as well as by members <strong>of</strong> various<br />

sub-groups associated with the project (e.g. farmers, services, etc).<br />

A formal evaluation is being carried out by the Centre for <strong>Health</strong> Promotion<br />

Studies, <strong>National</strong> <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Ireland</strong>, <strong>Galway</strong>. Monitoring reports are completed<br />

every three months for the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. The element<br />

<strong>of</strong> cross-border working is being explicitly evaluated. There is a lot <strong>of</strong> learning<br />

that happens on a cross-border basis, which is not as a result <strong>of</strong> a direct<br />

intervention. This learning is being evaluated. Cross-border objectives have been<br />

agreed and are part <strong>of</strong> the funding requirement. These objectives are listed<br />

under the heading ‘Project Objectives’ above.<br />

Nature <strong>of</strong> Cross-Border Contact<br />

The cross-border partners meet every six to eight weeks and meetings alternate<br />

between Raphoe and Draperstown. The cross-border contact involves both health<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and community members.<br />

The cross-border contact has facilitated the making <strong>of</strong> new contacts that may not<br />

have been made outside the project. All interviewed had personally made new<br />

contacts. These new contacts have been proven either directly or indirectly to be<br />

beneficial in other aspects <strong>of</strong> work.<br />

Perceptions <strong>of</strong> Cross-border Working<br />

Within the group there was some experience <strong>of</strong> previous cross-border work. Also<br />

the demographics <strong>of</strong> the two areas were very similar. Underneath the different<br />

structures there were similar issues. Being involved in a structured project such as<br />

this one has given the opportunity to get involved with the local community<br />

without the stigma <strong>of</strong> mental health attached.<br />

For the most part initial expectations have been met. In one case individual<br />

expectations were modified to be more realistic with regard to the project and<br />

this was positive. This project has been a great forum to find out best practice.<br />

One respondent cautioned on the need to avoid competition and making<br />

comparisons between communities, as this may not be constructive for the<br />

project.<br />

The project has many benefits including making new contacts and the sharing <strong>of</strong><br />

experience and ideas. Co-operation and the networks provided by cross-border<br />

working were also beneficial.<br />

Initially when the groups met it was found that there were no real differences<br />

between the groups in terms <strong>of</strong> religious background, agricultural background,<br />

age etc. and they both started to build a relationship <strong>of</strong> trust. Both communities<br />

now have a greater understanding <strong>of</strong> each other and are developing a greater<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> the political and cultural differences.<br />

46

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