4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

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Findings from the Investigation of Cross-Border Collaborative Mental Health Promotion Practices It took time to build trust and initially there were feelings of competition, but that is seen as part of the learning. Overall it has been a good and positive experience. The group has worked cohesively and there has been a sense of value and importance to the work. The cross-border element has worked well and it has improved over time. However it was felt that part of the success was due to both sides simply getting to know each other. It was felt it would be a shame not to continue with the project as a difference can be made. Distance was mentioned most frequently as the greatest difficulty. Difficulties with distance included the time spent travelling from one community to the other. This was time taken away from one’s own community but did not facilitate getting to know those in the other community. Funding was also mentioned as a difficulty but it was acknowledged that is relevant to any project whether it is cross-border or not. Uncertainty about future funding makes it difficult to plan ahead. This project has had a number of successes according to the interviewees. The most common theme was that the project had developed an awareness and understanding of the differences between the two communities. With time both communities realised also that they shared the same issues and problems. It was also a good opportunity to reach those who are difficult to reach regarding mental health promotion, i.e. rural communities. All involved felt they would like to see the project and learning continue with communities taking ownership of this work. As everything to date has been documented, the success factors could be used to inform future work elsewhere. Time and money are key to making the current project continue. It will take time for the project interventions to become established in the community. Money is crucial for the project to continue. A project worker is invaluable for improving the cohesiveness of the group. It is important that there is willingness on both sides to continue. It takes time to build trust across borders, which is why it is important that this project is maintained. To overcome the taboos about mental health we need sustained, ongoing action. This cross-border work challenges the barriers. Crossborder working provides the bridge which helps to narrow the gap between the formal treatment and the natural discussion. Cross-border is a relatively new model and it will be interesting to see the results. While the evaluation takes extra time, it justifies its value. Also it allows people in the treatment field to see another side of working. Health is a generic issue and this could be a very successful project. Given time it could be a model of best practice. 47
Findings from the Investigation of Cross-Border Collaborative Mental Health Promotion Practices Case Study 4: Support Services for Breast, Laryngeal, Lymphoma, Ovarian, Prostate Cancer and Young People with Cancer and their families. Target Population: Cancer patients Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Ms. Eileen Creery Ms. Olwyn Ryan Ulster Cancer Foundation Irish Cancer Society 40/42 Eglantine Avenue 5 Northumberland Road Belfast BT9 6DX Dublin 4 (028) 9038 6320 (01) 668 1855 eileencreery@btconnect.com oryan@irishcancer.ie Background to the Project Project Rationale Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the island of Ireland (Department of Health and Children 1999). Cassileth et al. (1984) as cited in Boer et al. (1999) notes that with regard to psychosocial problems cancer is a disease which, more than most other diseases, disorders the psychic balance from the beginning of the disease. The patient can be overwhelmed by feelings of despair, panic and other emotions and in other instances experience severe feelings of depression and apathy. Boer et al. (1999) also cite other authors who have documented that feelings of uncertainty are common among cancer patients, for example about the results of treatments and about expectations for the future. The Irish Cancer Society, founded in 1963, is the national charity in the Republic of Ireland dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer through patient care, research and education (Irish Cancer Society 2001). The Ulster Cancer Foundation in Northern Ireland was founded in 1969. Its Mission Statement is: The Ulster Cancer Foundation exists to help patients and their families cope with cancer. It is also working for new and better treatments for cancer as well as helping people to reduce their risk of ever developing the disease. A priority has been to help all those living with cancer in the community by the provision of support services for cancer patients and their families across the province. These include services such as a freephone helpline, nurse counsellors, the Belfast City Hospital Cancer Centre, Belvoir Park Hospital and four cancer units throughout the province. The Foundation’s counsellors and befrienders have helped many in coping with a diagnosis of cancer in the family (Ulster Cancer Foundation 2001). 48
Page 1 and 2: A Report for the Centre For Cross B
Page 3 and 4: About the Authors Dr. Margaret Barr
Page 5 and 6: Acknowledgements We would like to t
Page 7 and 8: Introductory comments by the Depart
Page 10 and 11: Background and Rationale 1 There is
Page 12 and 13: Background and Rationale of mental
Page 14 and 15: Background and Rationale underlined
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Page 18 and 19: Project Aims and Objectives 2 This
Page 20 and 21: Methodology 3 Phase 1: Methodology
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Page 26 and 27: Methodology Lifestyle risk factors
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References Adult Mental Health Serv
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References Layte, R., Jenkinson, C.
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References Sindall, C. (1997) Inter
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Promoting Positive Mental Health: C
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The Centre for Cross Border Studies
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4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

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