4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

Findings from the Investigation of
Cross-Border Collaborative Mental Health
Promotion Practices
There was no formal community cross-border contact. Contact was at professional
and voluntary level and included teachers being jointly trained and a variety of
professionals attending awareness seminars and workshops. Contact has been
made with people who otherwise would not have had this kind of cross-border
contact such as teachers, youth workers and mental health professionals. These
contacts have resulted in professional relationships which continued after the life
of the project. All interviewed had made new contacts, particularly in health
promotion and the voluntary sector. These new links have been beneficial in other
aspects of work and one respondent has continued to work in the area of young
men and mental health.
Perceptions of Cross-Border Working
The idea for taking a cross-border geographical area and focusing a project on
men’s mental health took root in 1997. The Finn Derg valley was identified because
suicide of young men was an issue in both areas and they had similar mental
health and social needs. It made sense to study these, share knowledge and pool
resources. Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) funding made this possible.
Initial expectations have been met by all involved. This type of co-working was
considered to have been informative because of the exchange and sharing of
ideas. There was a suggestion that these exchanges should be ongoing formally
and informally.
The project had many benefits including the exchange of ideas on effective
practice, learning from each other and sharing resources. It has resulted in the
establishing of multidisciplinary networks and training on a cross-border basis. The
project was found to lead to greater understanding of cultural differences and also
a greater understanding of cultural similarities. Differences in each system were
realised, understood and addressed, whereas there were no great differences in
attitudes on both sides.
Different people had different experiences of the cross-border nature of the
project. As the work was initially perceived as coming out of the Republic of
Ireland, extra steps and effort had to be made to change that perception. Sitting
around the table with colleagues from across the border was described as
interesting and informative. Membership of the steering group was described as a
very positive experience where one felt valued, and this was strongly
recommended.
The cross-border element improved as more contacts were made at grassroots
level. Although the project always had the support of the health boards,
improved contact at grassroots level gave the project more access to
communities on the ground. Although this particular project is
now finished, one of its lessons was that every speciality and
discipline should have links with their partners in the other
jurisdiction.
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