Peer Research Assistant Vacancy

We have been asked to circulate information on an upcoming Peer Research Assistant vacancy.

The position will involve conducting qualitative research with a wide range of mental health stakeholders, including people using services, their family, clinicians and managers.  Supervision and support will be provided by the Principal Investigator, Professor Agnes Higgins and Post-Doctoral Researcher Dr. Rebecca Murphy in Trinity College Dublin.

The successful candidate will join an exciting multi-disciplinary and multi-partner research effort focused on exploring factors that influence building capacity for collaborative education between service users, family members and practitioners within mental health services.  The research is led by Professor Agnes Higgins.

As this is a peer researcher position, self-experience of mental health issues and/or using mental health services is essential.  For more information on the vacancy go to:  https://www.universityvacancies.com/trinity-college-dublin/research-assistant-8247

Gateway December Schedule

   December 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

November's schedule just landed

   November 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Creative Writing is back!

   Posternov - Copy by Gateway Project on Scribd

Mental Health Reform

   Mental Health Reform by Gateway Project on Scribd

Upcoming Singing Workshops at Gateway !

   Music in Mind Singing Poster 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

The Eden Programme - Accepting Applications

Please see the poster below on the upcoming Eden Programme taking place in the Carmelite Centre, Dublin 2.

   EP Poster Carmelite v1 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Poetry and Prose by Patrick Clifford

Gateway member and talented creative writer Patrick Clifford is launching his book 'Poetry and Prose' on Sunday 15th October in Cafe de Jour on Cork Street from 4.30pm-6.30pm.  See the cover of his book below. 

He would love for people to join him in celebrating his great achievement on the day.

If you would like any more information about the book or the launch you can contact Patrick on patcliff416@outlook.com.

   Poetry and Prose PDF by Gateway Project on Scribd

World Mental Health Day in Gateway 2017

Gateway will be joining in celebrations around the world marking World Mental Health Day by  hosting a community well-being event.  Join us on Tuesday 10th October from 12pm-5pm for a celebration of community with music, storytelling, refreshments and more.

We are looking forward to meeting new friends and supporters so please help us to spread the word and bring along friends, family and others to share the day.

   World Mental Health Day Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

5,000 Steps to Wellbeing Walk - 14th Oct, 2pm in UCD

Changing the conversation about mental health and wellbeing, one step at a time.

Mental Health Ireland are hosting their 5,000 Steps to Wellbeing Walk on Sunday 14th October at 2pm in the leafy surrounds of University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4.

The 5,000 Steps to Wellbeing Walk will incorporate the Five Ways to Wellbeing by concentrating on each of the five ways - Keep Learning, Take Notice, Be Active, Connect and Give - for each 1,000 steps.  Martin Rogan, CEO of mental Health Ireland said "Our walk will be an opportunity for people to come together to learn about the Five Ways to Wellbeing in a fun and interactive way.  It is our hope after the 4km route that everyone goes away feeling informed and more confident about their wellbeing."

The walk is open to people of all abilities and is buggy friendly.  Mental Health Ireland will have guest leaders joining the walk to inform walkers about each of the Five Ways.  Adults must register and pay €15 to take part and children under 16 walk free.  There is a €1.55 EventBrite admin fee also. Booking link here.

All donated money will support Mental Health Ireland's education, information and research projects.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing:
1. Keep Learning - Setting yourself a new challenge and learning new skills will make you more confident as well as being great fun.
2. Take Notice - Be aware of the world around you and how you are feeling and thinking.
3. Be Active - Any form of physical activity can help maintain wellbeing and good mental health.
4. Connect - By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we feel happier and more secure, giving a better sense of purpose.
5. Give - Seeing yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you.

D12 Craft Fair

  D12 forum by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway Does Culture Night in Cathal Brugha Barracks

Don't forget to come and join us at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines to celebrate this Culture Night, Friday 22^nd September 5pm-9pm . Gateway will host a tent at the Barracks (tent 7 - see map below) and also display part of the Gateway Art Exhibition as part of a whole host of activities such as bands, talks and installations that will run throughout the night.  Come along, say hello and enjoy the festivities. For more information see the link below.

https://culturenight.ie/event/cathal-brugha-barracks/

Critical Perspectives Conference 15/16 November (Critical Voices)

  Critical Voices2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway Art as part of Culture Night

Head along to Cathal Brugha Barracks this Culture Night, 22nd of September . Gateway has been invited along by Artist-In-Residence Margaret Fitzgibbon to join in the program of events at the Barracks . As part of our ongoing collaboration with other groups in the community , Gateway Art Exhibition will be displayed along with other art on the night. So if you missed the 'Expressive Gateways Exhibition' at the library, here is another opportunity to catch it. Check out the link below for more details, it looks to be a fun-filled affair!

https://culturenight.ie/event/cathal-brugha-barracks/

'Expressive Gateways' - A great success

We would just like to thank everyone who made it to the 'Expressive Gateways Art Exhibition'. The launch night was a great success with speeches, refreshments and wonderful art pieces. The entire Art Group have a lot to be proud of . Thank you again to everyone who helped out and supported the event. Check out some of the pictures below from the night. 

Mental Health Engagement

Mental Health Forums are a great way to have your voice heard and share your experience of HSE Mental Health Services. They are also a place where you can give your opinion on how these services might be improved. Please see leaflet below for more information and dates/times of your local forum.

  Mental Health Engagement by Gateway Project on Scribd

Currently, meetings are scheduled very three weeks:
	South East Dublin Forum (In Taney Parish Hall, Dundrum) 19.30-21.00
	Cluain Mhuire and Lucena Joint Forum (In DLR Lexicon beside coffee shop) 19.30-21.00
	East Wicklow Forum (In Wicklow PHC Centre, Knockrobin) 19.30-21.00
Tuesday	05/09/2017	South Dublin forum development meeting
Wednesday	06/09/2017	Cluain Mhuire and Lucena Joint forum development meeting
Thursday	07/09/2017	East Wicklow development meeting
Tuesday	26/09/2017	South Dublin forum development meeting
Wednesday	27/09/2017	Cluain Mhuire and Lucena Joint forum development meeting
Thursday	28/09/2017	East Wicklow development meeting

Poetry and Prose by Patrick Clifford

  One of Our Talented Writers at Gateway by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway's September Schedule

  September 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

New upcoming training at Gateway !

The Make Meetings Meaningful Training is a great chance to learn new skills or improve on those you already have so you can feel confident to participate and lead meetings at Gateway or in your life.See all details below.

  Make Meetings Meaningful Training Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

Mental Health Reform urge Government to fulfil commitment to invest at least €55m in Budget 2018

Launching its pre-budget submission today, Mental Health Reform, the national coalition on mental health, has called on the Government to fulfill its commitment to invest at least €55m in development funding for mental health services in Budget 2018. Speaking on behalf of its 60 member organisations, Director of Mental Health Reform, Shari McDaid, said,

“We know that demand for mental health services in Ireland is increasing and the figures really speak for themselves. Between 2014 and 2016 the number of referrals for the Counselling in Primary Care Service has increased by 30 per cent. As of July 2017, the waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services was 2,419, with 218 having waited for more than a year. As of March 2017, mental health services are at just 80 per cent of the staffing levels recommended in the national policy, A Vision for Change. This situation is simply not sustainable. If the Government is serious about addressing the crisis in mental health services, it must meet its commitment of a minimum increase of €55m in Budget 2018 and increase the proportion of the health budget spent on mental health.”

Dr. McDaid continued, “We hear of people having serious difficulty accessing mental health services when they need them, and especially outside of office hours and on weekends. This has gone on far too long. Ireland needs 24/7 crisis mental health services in every community across the country, so that people can get the help they need when they need it. The Government needs to step up to its responsibility to provide the resources for these services to be rolled out.”

Dr. McDaid concluded, “2017 was the first year in recent times that mental health spend reduced as a proportion of the overall health budget, to just 6%, which led to some people questioning the Government’s commitment on mental health. This Government needs to show that it values the mental health of people in Ireland by providing the adequate staffing to deliver needed services and increasing the proportion of the health budget spent on mental health towards the 10% recommended by the Committee on the Future Vision of Healthcare.”

Expressive Gateways

A little reminder that the formal launch of Gateway’s art exhibition, Expressive Gateways, is on next Wednesday 30^th August 5.30pm-7.30pm upstairs in Rathmines Library.

Planning is in full swing here and excitement is building.

We’d love for you to join us for an evening of art, celebration, refreshments and good company.

We hope to see you there.

  Art Exhibition Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

Workshops on Talking with Voices - Learning from the Dialogue

See information below on an upcoming 2 day workshop about different ways to use the voice dialogue approach with people who hear voices. It is aimed at people who are already familiar with hearing voices approaches and ethos and want to learn more about dialoguing.  This training is for mental health nurses, mental health workers, people who hear voices and their supporters.

  Talking With Voices-Learning From the Dialogue by Gateway Project on Scribd

Mental Health Reform recruitment

Mental Health Reform is now seeking to contract two Peer Research Assistants (PRAs) to assist with our National Consultation ‘My Voice Matters’ on the experiences of people who use public mental health services and their family members and carers. The My Voice Matters consultation will gather feedback through two national surveys (one for service users and one for family members and carers) in addition to targeted focus groups.

The key role of the PRAs is to assist with gathering surveys from Kilkenny or Carlow outpatient mental health services. PRAs will approach and recruit people accessing the mental health services to 1) participate in the survey and 2) support people in completing the survey. Peer Research Assistants must have self-experience of mental health difficulties and of accessing mental health services. PRA’s must also have completed some form of peer facilitation training and have experience in, for example, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), peer support group or other peer facilitation.

Full details of the role description are outlined in the attached document. Please circulate to your relevant contacts, who may be interested in submitting an application. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 17^th August 2017. Applicants should send their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to Oscar James at ojames@mentalhealthreform.ie. 

Gateway Art Exhibition

Hi Everyone,

The Gateway Art Group would like to invite you to their upcoming Art Exhibition Launch , Expressive Gateways. Over the past number of months our Gateway Artists have been busy preparing a wonderful collection of art work. This stunning collection will be opened on Wednesday 30th August in an evening of chats, creativity and refreshments at Rathmines Library . Please do come along ! Further details below...

Gateway is Recruiting Project Workers

We are delighted to be recruiting new Project Workers in Gateway.  Project workers work alongside people with lived experience of mental health challenges to facilitate and encourage peer support, peer modelling, active membership and leadership within Gateway.

Please see the job specification including information on the application process below for anyone interested in applying.

Please note that the Project Worker positions are Community Employment (C.E.) positions and those interested will need to check with their local INTREO office if they are eligible for C.E. and apply through INTREO office quoting CE job reference number 2046988 to be added to list.

Short listing will apply and interviews for the positions will take place in August.

Please feel free to circulate this to anyone who may be interested and/or have the relevant experience but please note that lived experience of mental health challenges and an interest in recovery is essential.

Good luck to all/any applying.

  Job Advertisement for Project Worker Positions in Gateway by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway August Schedule

Here is our shiny new schedule for August , enjoy !

  Aug 2017 Final by Gateway Project on Scribd

Self-Advocacy Training

We are delighted to have the Irish Advocacy Network coming into Gateway to do a course on Self-Advocacy training. The course will run over four weeks this August.  This is a great opportunity to develop skills to help have your voice heard. The course will also cover topics such as assertiveness and self- esteem. Places for this course are already fully booked but we hope to share our learning to anyone who has missed out on a place. 

New Reiki sessions available to Gateway Members

  Reiki Sessions Poster by Gateway Project on Scribd

Creative Writing Competition Winner !!

Here is Patrick C. winner of the Gateway Creative Writing Competition 2017 accepting his trophy . Patrick's story was voted number one by his fellow writing peers last Friday . Kevin O'B came runner in what was a stiff competition .  Congratulations to all the wonderful stories and writers involved and to the winners . Have a look at Patrick's winning story below :

Captain James L Riddick’s Journey to Zoltan the Forbidden Planet

It was the year 3025 the American space station Nassau was launching their latest space craft.  The commander of the American space station Nassau Commander Bruce Bernstein was launching the hi tech, fastest, best weapons to do battle in attack and defence.  They had been working secretly on this craft for 30 years.  The Commanders daughter Cornel Janice Hoffman and her husband secretary of defence Bill Hoffman were in charge of the craft and team of astronauts.  At this time Earth had been under pressure from Other Planets and Species trying to become dominant and destroying humanity and become rulers of the Galaxy.  The most feared Planet known as the forbidden Planet was Zoltan, because anybody who entered never returned so no one has ever came back to tell what it’s like.   As they the launch got underway they were told to avoid anywhere or distance of a thousand miles from the forbidden Planet.  The high powered craft got off like the speed of a ray light.  Everything was going right all of a sudden one of the engines started to stop they lost contact with the space station.  They were saying the only place they could have made an emergency landing was Zoltan and they did they landed on the Planet this was the last contact they had with the craft.

The Commander didn’t give up hope because he knew one man who could probably find the team of the craft and bring them back alive.  This was Captain Lames L Riddick who was retired three years he was seventy five, and had a commendable record of bravery and experience in Nassau history.  Captain Riddick was fishing on a small boat on a lake in Mississippi where he lived with his Golden Labrador dog Busker.  He never married because he couldn’t be sure if he would return from battle he was a kind hearted man. He had a gambling and alcohol problem and when he’s running out of his retirement money he would compete in street fighting which he never lost.  The captain had a partner who done his cooking and cleaning whom he had a deep affection, her name is Justina a retired dance teacher from Italy. 

A space craft came down and hovered on the lake they asked Riddick to get on board the commander explained to Riddick what happened would he help to bring back his daughter and their crew.  Captain Riddick told that he wold try and bring them back but would go alone.  Explaining once he seen and killed some species he said they have powers of super strength and can fire lasers from their eyes saying their called Marmites seven feet tall with fur and tails and they understand human language.  They don’t like anything to do humans I will go and try rescue the crew.  In a real hurry Riddick said goodbye to his dog and Justina.  He put his Nassau space suit on probably for the last time took off into space at full speed.

Riddick entered the forbidden Planet surprised he even got to land.  Amazed by the scenery was something like a jungle on Earth.  He thought the Planet about the size of the Amazon jungle with giant plants and trees looked like they eat plants and small creatures that look like cabbages and rabbits.  As he was walking through he came across two marmites talking in their language sounded really loud and fast.  They spotted him stared running towards him firing lasers.  Riddick had a steel gadget that was like a boomerang within seconds quietly killed them instantly.  He heard noises coming from a distance like a valley.  He seen all the crew tied against trees it looked like they were being sacrificed like ritual.  There was thousands of Marmites at the sacrifice.  Riddick planted bombs all over setting them to explode giving himself ten minutes.  Making his way towards the crew he used his gadgets to kill the marmites this was the only way he could.  It was like Riddick was invisible they couldn’t stop him, eventually he freed the crew.  Riddick they said is that you no time to talk replied Riddick we’ve about five minutes to get back to the craft.  They were chased by thousands of Marmites.  A lot of the crew didn’t make it far Riddick made sure the commanders daughter made it to the craft unfortunately her husband didn’t make it, as they took off the bombs exploded killing thousands of Marmites.  They reached Earth safely Riddick you did it how can we thank you.  I never believed to come back, the Marmites will want revenge there is more to come.  Call the president tell him, he could have an intergalactic battle on his hands.  I am happy it’s no longer feared as the forbidden Planed.

Patrick Clifford          

Mental Health (Amendment) Bill

The Mental Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill is moving quickly and will go to report and final stage in the Dáil this Friday at 10.00am.

This is a key moment where the Mental Health Reform coalition can highlight that the Mental Health Act, 2001 needs to be updated.

Passage of the Bill would also make some significant changes that will strengthen the rights of mental health service users when in hospital.

Please support the Bill as part of the campaign to get fully updated mental health law: 

1. Circulate this email with the attached briefing note to your clients and contacts 
2. Contact your local TDs and ask them to support the Bill. Tell your TD why you think updated mental health law is urgently needed 
3. Re-post on Facebook and re-tweet on Twitter MHR communications about the Bill 
4. Attend report (final) stage of the Bill in Leinster House this coming Friday 14th July. Anyone interested in the debate is invited to attend.

If you would like to attend the proceedings in Leinster House this coming Friday 14th July, please contact Indre at admintemp@mentalhealthreform.ie by 1pm, this coming Wednesday 12th July. We will organise for your name to be put on the list for entrance at the Kildare Street gates of Leinster House. Please note that your name must be at the gate in order to gain entry. 

The changes proposed in the Mental Health (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2017 are explained in detail in the briefing note below.  

Background:

As previously highlighted the Bill was introduced by Fianna Fáil earlier this year and seeks to amend key sections of the Mental Health Act, 2001. Mental Health Reform is in full support of the Bill for the following reasons: 

1. It contains certain significant changes that will strengthen the rights of people when they are in hospital for mental health care. While the Bill does not address all of the existing gaps in the Mental Health Act, 2001, it is an encouraging step towards full revision of the 2001 Act and 

2. It provides an opportunity to advocate for the amendment of the Mental Health Act, 2001 in full, in line with the recommendations of the Expert Group report on review of the Act and MHR's own recommendations. To date, the Government has repeatedly failed to meet its own timetable for updating the Act and at the moment there is not even a mention of revisions to the Act in the Government's current legislative programme. The publication of the Bill by the largest opposition party puts pressure on the Government to publish the full revising legislation as promised. 

  Briefing Note on Mental Health (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2017_03.07.17 by Gateway Project on Scribd

July's Schedule has just landed!

  July 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway Summer Closure

Hi all, just a reminder Drop-In will be closed for the summer break for staff training on the following dates:

Drop-In Closed: Thursday 6^th , Monday 10^th, Thursday 13^th, Monday 17^th July.

There will be Meet Ups in Café Moda 2-4pm on these days instead.

All Welcome and hope to see you there! 
Classes will continue as normal for those already signed up.

Volunteers Needed to host Meet-Ups

  Community Meet Up Volunteers Needed by Gateway Project on Scribd

Drumming Workshops in Association with the National Concert Hall

Drumming is coming back!

 A new 8 week course in Drumming will start at Gateway on Thursday 22nd June at 5pm. The course costs €15 total and we are asking for a €5 deposit to secure your place. Places are limited and must be booked in advance and ASAP. Please talk to a member of staff if you are interested. Don't let money be a barrier , just come and speak to us! 

Hopefully we will see you there !

Gateway Day Trip to the Botanic Gardens

  Gateway Day Trip by Gateway Project on Scribd

Monthly Schedule - June 2017

Hi all,

See Gateway's June schedule below for info on what is happening in the project this month...

  June 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Feed into the plan for your Mental Health Service

See the poster below with details on a series of upcoming consultations on supporting change within services to become more person centred and recovery focused.

These consultations are suitable for service users, family members or supporters, HSE mental health staff and community agencies within CHO7 which covers St. James' Service, Tallaght Hospital Service and Kildare West Wicklow services.

  Create the plan for your Mental Health Service by Gateway Project on Scribd

Let's Walk and Talk

  See Change Forest Walk by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway Supporting Green Ribbon Month

Monthly Schedule - May 2017

Hi all,

Lots going on in Gateway this May.

See the schedule below for all the details.

  May Schedule 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

6 Week Mindfulness/Meditation & Self Care Course

See information below on an upcoming free 6 week Mindfulness/Meditation and Self Care course which is starting in Harold’s Cross on Thursday 4th May, 10.30am-12.30pm.

  Meditation Course Harolds X by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway is Recruiting: Administration Officer

Hi all,

As some of you will already know we have some recruitment coming up in Gateway.

We are delighted to be in a position to recruit for a part-time Administration Officer to help support the day to day operations, communications and administration of Gateway.  This will be a great help to ensure the smooth running of the project.

As you know Gateway is a peer led and peer run project so we would particularly welcome applications from people with expertise resulting from lived experience of mental health difficulties.

We will be holding an Information Session for any Gateway Members who are interested in finding out a bit more on Thursday 27^th April, 1pm-2pm, where we will discuss the role and the process for applying.

Below is the advert and job spec for those interested in applying and they are also available on Mental Health Ireland's website.  See www.mentalhealthireland.ie/recruitment.   Mental Health Ireland are the employer and managing the recruitment for Gateway.  Please follow the application process explained in the advert which will mean applying to Mental Health Ireland, not Gateway.

Please be aware that the deadline for applications is Tuesday 9^th May and interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on the 16^th or 17^th May.

Please feel free to circulate this to anyone who may be interested and/or have the relevant experience. Someone with some administration/office management experience and a commitment to the values and ethos of Gateway including equality, anti-discrimination, collective action, participation, recovery and social justice would be a good fit.

Good luck to all/any applying.

  Admin Role Ad by Gateway Project on Scribd

  Admin Officer Job Spec by Gateway Project on Scribd

Your Mental Health Service wants to hear from you!

See the poster below with information on upcoming consultation events to hear feedback on health services.  It could be a good opportunity to have your voice heard.

  Consultation on Mental Health Services by Gateway Project on Scribd

Become a Healthy Food Made Easy Peer Leader?

Would you like to become a Healthy Food Made Easy Peer Leader?

See the information below on the opportunity to receive training to deliver the 6 week course in the community.

  HFME PeerLeader Ad 2017 by Gateway Project on Scribd

Dance and Movement for your Mental Health with Rachel , (free,registration required)

  Dance by Gateway Project on Scribd

Publisher Training at Gateway

See the poster below on upcoming Publisher Training for Gateway members.  If you have any questions just ask.

  Publisher Training Flyer by Gateway Project on Scribd

Gateway's Creative Writing Booklet Launch

A Book Launch I Attended

Over the past, four years Gateways writing class has been trying to improve their writing skill.

As the previous tutor who passed away, with a new tutor Maria Jones the role was hard to fill.

Coming to the creative writing class is comfortable, because you can take things in your own stride.

You might be blocked because of poor mental health, by taking out a pen you could conquer pride.

Maria gives great encouragement of peoples prose and poetry with no pressure gives you a lift.

Usually when we start writing in class or at home we come to realisation there lies a special gift.

A lot of preparation went in to developing and organising our Gateway creative writing book.

 It was mainly some participants of the class that done editing a lot of time and effort it took.

On the 10^th of March 2017 held in Rathmines library Gateways book launch I attended feeling proud.

There was a great introduction, speeches and emotions with an attendance of a very large crowd.

Each participant of the class, there read their prose and poetry from the book confidently and clear.

With thank you to the coordinator and lots refreshments and chat created a great atmosphere.

Well done to everybody involved in getting this creative writing class book launch on its way.

A book launch I attended happened because of the positive mental health organisation, Gateway.

Patrick Clifford ©2017

Gateway Creative Writer