CAIRDE

26/02/2026

Big thanks to everyone for the strong collaboration and shared commitment that keep this project focused and people-centred. The Roma Influencers Network is led by Klimaka NGO (Greece) in partnership with Cairde in Ireland, Cooperctiva & CESIS in Portugal and Sastipen in Romania.ographic materials are in the final stage of production, with filming completed and the visuals coming together. We can’t wait to share them with you!

We are now in the final stretch of the awareness-raising work on early marriage and early motherhood in Roma settlements, with most activities completed and just a small number left to wrap up. And there’s also exciting progress on the storytelling side: the documentary short films and photographic materials are in the final stage of production, with filming completed and the visuals coming together. We can’t wait to share them with you!

Big thanks to everyone for the strong collaboration and shared commitment that keep this project focused and people-centred. The Roma Influencers Network is led by NGO (Greece) in partnership with Cairde in Ireland, & in Portugal and in Romania.

Learn more about the project: https://www.romainfluencersnetwork.eu/

24/02/2026

In Cairde’s new report, 'Improving Mental Health Engagement for Migrant & Ethnic Minority Women', slideshow 1, shared last week, explored engagement as a spectrum, from awareness to real influence.

Slideshow 2 looks at what shapes whether engagement is actually possible: navigating the system, cultural and language differences, socio-environmental pressures, and mistrust, including doubts about being valued as a minority lived-experience voice.

These are systemic issues, not quick fixes. The first step is listening to the strategies women themselves propose.

Swipe through the slides, and read the full report: https://bit.ly/CairdeMentalHealth

This report was developed in partnership with HSE Ireland MHRE, the DCU CHUMS Study team, and the lived experience experts. Funded by the Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health.

17/02/2026

In our new report, Improving Mental Health Engagement for Migrant & Ethnic Minoritised Women, one message came through clearly: mental health engagement isn’t a box to tick. It’s a spectrum.

For migrant and ethnic minoritised women, engagement can begin with awareness and mental health literacy, move through accessing and navigating services, and must lead to what really matters: having a voice, influence, and power in decisions that shape mental health systems.

Yet, persistent structural inequities still limit the participation and impact of migrant and ethnic minoritised women in Ireland. If equity is the goal, engagement structures must reflect women’s lived experiences, remove barriers, build trust, and create genuine pathways to meaningful involvement.

Swipe through the slides, and read the full report: https://bit.ly/CairdeMentalHealth

This report was developed in partnership with HSE Ireland MHRE, the DCU CHUMS Study team, and the lived experience experts. Funded by the Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health.

11/02/2026

Zapraszamy na spotkania z ekspertami ZUS, którzy wyjaśnią sprawy związane z emeryturami i rentami oraz omówią sposoby komunikacji z ZUS na odległość.

Podczas spotkań specjaliści ZUS omówią w szczególności:
➡️zasady ustalania polskich świadczeń emerytalno-rentowych oraz ich wypłaty;
➡️zasady składania wniosków o polskie świadczenia rentowe i świadczenia dla rodzin, a także o zasiłki pogrzebowe;
➡️sposoby komunikacji z ZUS (Platforma Usług Elektronicznych PUE, e-wizyta - rozmowa online z pracownikiem ZUS, Centrum Kontaktu Klientów - CKK).

Linki do spotkań⤵️
10.12.2026
https://zus.webex.com/zus/j.php?MTID=mb0861b28617450ff11cf103221a065e1

12.02.2026
https://zus.webex.com/zus/j.php?MTID=mb0861b28617450ff11cf103221a065e1

10/02/2026

Yesterday, we launched the Mental Health Engagement Structure for Migrant & Ethnic Minority Communities. Today, we are highlighting something at the heart of that work: the lived experience video launched as part of last week’s event.

If mental health services are to work for everyone, minority voices must be listened to. Not only as an add-on, but as a vital part of shaping how services are designed, delivered, and improved.

This video was created by people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds with experience of mental health challenges, either personally and/or through supporting family and community members. They share:

- what it’s like to use mental health services in Ireland
- what helps (and what doesn’t)
- their experiences of mental health engagement processes

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and shared their stories. Your honesty and courage matter.

Watch the video and read the report: 👉 https://youtu.be/P1bEG4fiPE0

The video is part of Cairde & HSE Ireland Mental Health Recovery & Engagement (MHRE)’s Project.

This video was created by people from migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds who have experience with mental health challenges, either personally or through...

09/02/2026

Last week, Cairde, together with HSE Ireland Mental Health Recovery & Engagement (MHRE), officially launched the Mental Health Engagement Structure for Migrant & Ethnic Minority Communities - a meaningful step toward more inclusive, equitable mental health engagement in Ireland.

We also shared our new report: Improving Mental Health Engagement for Migrant & Ethnic Minority Women (supported by Roinn Sláinte, Department of Health e, Department of Health and developed with the DCU Cultural Humility in Mental Health Study Group.

In the report, women described engagement as a journey, from building awareness and confidence, to navigating services, to having real influence on decisions. The research highlights overlapping barriers, including language and communication gaps, practical constraints (time, childcare, transport), racism and discrimination, and experiences of mistrust or tokenism.

The report also highlights what helps: trust-building, community partnerships, flexible ways to participate, clear pathways into engagement, and appropriate recognition/resourcing of lived experience, so involvement is safe, valued, and meaningful.

Above all, heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their lived experience. Your voices help shape a mental health system that listens and responds better.

Read the full report and learn about the initiative: https://cairde.ie/our-work/be-aware-be-well/

06/02/2026

Roma Influencers from Ireland have been taking part in a documentary shoot for the international Roma Influencers Network, sharing lived experiences, strength and vision as part of a powerful transnational story.

This documentary brings together voices from across Europe - Ireland, Greece, Romania and Portugal - and shines a light on leadership, community action and alternative futures for Roma girls and women. We’re so proud of everyone who stepped in front of the camera with honesty and courage.

The attached photo featuring the Irish crew of the Roma Influencers Network will be included in the documentary. We can't wait to see the final result!

🎬 Watch this space! Something powerful is coming.

Cesis - Centro de Estudos para a Intervenção Social Sastipen - Centrul Romilor pentru Politici de Sanatate COOPERACTIVA

27/01/2026

This week 22 Jan - 2 Feb is National Grief Awareness Week. During this time, Irish Hospice Foundation, aim to help spark more open conversations about grief and highlight the many ways we can support someone.

Grief is something many people experience, yet it’s still often misunderstood. It’s a natural reaction to losing someone close, and there’s no single “right” way to grieve. Everyone’s experience is different, and it doesn’t follow a set timeline.

👉 Visit the Irish Hospice Foundation to larn more about https://goto.hospicefoundation.ie/NGAW2026 and check the Mental Health section on HealthHonnect.ie for supports available in your area.

💛 Despite grief being widespread, it is often misunderstood. Grief is a natural response to the death of someone close. It does not follow a definite pattern and is different for everyone.

Next week is National Grief Awareness Week. Throughout this campaign, we hope to encourage people to and encourage coversations around grief and how support can be shown in many ways — often beyond words.

👉Learn more about by clicking our link in bio or visiting https://goto.hospicefoundation.ie/NGAW2026

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Children's Grief Centre, Anam Cara Supporting Parents after Bereavement, FirstLight, A Little Lifetime Foundation, Purple House Cancer Support, Barnardos Ireland, HSE Ireland, All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care, Rainbows Ireland, Pieta. Ending Su***de. Beginning Hope, The Miscarriage Association of Ireland, Advic-advocates for victims of homicide, Embrace FARM, Féileacáin, CRY Ireland, HUGG

27/01/2026

Attention parents and guardians: did your teen miss the free HPV vaccine?

The HPV schools catch-up programme in 2026 gives another chance for young people, both girls and boys, who missed earlier vaccination. It will be delivered mainly through schools, with catch-up offered to 5th and 6th year students between January and August 2026. Eligible families will be contacted with consent forms (students aged 16+ can sign their own).

👉 Learn more on https://healthconnect.ie/immunisations/ in Arabic, Chinese, English, Ukrainian, Polish & Russian.

16/01/2026

Patient information available in multiple languages

🚨Patient Information🚨

The MHC website hosts a range of resources for patients of mental health services, including;

🟡Your rights
🟡In patient processes
🟡Treatment options

All available in a range of languages, to learn more👉https://www.mhcirl.ie/what-we-do/mental-health-tribunals/information-patients

21/12/2025

Wishing you happy and healthy holidays from all of us at Cairde.

As we move through the holiday season, we are wishing you moments of rest, connection and care, for yourself and for each other. The holidays can bring mixed feelings, and that’s okay.

If you or someone you care about needs support, you can find clear, trusted information on health and mental health services on HealthConnect.ie.

And as shared in our recent posts, small steps can really help: taking breaks, staying connected, being kind to yourself, and reaching out when you need to. Please take a look at our earlier posts for practical mental health tips and supports available over the holidays.

Take care, and remember: support is always there if you need it.