It is estimated that up to one in five children and young people may live in families where a parent has mental health difficulties.
For the first time in Ireland, a team of psychologists at Maynooth University are working with mental health services across the country to help implement and research new services for families in which a parent has mental health challenges.
Maynooth University’s ‘PRIMERA’ research programme is playing an important role increasing awareness among mental health professionals of the impact of parental mental health on children.
Professor Sinéad McGilloway, Principal Investigator of the PRIMERA research programme at the Centre for Mental Health and Community Research at Maynooth University said: “Children of parents with mental health difficulties are at risk of poor mental and physical health, impaired social relationships and low levels of educational attainment.”
“As a result, they are among the most vulnerable ‘hidden’ groups in society. Balancing the needs of a parent in recovery from mental ill health and the needs of children in their care, is not without its challenges.”
The HSE-funded PRIMERA Programme - Promoting Research and Innovation in Mental Health Services for Children and Families - promotes a ‘think family’ care delivery agenda in Ireland. The Programme aims to identify, implement and evaluate family-focused interventions for families with children aged 5-18 years, in which a parent has mental health difficulties.
Professor McGilloway said: “To date, we are delighted to confirm that eight HSE funded mental service sites across the country have agreed to take part in the research. We are also very pleased to be working with one St John of God and four Tusla services. We are hopeful that all of the staff with whom we are working will begin to identify and recruit families for the research in October of this year."
To view the Irish Times article, click here.
To view the Irish Examiner article, click here.
Link to RTE1 Drivetime interview with Prof. Sinead Mc Gilloway (the interview starts around 1:41:38), click here.
Link to RTE1 Ray D'arcy Show, 25th September, with Christine Mulligan, click here.