A national campaign has been launched in Cork to improve mental health and prevent suicide among travellers.
Research conducted by Traveller support group Exchange House Ireland indicates that rates of suicide among travellers are around eight times higher than those in the general population.
The Traveller Road to Hope and Change 2026 Campaign is supported by Exchange House Ireland, Pavee Point and the Traveller Counselling Service.
It was launched at the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The campaign is in its third year. It aims to raise awareness, create hope and strengthen voices around Traveller mental health and suicide prevention, its promoters say. It will run from today until 8 October.
On 8 October a gathering will take place at Knock in County Mayo to mark National Traveller Mental Health Day.
The campaign will feature a series of local events which will take place nationwide.
“This campaign is about Traveller voices leading the conversation on mental health, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and showing that support is there for those who need it. Hope and change start within our communities,” Pa Reilly of Pavee Point said.