Bealach Nua which in Irish means New Way, is the suitably titled name of an innovative service which has been in operation since 2015, having assisted over 400 people it is currently co managed by Mental Health Ireland and the Mayo Mental Health Service. The idea was developed after Dr. Grainne Fadden held a Trialog workshop where family members discussed and reinforced the need for a family focused service putting the needs of the whole family first. It is seen as an alternative vision more aligned with empowering recovery, based around having a common lived experience. It is aptly titled with the intention of signifying a change in how we view Recovery in Mental Health, by doing it a new way.
This individualised recovery and person centred support service, provides family members and carers of adults with a mental health diagnosis ongoing emotional support, directing them towards community supports that may help families cope positively with the challenges they face. It provides an opportunity for family members to talk to a trained family peer supporter with lived experience who understands what they have been going through, compared to talking to a professional. The service also concentrates on capacity building and social support as well as organisational change.
Family members of people with mental illhealth tend to focus on their needs and are slow in getting support for themselves. When family members are supported and encouraged to focus on their own selfcare, their family member with mental health difficulties also benefit. One Family member stated, “Having used the service of Bealach Nua for some years, as a service user it has given me insight into the recovery process. Recovery has given me a positive attitude taking responsibility for my own emotions, expectations fears and behaviours. In using Bealach Nua my family peer support worker showed me empathy, equality, mutual respect, empowerment and partnership .For some years I was supporting a family member with mental illness. With no previous experience or knowledge of mental illness I found myself in confused and emotional state .Feeling very much on my own I was eventually put in touch with Bealach Nua which changed my life . At first I didn’t realise how much I needed help .I had all these feelings from sadness to anger, grief, loss, anxiety and shame and finally I had someone I could talk to .My family peer support worker was a wonderful lady that made me realise it was ok to have all those feelings. It was when she shared some of her personal experiences and how she overcame them that I began to feel hope again. After some great support, encouragement, Guidance and friendship I found myself again .I learned how important self- care was for my own mental health, when I looked after myself I was in a better position to support my family.”
As the role expands we are delighted to welcome four new peer supporters – Dymphna Folliard, Fran McKeever, Noel Hoare, Mary O’Connell – who will be deployed throughout the County of Mayo. All our peers bring with them an abundance of experience which we hope will see the service evolve and grow. Currently our neighbouring Counties Galway and Roscommon are preparing for the introduction of family peer supporters into their mental health service, we look forward to working alongside them and we wish them all the best.
Full article published on https://www.recoverycollegewest.ie/
