Traveller-led collaboration launches new substance use awareness resources across the Midwest

Traveller Regional Drug and Alcohol Network – Pictured at the South Court Hotel for the launch of new substance use materials for the Traveller community in the Mid West were East Limerick PHCTP members Maggie Ward; Crystal Ward; Julianne McCarthy; Niamh Kelleher; Joanna Lenihan and Nora Mooney

Traveller Regional Drug and Alcohol Network launched the new substance use awareness campaign

A new suite of resources developed with members of the Traveller community across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary raises awareness on substance use and highlights the family support services available to those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction.

An initiative of the Traveller Regional Drug and Alcohol Network (TRDAN), the new campaign has been launched at the South Court Hotel in Limerick and brings together the region’s Primary Healthcare for Traveller Projects (PHCTPs), the HSE Mid West Social Inclusion Service, the Mid West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum (MWRDAF), and a range of addiction and family support services.

There are five HSE-funded Primary Healthcare for Traveller Projects operating across the Mid West, aligned to community development organisations across the three counties – Clare Local Development Company, North Tipperary Development Company, Ballyhoura Development, West Limerick Resources and Limerick Social Services Council. Operating at the interface of primary healthcare and community development, these five projects employ 45 members of the Traveller community, working a combined 544 hours a week across the Mid West.

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Traveller Community Health Workers (TCHWs) are at the heart of the projects. They act as peer workers who bridge the gap between mainstream health services and their community, of which there is an estimated population of over 5,000 people and over 1,000 family units across the three counties. Traveller Community Health Workers conduct outreach, health education, and advocacy.

Crystal Ward, from Kilmallock, and Traveller Community Healthcare Worker, East Limerick, said: “Our role is to raise awareness on issues such as immunisation, mental health and maternal and child health; to support improved health literacy and to help community members navigate health services.”

Importantly, Traveller Community Healthcare Workers come from an understanding of how broader social determinants of health – such as accommodation, education and employment – shape people’s ability to access health and social services.

The new video and printed resources on substance use and family supports have been developed in this spirit of collaboration and with the aim of producing accessible and culturally relevant information and materials.

Two leaflets have been produced: one on tablets and the potential risks; and the other on family support services. A series of videos – Give It Up – has been revised and updated to encourage open conversations around substance use and recovery within Traveller communities.

Speaking about her involvement in producing the leaflet on family supports for loved ones in addiction, Myra O’Brien, Newcastle West, Traveller Community Health Worker, West Limerick, said: “It was developed in collaboration with the Northstar Family Support Project and NOVAS by exploring the services offered by their organisations. As part of this project, we visited the respite house managed by NOVAS, where family members can go to take a short break or rest. We are extremely proud of this resource and have already distributed it to Traveller families across West Limerick.”

Bridget Harty, Askeaton, Traveller Community Health Worker, West Limerick, said the leaflet on tablet use has clear information about the risks involved.

“I’m very proud to be part of the launch. It raises awareness about the dangers of tablet use and provides clear, accessible information for individuals and families who may be affected. We know that addiction can impact anyone, so it is vital that people feel supported and informed. This leaflet encourages people to ask questions, seek help and better understand the risks associated with tablets and prescription medications. We hope it will help start important conversations within our communities,” she said.  

Speaking about the launch of the Give It Up video clips, Martin Keenan,  Ennis, Traveller Community Health Worker, Clare, said: “This series of videos promotes the drug and alcohol support services available across the Mid West region. Originally launched back in 2012, it has now been updated for use on social media platforms. All of the voices featured are members of the Travelling community, including local Travellers from Clare. We know that alcohol and drug use is a significant issue within the community, and we are proud to play a part in raising awareness of the supports available.”

Teresa O’ Donoghue, Traveller Community Health Worker, Limerick City, commented that “this initiative stands as an example of what can be achieved when PHCTPs, HSE teams, healthcare providers, and addiction support services work collaboratively to address complex social and health challenges in a meaningful and inclusive way”.

Ríonach Power, Mid West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum Development Worker and TRDAN co-chair, added that the initiative “reflects a wider shift towards culturally informed service development — recognising that effective responses to substance use must be built alongside the communities they aim to support. Traveller representation within decision- making and service planning has been identified as a key factor in ensuring services are both trusted and accessible.”