Team sports are not for everyone. Some people prefer to use exercising as a way to have time to themselves, and others might not find any of the sports that you can play in a team appealing. If you’re not drawn to team sports, there are plenty of individual sports you can do on your own.

5 individual sports for solo exercise

Here are 5 individual sports you could take up to get your exercise without having to join a team.

1. Martial arts

There are a number of different types of martial arts that you could choose from. Karate, judo, krav maga, jiu jitsu, capoeira – these are all great options. All of these types of martial arts include really versatile and interchangeable skills. This means you will learn a lot by choosing just one type of martial arts. What’s more, all of these disciplines give you a great practical grounding in self-defence.

2. Kayaking

Some people see kayaking as a thrilling sport, but it can be a relaxing leisure activity for others. Kayaking is another really versatile sport that can suit all types of people. If you’re someone who’s always looking for the next adrenaline rush, there’s nothing better than shooting down some white-water rapids with just your paddle and your wits keeping you on course. 

Pictured: Looking for a high-octane experience? Then kayaking could be your thing. Image by Shutterstock.com

Then again, if you prefer to take things slow, kayaking on lakes and gentle rivers can be a really tranquil experience, and it often leads you to some spectacular scenery in places you’d never thought to visit before. Read up more on kayaking and other water sports here.

3. Gaelic handball

Gaelic handball is a traditional Irish sport. It can be played in singles (1 person versus 1 person) or doubles (2 people versus 2 people). The goal of any handball match is to make the ball hit the front wall and bounce twice before the other player can get to it. It can be played in indoor courts, outdoor courts, or anywhere with a wall. It can also be played as part of a team, but you have the option of playing on your own. Find a local Gaelic handball court here.

4. Squash

This is another fast-paced game that’s played on indoor courts. It’s a little bit like tennis but is played by hitting the ball against a wall rather than over a net, and the rackets and balls are a different size. It requires great speed and agility, and is brilliant for developing hand-eye coordination. It may be a lesser known sport in an Irish context, but loads of sports and leisure clubs have indoor courts where you could play.

Squash is normally played with other people, but you can practice on your own. Learn more about squash and other racket sports here.

5. Swimming

Swimming is easy on your joints, so is a perfect way to get some exercise if you have an injury or mobility issues. You can swim in either a team or as an individual. If you don’t know how to swim, it’s never too late to learn. Many swimming pools offer swimming lessons for beginners of all ages – check with your local swimming pool to see what your options are.

If you choose to swim in the sea or a lake, make sure you stay safe.

There are a whole range of reasons why taking up a team sport can be a great thing to do. It gives you an opportunity to get some exercise, you will have an activity to go to every week, and you’ll have a chance to meet new people and possibly make some new friends. 

8 different team sports to try

If you’re looking for something new to do, whether that’s looking to take up a sport or trying to meet new friends, here are 8 team sports that you could try:

1. Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee (or Ultimate) is a fact paced, athletic and fun team sport, played using a Frisbee. It’s played on grass, on the beach or indoors. This sport is super enjoyable and the rules are simple enough to follow. It’s been around since the 1960s, but it’s increasingly popular in recent years. You don’t need an athletic background, and can be picked up by people of any fitness levels. Lots of colleges and universities now have an Ultimate Frisbee club on campus.

Find out more information on ultiamte frisbee here.

2. Roller Derby

Roller Derby is fast-paced and incredibly exciting. It’s a team sport, played indoors on roller-skates. There are new leagues and clubs popping up all over Ireland. There is a great sense of community associated with Roller Derby, so it’s a brilliant way to meet people and an excellent way to get fit. Find out more about roller derby here.

3. Volleyball

Volleyball is often associated with the beach, but actually, you can play it in a lot of places. It’s usually played by two teams of six players. You can play it indoors or outdoors, so it’s suitable for all weather conditions.

Think you’d like to give volleyball a go? Find out how here.

4. Olympic handball

Olympic handball is played on indoor courts measuring 40m by 20m, with seven players on each team. It’s a bit more like basketball, except a net (like in football) instead of a hoop. Players attempt to throw the ball past the keeper in goals, but no-one is allowed to enter the 6m semi-circular exclusion zone around each goal, and you can only take three steps with the ball before dribbling or passing.

Playing Olympic handball requires extreme athleticism, and although it’s not huge in Ireland, the sport has a massive following across mainland Europe in particular.

Get out the Olympic Handball website here.

5. American football

The Irish American Football Association is currently undergoing a surge in popularity, with teams now hailing from counties like Kildare, Louth and Westmeath as well as more traditional centres of interest like Dublin, Galway and Cork.

Pictured: American football’s really starting to get going in Ireland. Image by Aspen Photo / Shutterstock.com

The best thing about the sport is its inclusiveness – there’s a position on the field for every body type, and teams love to see new recruits signing up. Not too keen on repeated heavy hits? Then there’s also flag football, which is the non-contact equivalent.

Find out how to get involved in American Football here.

6. Field hockey

There are loads of clubs dotted around the country, especially throughout Dublin, and new members are always made really welcome. It’s also a game that’s on the up here, with the Irish women’s team in particular excelling over recent years.

Get the info you need on field hockey here.

7. Futsal

Futsal is like football’s little cousin: the teams are smaller, as are the goals, the field, and the ball. Given its origins in South America during the 1920s, futsal is a uniquely skilful game that requires fast feet and equally quick wit. If you love playing five-a-side with your mates and would like to bring a competitive element to your game, this is definitely worth a shot.

Pictured: Futsal is a hugely skillful game that’s quite recent to Ireland. muzsy / Shutterstock.com

8. Sevens rugby

Played on a full-sized rugby pitch, sevens rugby is a physically demanding, fast-paced version of rugby union. More suited to those with an athletic background of some description, halves are just seven minutes long to compensate for the relentless, stamina-draining nature of the sport.

If you can run like the wind, but don’t fancy the more physically-orientated aspects of a conventional rugby game, this could be the thing for you.

Read up on sevens rugby here.

Suicide is the act of intentionally ending one’s own life. It’s a deeply complex issue that can be influenced by a range of factors, long-term mental health difficulties, traumatic experiences, and difficult life circumstances. Often, people who die by suicide are experiencing mental health difficulties, but this is not always the case. Understanding why suicide happens involves looking at an individual and their internal experiences, as well as the broader social and cultural context.

This article covers:

What is suicide?
Why would someone consider suicide?
What increases a person’s risk of acting on their suicidal thoughts?
Finding help for yourself or a friend
What to do in an emergency

What is suicide?

When talking about suicide, it’s important to know the correct terms to use, as this is a sensitive topic that can cause pain for many people. You can learn more about outdated language and the language that is currently accepted by referring to our article on the language to use when talking about suicide.

Suicide is a complex issue, and the language we use to talk about it covers a wide range of experiences. Each experience can mean something different, and that affects the kind of support a person might need.

For example, having suicidal thoughts is different from engaging in “suicidal behaviour,” which involves a person acting on their suicidal thoughts by making plans or attempts to end their life. Similarly, no two people experiencing suicidal thoughts share the same experience. This is partly because “suicidal ideation”—which means thinking about ending your life—can come in different forms. Suicidal thoughts can range from wishing you were no longer alive to making a specific plan to carry out this wish. There’s an important difference between feeling like life isn’t worth living (which is sometimes called “passive” suicidal ideation) and having a specific plan to end one’s life (referred to as “active” suicidal ideation).

Understanding these differences is important because it helps ensure that people get the right kind of help for what they’re going through.

Understanding the different suicide-related terms

Below are some of the most common suicide-related terms used by researchers and mental health professionals:

The key difference between self-harm and suicidal behaviour is the intention behind the act. People who self-harm usually do not intend to end their lives. However, a history of self-harm can increase the risk of suicide, whether intentional or accidental. Understanding these distinctions can help ensure that people get the right support at the right time. To learn more about the factors affecting suicide, take a look at our factsheet on suicide risk.

Why would someone consider suicide?

It’s rare that a single cause leads someone to suicide. Instead, it usually results from a mix of many different factors. These factors can overlap and influence each other, making it hard to identify exactly why someone might be at risk. Some things that can increase the risk of suicide include:

Most theories about why suicide happens suggest that suicide is the result of predisposing factors and triggering factors coming together. Predisposing factors are things that make someone more likely to have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide over the course of their lifetime. These include factors like genetic traits or traumatic experiences early in life, such as neglect or abuse. Triggering factors are recent or current events that can increase a person’s risk of suicide, especially when combined with predisposing factors. Examples include losing a job or experiencing the death of a loved one.

What increases a person’s risk of acting on their suicidal thoughts?

Some people have suicidal thoughts but never make a plan or attempt suicide. Research shows that more people think about suicide than act on it. It’s important to understand not just the general risk factors for suicide but also those that increase the risk of moving from suicidal thoughts to making an attempt.

Here are some risk factors that might increase the risk of a person moving from suicidal thoughts to suicide attempt:

More than one mental health condition

Co-occurring mental health conditions can significantly increase a person’s risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. This is because living with more than one mental health condition can both increase a person’s level of emotional distress and lower a person’s ability to resist acting on harmful thoughts. While this connection is a deeply concerning one, it also brings hope. Mental health difficulties can be effectively managed and treated with appropriate support. International research shows that mental health treatment can significantly reduce suicide attempts. Access to mental health support and compassionate listening services can help prevent suicide.

Finding help for yourself or a friend

No matter how low you are feeling, it is important to know that help is available. If you are concerned about a friend, the best way to find out how they are feeling is to ask them. Contrary to what you might think, there is no evidence to suggest that asking someone if they are feeling suicidal increases the risk of that person taking their own life. Instead, starting this conversation in a compassionate, open way is likely to help the person feel validated and less alone. If you are looking for advice on how to approach these kinds of conversations, check out our factsheet on helping a friend who is feeling suicidal.

Support services

Regardless of whether you are seeking help for yourself or a friend, there are a number of organisations who can help:

Reaching out to someone you trust

It can be difficult to express how you’re feeling but talking to a friend or family member you trust can bring comfort. For some, there are hidden barriers to opening up about how they feel, including stigma and being a member of a religious community where suicide or thoughts of suicide are considered ‘sinful.’

If this feels too difficult right now, consider telling them that you’re not ready to fully explain your feelings but want someone to know that you’re struggling—this can be a good first step. Read more about opening up to a friend or family member.

If you don’t feel like you can talk to someone you know just yet, then consider talking to your GP about your mental health.

What to do in an emergency

If you are in an emergency situation where someone has attempted suicide, call 999 or 112, or get the person to A&E immediately. Read more about what happens if you attend A&E for self-harm or overdose.

Divorce is a huge change, and no matter how easy or messy it might be, if your parents get divorced, your life is probably going to be different. It doesn’t have to be bad, but it doesn’t have to be good either, and it’s often really, really complicated. Whatever way your family works it out, just remember: divorce happens. It’s not your fault. And, things will get better with time.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Divorce is hard for everyone involved, and that difficulty often comes with a lot of emotions. It’s okay to feel all of these, or some of these, or even none of them, just as long as you’re dealing with them in a healthy way. Here’s a few that might hit you.

Guilt

Your parents getting a divorce is never your fault. It’s not your fault if your parents weren’t happy; it’s not your fault if you didn’t notice if your parents weren’t happy; it’s not your fault if they tried to make it work just for you; it’s not your fault, ever. Divorce is about things not working between two people, and while there can be a lot of factors, you don’t need to blame yourself in any way.

Relief

For some people, their parents’ divorce is actually a relief. If things have been tense for a while, it’s okay to feel relieved that things are finally ending. Odds are, your parents are divorcing for good reasons, and now things have a chance to get better for everyone.

Shock

If your parents’ divorce came as a surprise to you, you might feel shocked or disillusioned, especially if you hadn’t really noticed. This one just takes some time for you to adjust to the idea. You still don’t have to like it, but you may be able to see silver linings in time.

Anger or resentment

Divorce is a huge readjustment, and it’s easy to resent or feel like you hate your parents too, for making you move or change schools, or for hurting each other, or just for the giant change that they’re causing in your family. Try not to lash out; everyone has to adjust, not just you.

Anxiety

This one’s also a big one, because really there’s no way to know what happens next. You might be worried about where you’ll end up, how your parents will get on, or even about your own relationships in the future. It doesn’t help to worry: talk about your concerns with your parents or another person you trust, and they might help to reassure you.

Stress

Sometimes you may feel stressed out about everything but your parents’ divorce, and that still may be the cause. If you’re suddenly way too tired all the time, or not hungry, or stress about things you wouldn’t normally, it may be the divorce that’s doing it. Be honest with yourself if that is the cause: you don’t have to play it cool.

Loneliness

It’s also easy to feel isolated after or during a divorce, especially if none of your friends’ parents are divorced. If you’re feeling lonely, reach out: someone else, even just listening, can help you feel less alone.

Life changes

Divorce often comes with a whole lot of logistical issues for the family. Instead of working together on everything, it might be that now each parent is making their own decisions, and that can sometimes be tense. A few common issues:

Custody

This one can be really tricky, and all families work it out differently. Don’t forget that you’re allowed your opinions: if you don’t want to change schools, or move, tell your parents, and try to talk it out with them while you all decide together where you’ll live. Hopefully, something can be worked out that’s best for everyone. Try and stay flexible; moving around, switching jobs, or schools, or houses, is hard for everyone.

Sometimes there might be events that you want both parents to attend—or only one parent—and here, too, good communication is important.

And, give it time. Once you’ve worked out a schedule it will take some time to settle into it, to remember when you’re supposed to be where and the like. Adjustment won’t happen overnight, and you’ll learn as you go the pros and cons of your new living situations. If there are more cons than pros, you know what to do: speak up, and work it out with your parents if you can.

Financial

Money problems can also be difficult during a divorce, and you might have a lot of questions for your parents about how that’s going to work for you. Once again, speak up and voice your concerns; it might be that your fears aren’t even necessary. Or, it might be that they are, and you will have to adjust to a different lifestyle, but in any case, it’s better to know than just worry about it.

Remarriage

Sometime down the line one or both of your parents might start seeing someone or even get remarried. This also means a lot of changes: new siblings, a different schedule, maybe another move. Hopefully, everyone will get along alright, but if that’s not the case, do your best to be polite. Those old emotions also may come bubbling back up, especially resentment of this new “family,” but if you’ve dealt with it once and you can do it again.

Advice

Here are a few pieces of advice for dealing with your parents’ divorce. As always, the most important one is to speak up and speak out, to talk to someone if you need help, and don’t bottle up those feelings or concerns.

Don’t take sides

You probably have a favourite parent, or at least you’d prefer to live with one of them over the other, and that’s okay. Remember, though, that they might be hurting too, and that you shouldn’t try to hurt their feelings by taking sides. At the same time, be honest about your preferences; you don’t want to end up miserable.

Sometimes, one parent may talk badly about the other, or try to get you to “pick”—but don’t let them do that, either. Tell them that’s wrong, and let them know you don’t want to be caught in the middle.

Respect your parents’ space

They might not want to tell you all of the details of what went wrong, or even about how they feel about the other parent’s activities, etc. And that’s okay. They don’t have to tell you, and it doesn’t mean they’re keeping secrets. It might just be too painful.

Also remember that trying to get them back together is probably not such a great idea. Sure, it happens all the time in movies, but, just like you’re not the reason they split up, you probably can’t do anything to get them back together, either.

Respect your own space

Don’t let yourself be pulled in two directions: if you need to be left alone for a little while, just say so. If you’d like to spend more time with one parent, say so. Give yourself time to readjust however you need to, figure out what you do need, and let them know what’s going on in your head; it really helps.

Keep on living

You don’t have to put all of your own problems aside, and feel like you have to deal with your parents while they’re going through a divorce. It can feel like this is a big part of your life, but it doesn’t have to be the biggest: you still have friends, school, extracurricular activities, an entire life that’s still going on. Give it time, and, even if it’s still hard that your parents are divorced, it will get easier in time.

6th year makes you think about many things – the Leaving Cert, mocks (or pre’s depending on where in the country you are from), revision, stress and last but not least the CAO. After having been lucky enough to go to school in France for two months during TY, I knew I wanted to study abroad. So instead of worrying about filling out the CAO I spent time writing personal statements, getting predicted grades and references from my teachers. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, all I knew was that I wanted to go somewhere in the EU that wasn’t Ireland. I ended up applying to universities in the Netherlands, the UK, France and Germany. Unlike the CAO, by applying to different countries it’s possible to get offers from multiple universities which made my decision even harder. This did, however, take huge amounts of pressure off me because I had offers before even sitting my leaving cert from top universities who needed  far lower grades than similar courses in Ireland would. After much thought I accepted an offer study in France in June.

Here are some things that I wish I had known before deciding to go abroad for my degree.

1. You'll become more Irish

The cliché that we become more Irish as soon as we leave the country is true. I was never one of those people who was particularly proud to be Irish, who wore their county jersey everywhere and I had shamefully never been to an All-Ireland match. Yet, as soon as I left, I felt a strange pride bubbling up in me and I spent hours explaining to everyone I met that no I was not English, no Ireland is not in the UK and yes Irish is a language that I speak which is distinct and once again not English.

2. Be ready for culture shock

Culture shock was a phenomenon that I was not expecting. I had been to France on holidays and I had leaving cert level notions of the language, so I assumed everything would be grand. “It’ll be grand” was one of the expressions that really confused my flat-mates. It took them months to figure out that I was saying everything would be fine.

I also realised that I am Irish in a far subtler way. My use of sarcasm, irony and dry humour left many unsure whether I was a horrible person or absolutely hilarious. At one point after making a cutting remark with a straight face it was pointed out to me that I was using sarcasm incorrectly. Apparently, you’re supposed to raise your voice. Imagine telling an Irish person how to be sarcastic! Surely raising your voice defeats the purpose?

People also tend to eat dinner far later. How one can eat dinner at 9pm was once a mystery but now I find myself taking part in these strange meal times. I also have to comment on the culture of alcohol and going out. The stereotype that Irish people are great drinkers has certainly taken hold. I’ve often been out with friends for one drink in a bar and then gone home instead of people feeling the need to get absolutely smashed. nstead of going out people invite people over for a dinner and a drink. I have to say I love going over to a friend’s place, cooking a meal and sitting in a group to eat together. Even on the rare occasion we do go out there’s no fake tan, fake nails, fake lashes or short skirts to be seen.

3. Be prepared to be homesick

Homesickness was something I had tried not to think about, but it was inevitable. I missed proper tea with Irish milk, cadburys chocolate, the friendliness of Irish people and being able to have the bants with someone. Constantly speaking in a different language is exhausting and I was glad of skype and WhatsApp to be able to keep in contact with friends and family and actually speak in English. Funnily enough, after a few months I found myself dreaming in French, thinking in French and not being able to find words in English but instead wanting to continue speaking French.

4. Spellcheck is your friend

Use your laptop to take notes if you can. Spellcheck will be your savior. Most word processors will correct your spelling and grammar for you. I made huge amounts of progress because of this. If I had been taking notes by hand I would have continued to make the same mistakes. It can also be useful if you are stuck and didn’t understand a lecture to ask a friend for their lecture notes and some might even correct the grammar mistakes in your essays for you before you submit them.

5. Speak the language as much as you can

There is no point spending time with other English speakers. You quite simply won’t integrate as quickly. Try and make the city your home. Join clubs and societies in your university but also try and do things in your local community. This is your home now so do your best to become a part of it. After only a few months the city and my apartment became a second home and my flatmates my new family.

To anyone reading this, I urge you to think about studying abroad. It may be terrifying at first, but you are young. This is the time in your life for adventure. As silly as it sounds you will grow so much and learn things about yourself and the world around you. Keep in contact with those at home and be prepared for people to give you sideways looks when they see you put milk in your tea, watch the Late Late Toy Show or listen to the Rubberbandits. Nonetheless, embrace the culture where you are. It’s such an amazing opportunity and enjoy every moment.

Image source: EUCYS2017

Students from 38 countries across Europe will be coming to Ireland next month for the 30th annual European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). The event will be held in the RDS in Dublin from 14-19 September. There will be 90 projects shown at the event, presented by 139 students.

The event will be open to the public from 15-17 September. This gives anyone with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to see the projects that are on display. There will also be talks and performances, including psychologist James Soper and his “Your beautiful biased brain” show, and a performance from “Scientific Sue” and her fire-breathing dragons. The tickets are free of charge. You can purchase tickets for the event here.

Mari Cahalane, Head of EUCYS 2018, said “We are encouraging people of all ages who have an interest in science to come along to the contest this September as having EUCYS on your doorstep, and being able to attend free of charge, is a once in a generation opportunity.”

What is EUCYS?

EUCYS began as a European Commission project in 1989 to encourage young people to get involved in science and consider a career in scientific research. 

Who can compete?

In order to take part in EUCYS, your project must have won a national science competition, such as the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in Ireland. The winners of those contests have the opportunity to compete in EUCYS.

The contest is open to all EU Member States, as well as invited guest countries and countries associated to the EU research framework programme. Some of the countries taking part this year from outside of Europe include China, Canada, Russia, and South Korea.

The winner of the 2018 BT Young Scientist contest, Simon Meehan, will be representing Ireland at EUCYS with his project, “Investigation of the antimicrobial effects of both aerial and root parts of selected plants against Staphylococcus aureus”

Prizes

The prize for the overall winner is €7,000. Other prizes include a trip to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and a visit to the European Space Agency.

Ireland and EUCYS

Ireland has taken home the top prize at EUCYS fourteen times. When you combine first, second, third, and special prizes won by Irish contestants, Ireland has won 43 awards overall.

European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas said “Ireland is a fantastic hub for STEM innovation and we are really excited to be hosting the event there this year”.

Click here to buy tickets for EUCYS 2018.

Do you have problems managing stress? Would you like to learn ways to deal with stressful situations?

If you are over the age of 18, you can sign up for a free six week Stress Control course in Cork and learn the skills to deal with stress.

The course is being run by the HSE in partnership with Cork City Council, Cork GAA, and the GAA’s Healthy Club Project.

When and where is the course taking place?

The date and time of the course depends on the location you want to attend.

Macroom GAA Club, Macroom GAA Hall, Castle Grounds, Macroom

The course will take place in Macroom on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

It will start on 20 September 2018, and run every Thursday until 25 October 2018.

Millenium Hall, Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork

The course will take place in Cork on Monday evenings from 7-9pm.

It will start on 1 October 2018, and run every Monday until 12 November 2018 (this excludes Bank Holiday Monday on 29 October).

What is involved in the course?

The Stress Control course is delivered in a lecture-style, and there is no pressure for participants to talk or share any personal experiences with the rest of the group. All materials will be provided, and the content is easy to understand.

Stress Control will give those taking part the skills to understand and to manage stress more effectively.

Success of past Stress Control courses

Research carried out after a Stress Control course in Mallow at the beginning of 2018 showed “significant reductions in symptoms of both anxiety and low mood following participation in the course”.

The course has been delivered to over 2,000 people, One participant said after taking part in the course, “Stress Control normalised stress – showed that it is manageable and we are in control”.

How to sign up

If you are interested in signing up for this free course, or if you would like more information, you can send your name, contact number and where you would like to take the course to [email protected] or call 086 7871016.

Places are limited, so it is best to sign up as soon as possible

Image: Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland

The Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland (MRCI) have welcomed plans to introduce a regularisation scheme for undocumented migrants in Ireland.

The Department of Justice and Equality announced their plans on 4 September 2018. The scheme is open to people who came to Ireland as international students between 2005 and 2010.

What is regularisation?

Undocumented migrants are usually people who came to the country legally (in this case, under a student visa), but who stayed in Ireland after their visa expired. This means they chose to stay in the country illegally. It can also refer to people who have entered the country illegally (without the proper documentation or visa).

Regularisation would allow certain undocumented migrants to gain legal status in the country. This means they would no longer be undocumented or living in Ireland illegally.

Who can apply for regularisation?

Under this new scheme, only those who came to Ireland as an international student between January 2005 and December 2010 and are now undocumented in the state are eligible to apply for regularisation.

The application period will begin later this year.

I think I’m eligible. What should I do?

If you are eligible, MRCI recommend that you wait for further details to be announced before doing anything else. They have said not to go to immigration yet, and that they will have case workers ready to help when the time comes.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you are not eligible (for example, if you came here on a tourist visa or a non-student visa), there is nothing you can do at this time. MRCI have said they are continuing with their Justice for the Undocumented campaign for regularisation for all undocumented people in Ireland.

The MRCI invite undocumented people living in Ireland to join their Justice for the Undocumented campaign by emailing their safe and confidential email address [email protected] for news and updates.

Learn more about the regularisation scheme here.

Mental health advocacy group Mental Health Reform have called on the government to invest at least €105 million into mental health services in Budget 2019.

They have launched their #IAmAReason campaign to ask members of the public to share their stories and highlight the need for improved mental health facilities in Ireland.

Mental health services in Ireland

Mental Health Reform have said that despite investing €210 million in mental health services between 2012 and 2018, there are still not enough resources to cope with the number of people seeking help for mental health difficulties.

The demand for mental health services in Ireland is growing, with the percentage of people dealing with a psychological or emotional difficulty rising by 30% between the 2011 and 2016 Census. The Healthy Ireland survey has shown that 20% of young people aged 19-24 years and 15% of children aged 11-13 years have experienced a mental health disorder.

The organisation have said that the mental health sector has suffered “decades of neglect” by the Government, and they need to invest more in order to deal with the demand for services.

Budget 2019

The government has committed to investing €55 million for new services in mental health in 2019, but Mental Health Reform have argued that this is not enough. They believe more money is needed to address the gaps in existing services and to create new services to meet the growing demand.

“The Government can show they are serious about tackling the crisis in mental health services by investing at least €105M in Budget 2019”, the organisation said in their call to action for their #IAmAReason campaign.

You can read Mental Health Reform’s pre-budget submission here.

How to get involved in the #IAmAReason campaign

Mental Health Reform are inviting members of the public to join their campaign to demand more investment in mental health services in the 2019 budget.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

Do you wish Ireland and the world were safe and equal? Are you interested in learning more gender inequality and gender based violence or sharing your own experiences? Would you like to hear from writers, leaders, activists and experts from around the world? 

SpunOut.ie and Safe Ireland invite young people from across the country to The Safe World Summit 2018, October 22 & 23 in Dublin. Join us for two days of revolutionary thinking on issues of gender, inclusion, diversity, equality, peace, justice, safety, wellbeing, and courageous leadership. Together we believe it is possible to make our homes and communities free of gender based violence, but we need the help of young people to make this dream a reality.

Safe World Summit 2018

The Safe World Summit 2018 is a unique leadership and personal development event which is set to inspire and transform the lives of those in attendance and well beyond. The Summit will bring together some of the worlds brightest leaders to discuss, collaborate and debate how we change culture and transform the response to domestic violence to help make Ireland the safest country in the world. Some of the keynote speakers will include Dr. Edith Eger, Dr. Riane Eisler, Marai Larasi, Lynn Rosenthal, Katherine Zappone, and Ailbhe Smyth.

Are you between the age of 16-25 years old, living in Ireland, and would like to attend The Safe World Summit 2018?

Any young person 16-25 years old in Ireland, regardless of their experience with or knowledge of these issues, is welcome to register to attend the Safe World Summit.

Subject to numbers and funding, we can provide travel expenses to and from Dublin, as well as two nights of accommodation so that you can participate in the event, which will be held at The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

What will I get out of attending The Safe World Summit 2018?

Register now to attend the event free of charge by filling out this form here, as spots and funding are limited.

I am a young activist, changemaker, and/or artist. How can I participate in The Summit beyond just attending?

We believe your voices, viewpoints, and experiences are necessary for the Summit to be a success. This is why we are inviting young people who are interested in attending to also contribute to the the Summit by speaking and sharing their viewpoints and experiences.

If you are interested in sharing your experiences and perspectives at the Summit, either individually or by panel discussion you may register your interest on page two of the sign up form here.

 

SpunOut.ie and Safe Ireland will be holding workshops leading up to the event to gather and prepare those who will attend the Summit, and helping them to gain skills and confidence to potentially contribute during the two days. These workshops will be held on Saturday October 13th and Sunday October 14th.

SpunOut.ie and Safe Ireland hope you will join us for this global gathering of thought leaders, innovators, and status quo disruptors, so that together we can understand new ways to heal, build resilience and restore the balance of equality. If you have further questions or concerns please email [email protected]

Tickets are now on sale to Get Up and Go Publications annual “Inspiring Contribution" Conference in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo on the 21st and 22nd of September 2018. Inspiring Contribution is “an international conference to inspire and motivate”, the two day event consists of motivational talks from “extra-ordinary people doing extra-ordinary things”.

Inspiring Contribution Conference 2018

The theme for the 2018 Get Up and Go event is “Inspiring Contribution- Thinking Out The Box” the theme was chosen to “inspire us to think beyond what normally ‘stops’” us in life, to stretch beyond what we think we are capable of, to connect with what light us up, with what we are truly passionate about, and discover how to live a fulfilling life with passion and purpose”

When and where

The conference takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo. 

Speaker Line-Up

Friday 21st September 2-6pm

Saturday 22nd September 9-6pm

Discounted tickets 

20 scholarship discounted tickets are available for those who are unemployed, single parents and those experiencing financial difficulties. Discounts are also available to students, a two-day event ticket for a student or unwaged person is €90.00 with valid student ID.

For full information on ticket pricing and add-ons click here.

For further information on the conference click here. 

The 2019-2020 Fulbright Irish Awards supporting Irish and EU citizens to study, research or teach in America are now open for application. The application period for the Fulbright Irish Awards 2019-2020 is from the 31st of August until the 6th of November 2018.

What are the Fulbright Irish Awards?

The Fulbright Irish Awards provide grants for Irish citizens and EU citizens who have been resident in the Republic of Ireland for three or more years, to research, study or lecture in the US on an annual basis. The awards give postgraduate students the chance to complete research in the U.S for a period of 4 months, up to a year.

There are four types of Fulbright grants available to Irish citizens during this application period: Student, Scholar, TechImpact Scholar and FLTA (Foreign Language Teaching Assistant).

What Fulbright Irish Awards are available? 

The following awards are available for 2019-2020. Click on the link for full details on the award as well as how to apply.

For more information about applying for the Fulbright Irish Awards click here. 

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