The project began with Chris Naish’s Fusion Fighters, a dance community that fuses traditional Irish dance with contemporary dance styles, such as tap-dance and hip-hop. In January, Naish partnered with his childhood friend Jamie Hodges to form the #CreateNotHate campaign. The Fusion Fighters have been in America the past 3 weeks on their #CreateNotHate tour creating Irish dance video projects that raise awareness for great causes.

They most recently worked together with ‘The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation’ that helps kids who are fighting cancer and the Broesler School of Irish dance. They decided to recreate their viral video 'Fusion Orchestra' with the school in aid of the foundation. You can watch the video here on their FaceBook page Fusion Fighters.

“The ‘Create Not Hate’ campaign is embarking on a world tour of community projects and video episodes in 2017. We will join together with dance schools in major cities, underprivileged areas and some of the most unusual places you can find Irish dance.  By using Irish Dance we will do all we can to advocate positive change, raise awareness of worthy causes and tell inspirational stories of others who are going above and beyond to help make a difference in the world.”

Follow their journey here on their website: Fusion Fighters Dance or their Facebook page Fusion Fighters.

Many people have heard of eating well to improve heart health, reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers, but did you know a few simple dietary changes may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

One of the best ways to improve your mental health is through your gut. Just as the brain impacts the gut, what we put in our gut can impact the functioning of the brain.

How to improve mental health through diet

Stay hydrated  

Drinking enough water keeps our brain from having to struggle against the effects of dehydration, allowing us to think more clearly than if we let ourselves get dehydrated. Read more about how to stay hydrated here.

Eat fruit and vegetables 

Fruit and vegetables contain a lot of the minerals, vitamins and fibre we need to keep us physically and mentally healthy. Read more about adding for fruit and veg to your diet here.

Meal plan

Be a planner, decide on a week’s worth of healthy recipes ahead of time so that you don’t have to rush for fast food. Read more about how to plan out your week’s meals here. 

Eat breakfast  

Incorporate a healthy breakfast into your routine. If you’re tight on time in the mornings, grab a whole grain granola bar, yogurt and a piece of fruit to get you off to a good start. Learn how to make time for breakfast every morning here.

Eat good fats

Your brain needs fatty oils especially omega-3s and 6s to keep it working well. So rather than avoiding all fats, it’s important to eat the right ones. Oily fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and avocado are all great sources of healthy, mood-boosting fats. Learn more about how to eat well here. 

It’s best to try to avoid

10 feel good foods  

Spinach

It’s rich in iron and a great energy booster that wards off fatigue and aids concentration. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6 and folate, which support the brain’s ability to produce mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.

Sweet potatoes 

They’re a great alternative to standard spuds as they are rich in folate, plus they are better than white potatoes at keeping blood sugar levels steady.

Brazil nuts

They’re one of the best sources of the mood-boosting mineral selenium, which can ward off low mood and anxiety.

Oily fish

Fish such as sardines and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help the brain to interpret moods and boost concentration levels. Low levels are linked with depression and other mood disorders.

Avocados

They’re bursting with depression-fighting folate, mood-lifting tryptophan and stress relieving vitamin B6.

Eggs 

They’re a great source of zinc, which helps you to feel more alert and energised by regulating your metabolism and blood sugar levels.

Yogurt

It’s rich in calcium, a mineral which can ease mood swings, depression and anxiety.

Tofu

It’s rich in protein, which increases energy levels and improves concentration. It also contains an amino acid called tyrosine, which boosts the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine as well as thyroid hormone, which can all help elevate mood.

Bananas

They can balance hunger and mood between meal energy slumps as they help to stabilise blood sugar levels. The fruit’s high vitamin B6 content can help to relieve anxiety and stress, and it’s also a great source of tryptophan – the essential amino acid the brain converts into happiness hormone serotonin.

Bread

Your daily slice boosts levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps you feel happier and calmer. Wholemeal bread produces less serotonin than white but the energy it produces has more staying power, so you will avoid the slump you can experience soon after eating white bread.

Try to eat two or more of these mood boosters everyday.

Zeminar is taking place this year in the RDS on October 10th, 11th and 12th. Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 20, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

This year's Zeminar hosts some incredible and inspiring speakers. Running up the event, SpunOut will be bringing you profiles of some of these amazing young people. Next up is Eilis Barrett, who at just 16 published her first novel 'Oasis', to critical acclaim. Its sequal, 'Genisis', will be out this year.

Why are you taking part in Zeminar? 

The minute I heard about Zeminar I wanted to take part! It's such an exciting concept to me. I love innovators and risk takers, people who are really living their lives on their terms. That's the kind of life I want to live, and those are the people I try to surround myself with. I think Zeminar's the perfect place to do that, and I'm ready to be inspired by everyone attending. 

Why do you think it's important?

I think teenagers of this generation have a naturally innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and I love that Zeminar has seen that and responded with a wealth of opportunity. A single word, or a single conversation, or a single person at the right time in your life can inspire you to go after what really matters to you, and end up changing your life for the better. I think Zeminar is where all of those things come together in one place. The catalyst effect of that could be astronomical. 

What would you have liked to hear when you were a teenager? 

What I did hear, at least from my family. Which is that nothing is impossible, and that I have the kind of fight in me that gives me the ability to overcome any obstacle I come across. I think everyone has that fight in them, sometimes they just need to be reminded.

What are you going to say? 

That once you overcome yourself you can overcome your circumstances. People say that they don't do what they're really passionate about because they don't have the time, or the money, or they have too many responsibilities. Really it's just because they're afraid. Once you beat fear you can beat anything else, and that's what I hope to instil in everyone I meet. 

You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

Zeminar is taking place this year in the RDS on October 10th, 11th and 12th. Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 20, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

This year's Zeminar hosts some incredible and inspiring speakers. Running up the event, SpunOut will be bringing you profiles of some of these amazing young people. Next up is Harry McCann, Founder & Director of the world's first Digital Youth Council, TEDx speaker, government advisor, Irish Independent 30 under 30 2017, and former SpunOut Action Panel member. 

Why are you taking part in Zeminar? / Why do you think it's important?

I am taking part in Zeminar because I believe in the power of youth. Events like Zeminar dont just bring together young people, they inspire young people. They show them what is happening in the world, and encourage them to go out and do something amazing. I truly do believe it will be one of the best events of this or any year.

What would you have liked to hear when you were a teenager?

I would have liked to hear someone tell me that change is possible and that no matter what age you are, you can have a meaningful impact in this world.

What are going to say?

I am going to be speaking about 'The Voice of a Generation'. I will be speaking about how as a generation we must stand up and be heard. I want to inspire young people to stand together and speak up for what they believe is right, to speak up for change and speak up for eachother.

You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

Zeminar is taking place this year in the RDS on October 10th, 11th and 12th. Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 20, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

This year's Zeminar hosts some incredible and inspiring speakers. Running up the event, SpunOut will be bringing you profiles of some of these amazing young people. First up is Nicole Ryan, who is raising awareness around synthetic drugs. 

Why are you taking part in Zeminar?

I am taking part in Zeminar because I think its a phenomenal event. It's a great way to communicate with hundreds of students, teachers, young people and the public about ongoing issues that they may not have heard of. Zeminar gives you a fantastic platform to meet like minded people and to share your goals, your message and to inspire the future generations.  I am truly honored and excited to be given a chance to take part. 

Why do you think it's important?

I think Zeminar is so important because it brings people together from all over Ireland for a unique experience – there is nothing like it here in Ireland. You get to learn, grown and find out new things that are going on. You make connections and it lets students explore and not be afraid of perhaps what others may think of them. It provides support and information on very current and relevant matters and even gives them a chance to make some wonderful friends. I mean who wouldn't want to be part of such a great event?!

What would you have liked to hear when you were a teenager?

As a teen coming from a small town and a small community I was always sheltered from the real events of the world and it wasn't until I went to college that I realised certain things. I think it is tremendously important that young people are connected to what is going on so that they can voice their opinions and ideas. For me personally I would have loved to have heard more about the importance of mental health and received a proper education about drugs. Especially, as a girl, I would have loved to find a way to express myself without being forced into the norms of society and not be afraid to voice my opinions in the knowledge that I do matter. 

What are you going to say?

I am going to share my journey into adulthood,  speak about synthetic drugs and briefly share my brothers incredible story. Hopefully I can inspire people into knowing that even in the darkest and most difficult situations, every cloud does in fact have a silver lining.

You can buy tickets for Zeminar here

The HSE has launched a new campaign to encourage people to girls to avail of the life saving HPV vaccine.

Each year in Ireland, 300 women will develop cervical cancer, and 90 women will die from the illness. The HPV vaccine can prevent many of these deaths.

Recently, scientifically incorrect information has been shared that suggests the HPV vaccine causes harm to girls. These claims are untrue and and are not backed by scientific evidence. No serious side effects have been linked to the vaccine.

The vaccine is endorsed by the World Health Organisation, the HSE, the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and a wide range of organisations who are part of the HPV Vaccine Alliance.

You can find out more about the vaccine on www.HPV.ie.

 

Zeminar is taking place this year in the RDS on October 10th, 11th and 12th. Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 20, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

This year's Zeminar hosts some incredible and inspiring speakers. Running up the event, SpunOut will be bringing you profiles of some of these amazing young people. Next up is Jack Manning, 17 year old entrepreneur and founder of Examlearn.ie.

Why am I taking part? 

I am taking part in zeminar to share my belief that every student in Ireland should attempt to create their own business. I believe that business shouldn't be left for men and women in suits and offices and anyone at any age could create their own business instead of working in a part time job or full time job. I think sometimes people don't fully realise their own potential and all the additional benefits to owning and managing your own company. The only route to having a career isn't always through the CAO

Why do I think it's important? 

I think Zeminar is massively important for any youth to attend. It's not very often you get to meet like minded people and explore different areas outside the normal curriculum in school. Events like Zeminar show you that life isn't all about grades and what teachers think of you. Last year attending zeminar I was hugely inspired by the speakers who had so much information and advice to give the audience. I believe it would really be a shame to miss an event like this.

What would I like to have heard when I'm a teenager?

Well considering I am still a teenager now I suppose I'm a little bit ineligible to answer this question but I'll give it my best shot! I do love hearing inspiring people who believe in the young people of Ireland and actually give them a chance to do things outside the normality of school and study. I love when people actually believe in you and don't dismiss you as a child or teenager. 

What am I going to say? 

I'm going to tell the attendees all my tips to starting a business as a teenager, what to do, who to ask for help, how can you grow, what not to do, I'll even give away some ideas and practical advice which anyone in the audience can take and work at straight away. I often think people forget that you don't always need the next "big thing" and many businesses are always started with a simple basic idea which expands into something great. 

You can buy tickets to Zeminar here.

Zeminar is taking place this year in the RDS on October 10th, 11th and 12th. Zeminar is an event for Generation Z, particularly those aged between 15 and 20, and their parents, teachers, mentors and coaches. You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

This year's Zeminar hosts some incredible and inspiring speakers. Running up the event, SpunOut will be bringing you profiles of some of these amazing young people. Next up is Demi Adeniran, a member of ISSU, a No-Hate Speech Ambassador, and an advocate for The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. 

Why are you taking part in Zeminar?

I'm taking part in Zemianr because I think it's important for young people who can speak to people they relate to. I feel I can relate more to the teenagers at the event as I'm still in school and I started the same way they could, in their school student councils, so that if people aspire to be part of ISSU one day, they know it's an attainable goal and how to achieve it.

What would you have liked to hear when you were a teenager?

When I was younger, I would have loved to hear about how important my voice is even though I was younger than everyone else. I would have wanted to know I had a right to challenge authority on issues concerning me, that it was not "weird" or "extra" but allowed and necessary.

What are you going to say?

What am I going to say? It will certainly be difficult to summarise all of my opinions on student voice into a short speaking slot but I will let the attendees know that they should be heard; that they are important; why and how certain issues affect them because many people don't think it does and what they can do if they don't think they're being heard.

You can buy tickets for Zeminar here.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. 2017 is the 15th World Suicide Prevention Day. It was first marked in 2003, as an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention and it is endorsed by the World Health Organization.

This year’s theme is Taking a minute can change a life. This theme aims to encourage people to look out for others in their lives who may be going through a tough time. No-one has all the answers, but there are things you can do to support people you know who may be feeling suicidal.

How do I know if someone is feeling suicidal?

Most people experiencing emotional pain show signs of distress, but the only way to know if someone is thinking of suicide is to ask them.

Sometimes, people thinking of suicide may hide the signs so as not to be discovered. This may mean they don’t want help or that they are ashamed because they are not coping and don’t want anyone to know. You can find out more about the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide here.

The Signs Of Suicide – Pieta House from Linda Curtin on Vimeo.

How can I help someone who is feeling suicidal?

If you are concerned about someone, trust your instinct and encourage them to talk to you. Don’t hesitate to talk to them and tell them your concerns. Here are some ways you can start the conversation. ‘You haven’t seemed yourself lately- is everything alright?’, ‘I’ve noticed that you’ve been spending a lot of time on your own. Are you ok?’ Talking about suicide can be difficult for both them and you, and don't be afraid to acknowledge this difficulty with them.

You can out more about supporting someone who is suicidal here.

Read our mental health information

New data from An Garda Síochána revealed at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) annual international road safety conference, indicates that between January and April this year, there has been an increase of 18% in the number of arrests for driving under the influence (DUI), compared with the same period in 2016. Figures also show that April 2017 saw more arrests for drink driving than in any single month in the past five years.

The Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross said, “Drink-driving in this country remains a significant problem. That is why I brought the Road Traffic (Fixed Penalty-Drink Driving) Bill 2017 before the Oireachtas, which proposes that anyone detected driving over the legal limit will receive a mandatory disqualification from driving. This is essential legislation, designed to save lives. This Bill is based on scientific research, addressing drink driving at lower limits. I look forward to hearing the insights of the international speakers on how they have sought to tackle the scourge of drink driving in their jurisdictions, in particular the penalties they have in place, which I understand in Sweden and Queensland are far stricter than anything we have in place or are proposing under my new Bill.”

Provisional research from the RSA to be unveiled at the conference will show that alcohol was present in 30% of road traffic collision fatalities in 2013 and 2014. The National Drug-related Deaths Index coroner’s data* was collected by the Health Research Board for this period. The data also shows that 55% of all fatalities with a positive toxicology for alcohol were male driver/motorcyclist deaths.

Findings of the data include:

A total of 63 people have died on the roads to date in 2016, this is a reduction of 13 up to the same period last year.

Chairperson of the RSA, Ms. Liz O’Donnell, who will also address the conference said “Road collision data and the latest arrest statistics confirm that drink driving is still a problem in Ireland. Consuming any alcohol impairs driving and increases the risk of a collision. Saving lives on Irish roads requires a zero-tolerance attitude to drink-driving. That is why the RSA supports the move to introduce an automatic disqualification for drivers found to be over the legal alcohol limit.”

Speaking at the RSA international conference, Superintendent Con O’Donohue of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “Alcohol impaired driving continues to be one of the most significant factors contributing to fatal and serious collisions on Irish roads. Arrests for driving under the influence continue to increase week on week. While it is disappointing to see that drivers are still prepared to take a chance it is important for all to understand that there is significant and focused enforcement by An Garda Síochána of our life saving intoxicated driving laws.”

The National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) is an epidemiological database, managed by the Health Research Board (HRB). This database records all deaths due to drug and alcohol poisoning, and all deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent.

During 2013-2014, 381 road users died in road traffic collisions (RTCs) in the Republic of Ireland, of which the NDRDI coroner’s data captures 269 of these fatalities (71%).

YPP is a group of young activists who organise as part of the campaign for a pathway to papers for undocumented migrants, particularly children and young people in Ireland. They are celebrating their 2nd birthday with a short video they hope spreads far and wide. Kate a community worker from the Justice for the Undocumented Campaign and also worker for the Young Paperless and Powerful Group has said “It’s been a phenomenal two years with this young group of activists and they have gone from strength to strength.”

Young, Paperless & Powerful: Happy 2nd Birthday! from Migrant Rights Centre Ireland on Vimeo.

You can support and encourage the YPP campaign for justice and a pathway for papers for the undocumented in Ireland with the hashtag #undocIRL on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: Migrant Rights Centre

Twitter: Migrant Rights

 

 
 

To mark World Health Organisation (WHO) World No Tobacco Day, the HSE has published new research, which reveals a significant increase – from 3.5% in 2003 to 24.6% in 2014 – in the number of people smoking Roll Your Own (RYO) tobacco in Ireland.  One in four smokers now use Roll Your Own. You can read the 'Roll your own' repot here. 

Martina Blake from the HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, said “Irish people are consuming fewer cigarettes overall, but more people than ever are using Roll Your Own tobacco.  It is particularly alarming that so many smokers under 25 years of age (44.9%) use them. Evidence shows that 'roll your own' smokers become more addicted and are less likely to quit.

“Roll Your Own tobacco is also chosen as people incorrectly perceive it to be a healthier alternative to manufactured cigarettes, carrying less risk.  However, nothing could be further from the truth. Roll Your Own tobacco is just as harmful as smoking factory made cigarettes. Smokers need to know that all tobacco kills, whether manufactured or Roll Your Own. There is also evidence to show that risks are higher for Roll Your Own smokers in terms of particular cancers such as cancer of the oesophagus, mouth, pharynx and larynx.

“The HSE want smokers to know that they will be supported to QUIT with free help from our stop smoking advisors. We know that people who join our Smoking support programme are more likely to quit for good. We understand how difficult quitting can be but with support, the journey can be made a little easier. Our professionally trained counsellors can offer counselling support and advice throughout a smoker’s quitting journey and can advise on a range of medications which can help. There are 74 free stop smoking clinics across Ireland which you can find at Quit clinics.”

The report found that:

Dr Evans, an author from the report said “On May 20th of this year, new legislation was introduced that increased the weight of tobacco in a unit pack of Roll Your Own tobacco to a minimum weight of 30 grams per unit pack. It is envisaged that this measure will deter younger smokers because the cost per pack will be significantly higher. New and more graphic health warnings on the packs along with the QUIT support information will also help to discourage consumption and encourage those who consume tobacco products to seek support to quit.”

Dr Evans also pointed out that, “Robust evidence exists demonstrating that higher tobacco taxes and prices are the single most effective measure to reduce overall tobacco use. However, the effectiveness of this measure will not be fully achieved if Roll Your Own tobacco remains significantly cheaper than manufactured cigarettes. The price differential between Roll Your Own and manufactured cigarettes has been reduced in recent budgets, and we need to determine if further reductions can be made.”

Louise Ni Raghallaigh from Drogheda smoked 20-25 rollies a day before she decided to quit for good. She said “It’s been a struggle to stop smoking but now there are days I don’t even think about cigarettes. My GP was a great support, he is a former smoker too, and he told me not to give up on trying. I used the Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches to get me over the initial stages of quitting. I have to say the daily emails and text messages from the QUIT Team were brilliant and now I’m getting loads of support from the You can QUIT Facebook page. I feel absolutely fantastic, I actually don’t miss smoking. I’m really noticing the difference, I can smell the washing powder from my clothes and I can actually taste my food. My tips for other smokers are to get support from the QUIT service, don’t quit on quitting and take one minute at a time.” 

For more information on the research click here: WHO-Tobacco Control

The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free, proven support by phone, email, SMS and live chat. Free call 1800 201 203 to talk to the QUIT Team or to visit Quit.ie to view personal stories from the campaign, get smoking cessation tips and create a personalised quit plan. Quitters can also click I want to quit  and view the smoking cessation clinic location map. There may be a counsellor in your locality that you can contact to set up a face to face meeting to discuss your smoking history and pattern, assess your levels of addiction and develop a plan for quitting.

WHO: World No Tobacco Day 2017 – Tobacco: a threat to development Youtube video

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