The Irish Project advocates for inclusive and culturally informed support for young people of all Irish communities, including those who are Irish-born (from all parts of the island of Ireland); of Irish descent; Irish people of colour; and Irish Travellers. We primarily support young Irish people in Brent, however, we provide some support to young Irish people in, and bordering, the borough of Westminster and in some schools in Ealing.
The Brent Centre’s Irish Project encompasses talking therapy offered to young
individuals from our centres in Brent and Westminster, schools, and various
outreach locations. Through our Irish Traveller Outreach Advocacy and Support
Service, we provide flexible support, often in the community, or at the Lynton
Close site, specifically tailored for young Irish Travellers. This service extends to
offering advice, support, and training for professionals working with young Irish
individuals and families. Our aim is to empower professionals to provide holistic,
culturally informed, wraparound support, enhancing community engagement to
raise awareness and understanding of adolescent and Irish mental health needs,
both locally and nationally.
Referrals to our Brent and Westminster Centres are facilitated by local GPs, while
organisations overseeing our schools counseling and outreach services manage
their respective referrals.
The types of difficulties commonly identified among our young Irish people
include transgenerational trauma, involving the descendants of survivors of
institutional abuse and the Northern Ireland conflict. Suicidality is another
concern, with our young Irish individuals being more likely to experience suicidal
ideation and face an increased risk of suicide due to heightened impulsivity,
self-harm, and/or having known someone who has died by suicide. Additionally,
shame is a prevailing trend in the emotional experiences of our young Irish
people, arising from factors such as sexuality and/or achievements.