Project
The Wall of Hope project group is creating a mural, which will contain positive affirmations in addition to information on local helplines and services in the Garryowen and wider Limerick area. The mural will raise awareness of mental health issues and promote positive mental health. The group is working with Limerick Enterprise Development park on the creation and design of the mural and with the Garryowen Residents Association to identify the most impactful place to display the mural in the area.
Research carried out for the project showed that Ireland has one of the highest rates (3/36 countries) of mental health illness in Europe with 18.5% of the Irish population recorded as having a mental health illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or alcohol/drug use (Health at a Glance Report, 2016). Limerick also has the highest suicide rate in the country and the highest rate of suicide among young adult males. The aim of the project is to raise promote positive mental health in the Garryowen area, Limerick and beyond, with a particular focus on young people’s mental health. The project also aims to highlight the mental health services available with the inclusion of information and helplines in the mural.
• Garryowen Residents Association
• Limerick Enterprise Development Park (LEDP)
* CWELL programme
* UL Engage
This project receives financial and social support from Limerick City Build, Limerick Enterprise Development Park and local residents via the Garryowen Residents' Association.
Learning
Throughout this project you will engage with local citizens to support positive mental health and well-being and raise awareness of the local and national supports that are available for people experiencing mental health difficulties. This will involve planning, co-ordinating and supporting the creation of an inspirational 'Wall of Hope' mural. Students will also be expected to produce a community briefing report and present their project outputs and outcomes to their community partner. Submission of reflective journals will allow you to reflect on your learning and to identify any difficulties encountered in conducting your project. Presentations will allow you to practice and refine your communication skills.
Suicidal ideation and mental health difficulties are a well-recognised issue in Limerick. This project is designed to provide hope and inspiration to those affected by these issues. The module is designed to enable students to develop the capacity to apply curriculum-based knowledge in a real-world setting and develop graduate attributes to work effectively as a member of a team in collaboration with community stake-holders and partners.
The 'Wall of Hope' CWELL team will work in collaboration with
• Garryowen Residents' Association
• Limerick Enterprise Development Park
• University of Limerick Community Engagement Facilitator, CWELL.
• The University of Limerick Foundation
There will be two assessments points to this module, each worth 50% of your final mark. The first assessment will comprise a site visit to your project by a panel of CWELL assessors. The second assessment will comprise the creation of a Project Portfolio detailing the project’s design and implementation and your participation in it. Guidelines concerning the creation of portfolios are available from the module’s Sulis site.