Journal article
The views and experiences of members of new communities in Ireland: perspectives on mental health and well-being
Translocations: Migration and Social Change, Vol.6(1)
2010
Metrics
40 Record Views
Abstract
Ireland has a long history of outward migration but in recent years Ireland has become a destination of choice for migrants from the rest of the world. This has posed a challenge to Irish institutions and Irish society. This paper reports on the findings from a community development project undertaken in partnership between Cairde (a non government resource and advocacy organisation for ethnic minority groups) and Dublin City University. Members of new community groups in Dublin who were affiliated with Cairde took part in focus groups exploring their perceptions regarding mental health, mental ill-health and their experiences of mental health care provision. Participants focused more on their everyday experiences affecting their health and well-being rather than presenting their difficulties from within an illness paradigm. Whilst most participants had experience of accessing health services they had little contact with specialist mental health services. So while the study was designed to focus on conceptions of mental health/ill-health and services, the findings highlight structural inequalities that some migrants face in relation to legal status, accessing educational, occupational opportunities, and social service eligibility; all aspects of their everyday lives that cause them distress and fear.
Details
- Title
- The views and experiences of members of new communities in Ireland: perspectives on mental health and well-being
- Creators
- Richard Lakeman - Dublin City UniversityAnne Matthews - Dublin City University
- Publication Details
- Translocations: Migration and Social Change, Vol.6(1)
- Identifiers
- 3930; 991012820390902368
- Academic Unit
- School of Health and Human Sciences; Faculty of Health; Nursing
- Resource Type
- Journal article