HOP OUT – (Helping Other People Overcome & Understand Troubling Times) – Tullamore CTC

Why as a team did you choose to focus on this challenge?

As a group, we divided and brainstormed each of the five categories and in the end, we realised that each group had all agreed on the same topic, mental health. Through collaboration and our research, we realised there was an overlap also with poverty. We found that by openly talking about it and breaking stigma around mental health. This has helped us , with the level of trust, safe space, knock on affect in the centre. Inclusivity in a Community - if you can talk to people about mental health it can help others cope with it in the future.

What do you know now about the challenge that you didn't know before?

From our research, we discovered that men under 35 years of age on low incomes were at a higher risk of suicide. They represent 75% of the statistics. This hero was three times more likely to become alcohol dependent and use illegal drugs. They do this as a release and to numb the situation. Young struggle with expressing their emotions and feelings, as they feel they are losing their masculinity. We also discovered that less than 20% of men will seek professional help and also that conventional methods are not working. Only 36% of all referrals to therapies are men.

What have you learnt about your Hero?

Our hero is a male under the age of 35, whose relationship has broken down, and has two children. He is on a low income and is renting and has a mental health issue. He uses substances to help him cope. He faces financial, emotional, and physical challenges as he is, in a low-paid job, struggling to regulate his emotions, and strengthen his bond with his children and his relationship with the mother of his children. His health is affected by his use of substances. Conventional methods have not worked.

If you could improve one thing for your Hero what would that be?

We would like to improve our hero's lives by giving them the information they need about training options, entitlements, and support services. We also want to improve our heros' sense of belonging and feel that they have meaningful relationships, by giving them space and place, where there is a sense of belonging. We want to improve their relationships, improve their financial situation and improve their emotional well-being. We have brainstormed alot of challenges they face and have identified a few things we would like to improve.

Do you have any ideas for a potential solution? No matter how raw, share them with your Mentors for feedback.

One solution we are considering is designing a community hub, under the category, space, and place, where men can go, and where there are a number of activities, services, supports under one roof. This will help our hero by giving them a sense of belonging, encouraging community support, a place where they can build a more positive relationship with their children and others. Another solution is to design a one-stop shop app, where our hero can access information on a range of topics, it will be user friendly, multilingual and designed using universal design of delivery guidelines to promote inclusivity.

Ask your Mentor anything …. This is a chance to ask your Mentors a direct question relating to your Big Idea.

We have no questions as yet