This was definitely an “anis horriblis” for the Midland region with only one event being organized, which was cancelled at the last minute due to lack of numbers.

After the 2003 AGM Deirdre Bigley, Copping On was retained as one of the Midland representatives with Maureen Ward, Midland Regional Youth Service being nominated as the new representative. It was particularly difficult task to promote the Network in this region with Deirdre being elected to the position of Breaking Through’s Chairperson.

INFORMATION SEMINAR:

Tackling and Celebrating Difference Seminar:

Both representatives started in 2003 with high hopes in organising the first event. The topic chosen was “Tackling and Celebrating Difference in a Multicultural Ireland”. A facilitator was sourced, venue booked and notice sent out. There was however, a very poor interest and thus this event was postponed.

Both representatives felt very disheartened by this outcome. Maureen then, found that she had to resign due to other work pressures and Deirdre decided to focus on her duties as chair. It was difficult after that to promote the Network in this region. The region is considered very large and thus it is hoped that this issue will be looked at in the strategic plan.

Both Maureen and Deirdre have promised to actively participate in events in the Midlands in the future and would like to wish the new representatives the best of luck in 2004.

Breaking Through Regional Event, 4th Feburary 2003 (Report)

The Midland region of Breaking Through ran its first event for 2003 event on
Tuesday 4th Feburary although the turn out on the day was very disappointing (due to bad weather) the content of the day was both relevant and pertinent. The topic for discussion on the day was Protecting children and workers - best practice

Mr Charney Weitzman the Information and Advice Person for Children First, Midland Health Board, addressed the question of to whom the guidelines apply, reporting procedures to
practical ways to ensure protection for all.

The national guidelines apply to everyone who works with children and young people in a voluntary and paid capacity.

Charney went on to provide us with some tips on how to protect your self :
Document concerns, incidents etc
Keep records accurate, Fact of the case only;
Be clear on procedures;
Seek supervision and advice if uncertain on a particular issue;
Have regular team meetings;
Up to date in service training;
Good working relationships with colleagues;
Recognise stress and deal with appropriately.

Know your Role:

Groups and clubs should have clear written policies and procedures;
Know who you report to;
Know who is responsible for handling complaints/concerns;
Know how to pass on a concern

There are a number of policies and practices to consider ensuring a safe environment for both workers and young people. If we are to believe that policies are a living entity within an organisation and supported by procedures then best practice includes:

Organisation mission statement;
Recruitment procedures;
Induction and continuing training;
Consultation leading to policy development'
Child protection policy
Culture of openness;
Clear procedures;
Pro-active approach;
Designated person;
Accountability;
Good relations with parents
Safe environment
Policy on bullying
Code of conduct/behaviour

A lot of hard work maybe but the benefits of good practice are wide ranging and invaluable:

Protection for children, young people, staff, volunteers and organisation;
Minimise the risk of abuse within the organisation;
Increase credibility /public image;
Promote confidence of parents / colleagues;
Greater awareness of child protection issues;
Compliance with moral and legal responsibility; framework for dealing with concerns

For further information on best practice in relation to child protection contact your local Information and Advice person through your health board.

The morning concluded with general discussion and was deemed very useful by those who attended. It was decided that the next Midlands event would take place after the annual conference in April.

Breaking Through Regional Event, 10th September 2002 (Report)

The Midland region of Breaking Through ran it's second event of the year on 10th September 2002 in The Montague Hotel Emo Co Laois. The topic for discussion was Suicide Intervention and Prevention. Two workshops were held simultaneously .

The first Identifying, Intervening and Referring: Billy Bland, suicide prevention officer with the Midland Health Board outlined a range of interventions for young people considered to be at risk of suicide in the midland health board region, and look at referral options both regionally and nationally.

The second: "Fallout" Frank Cavanagh from NEPS, Department of Education looked at how to manage your own feelings; (as a person with responsibility for working with young people) and 'Fall out' - working with those young people left behind.

Work in the aftermath of para-suicide:

To have courage and confidence in supporting young people in the aftermath of a tragedy. Young people will respond better to people they know and trust.
Listening can be much more important than talking
Stay with the moment (Don't have to change the subject if a young person raises the subject of suicide or death)
Expect and allow for an array of emotions anger/laughter/ numbness etc.
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know- why?" or to talk about your own feelings
Try to provide a safe space for discussion and outflow of emotion
Invite Parental involvement in post intervention
Recognise the "collective wisdom" of group in relation to addressing issues such as the empty chair in a classroom. Try to see these issues as opportunities rather than threats
Give a sense of "normality" to the young people's. reaction. Explain that reactions such as sadness, anger, guilt, laughter etc., are all normal reactions
Provide reliable, accurate and factual information and discourage rumour.

Recognise Signs:

(Signs can be helpful in recognising students at risk or in need of extra support. The signs mentioned are not necessary for suicide risk nor is this list intended to be exhaustive. If you have concerns consult colleagues, talk to parents and seek professional help.)

Change in mood - (swings)
Termination of relationships
Winding up affairs (giving back books CD's etc)
Drop in motivation
Signs of depression
Sudden bursts of anger/ tears/etc.
·Themes of death and suicide in writing, discussion, art etc.

Share Information:

Learned/shared information within your work setting allows for greater impact.Strategies which involve the whole school (or college etc.) on a continuous basis are more effective than once-off, stand-alone inputs.
Recognise that coping with a tragedy is an ongoing process which takes time
Being prepared is vital- having a traumatic incident plan in place means you will be better able to cope with a situation when it occurs. There is a lot written about the development of such plans.
Have confidence in your relationship with young people and with your own abilities to help them.
Adapting to grief situation takes time.
When dealing with traumatic incidents, it is really important for teachers and other professionals to support one another. The staff room is a major source of personal and professional support.

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is my role in helping young people come to terms with a tragedy?

2. Is there a right way to grieve or react to loss?

3. What helps? What can I do to help? (At an individual or organisational level)

4. Personal experience of loss and tragedy - How do I react ?/ How have I reacted in the past?

The event was attended by a large group of people including members and non-members of the network. All in attendance agreed that the topic was very relevant to their work today and the input from both workshops was very useful. It was only the beginning of the road for some as regards preparing themselves to deal with the issue of suicide if/when the situation were to arise within their work.

A number of resources were recommended one being "Suicide prevention in schools - Best Practice Guidelines" by the Irish Association of Sociology.

The next Breaking Through Midland Regional Event will address the topic of protecting children and workers - good practice and will take place on Tuesday 4th February 2003. Details can be found on the Breaking Through web site.

Deirdre Bigley
Midlands Region rep.

First Regional Meeting
(Report) June 30th 2000

The Midlands region held their first meeting on 30th .June 2000 in the Montague Hotel in Emo.

The turn out was very encouraging and people welcomed the opportunity for an organisation like Breaking Through to help give support for their work.

A good discussion was held on the issues facing practitioners working with young people and people could see they were not on their own.

The group also looked at ways which they thought how Breaking Through could be of help and more importantly how future regional meetings could be helpful.

One suggestion was to invite Guest speakers to talk on subjects of common interest and that will be something that this group will be working on.

Funding and looking for it seemed to be of major interest and it is hoped to be able to give some help to members on this issue.

Everyone really enjoyed the lunch and the opportunity to network.

The next meeting has been planned for October 12th at the same venue.

Midlands Archives: