CARL Research Reports 2018
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Treasure Ballybrannigan beach(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-05-11) Rooney, Catherine; McKermott, Fiachra; D’Aughton, Malgorzata; Ballybrannigan Community Group; Civil Society OrganizationThe main aim of the project was to raise an awareness of the problems that Ballybranigan beach was facing in terms of the erosion damage that had been caused by the sea, and it was thought that if we could gather enough information about the beach, the extended area and how it is still used by the local people and tourists, that the council would be more easily convinced to make the necessary repairs. Approximately 3 months into the placement we were made aware that the council agreed to begin the repair work in the summer to have the beach re-opened. The placement began on 5th December 2017 after a meeting between ourselves, Dr. Malgorzata D’Aughton of UCC School of History, William O’Halloran and Martin Galvin from the CARL Initiative and Kevin Terry and Sean Fitzgerald from the Ballybrannigan community. Dr. D’ Aughton was our supervisor for this placement, and we also kept in constant contact with William from CARL and Kevin and Sean as well whenever we needed guidance on a particular matter. Beginning in December 2017 and ending in May 2018 our work on this project lasted approximately 6 months. It was never concentrated in one particular area, as we were not working in an institution or an office every day, rather we were working on the placement from various locations.Item The meaning and experience of engaging in the Meitheal Mara project for adults with mental health problems: a qualitative study(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-09) Akintola, Adebisi; Ramos Costa, Ana Paula; Meitheal Mara; Civil Society OrganizationBackground: Globally, the rates of mental illness continue to increase significantly, and the burden of mental illness is underestimated for several reasons, with the rate to be generally higher in women than in men. In Ireland, with increase rate in suicide and self-harm, there have been various rehabilitation model to help the population. Community-based mental rehabilitation has proved to be effective in multiple contexts. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to explore the meaning and experience of participating in a community-based rehabilitation program for people with mental health problems. Methods: A qualitative study design was used to explore the meaning and experience of engaging in a community-based rehabilitation service. A semi-structured interview was conducted with eight people who were currently engaged in the Meitheal Mara project. Data received from the interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four main themes emerged from the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Theme 1: Teamwork. Theme 2: Expectation and Motivation. Theme 3: Skills and Social Rehabilitation. Theme 4: Psychological Rehabilitation. Conclusion: The centre brings physical, educational, social and psychological support to people with a mental health problem in the society, through indigenous and culturally acceptable facilities that are integrated into the community. This was used to attain community-based rehabilitation which is an essential part of social and psychological rehabilitation. The vocational and social skills learnt in the centre allow the participants to find meaning and purpose in what they have experience.Item Profiling a community led multilevel suicide prevention intervention(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018) Donnachie, Rebecca; Bantry White, Eleanor; Breaking The Silence; Civil Society OrganizationThis study research was carried out to profile a community led multilevel suicide prevention intervention group, Breaking The Silence. This study examined the main models of suicide prevention intervention being used internationally and located which models are being used within Irish policy. The research explored and identified which of the models is used by the Breaking The Silence and how this fits in with the community context by reviewing models of community work practice. The literature review found that the Irish suicide prevention policy was in line with the models of suicide prevention that are being used internationally. Combing the literature mentioned with the primary data obtained through semi-structured interviews with three members of the group and two community workers who have worked with the group there were several main findings. The research found that the group is located within several different models of suicide prevention and is also is located within several suicide prevention strategies. The group was found to be located within the community development and social planning models of community work.Item Exploring intervention strategies and supports to promote mental wellbeing among individuals (aged 18-21) with ASD non-ID: the experiences of professionals in Cork/Kerry(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-05-01) Brosnan, Lynn; Maxwell, Nicola; Aspect; Civil Society OrganizationIn society today Autistic Spectrum Disorder is very much prevalent as a study conducted by DCU revealed that approximately 1% of the population is affected by it. The transition period to third-level/ further education is highlighted throughout the literature as being crucial and can have a severe impact on one’s mental wellbeing, in particular for those with Asperger Syndrome. The NCSE explored in their research that by increasing student supports during this period, greater educational outcomes could be achieved as well as improved mental wellbeing. The aim of this study is to explore the strategies and intervention which are employed by key workers in Aspect which promote mental wellbeing for their clients with AS during the transition. The study is informed by an interpretive approach whereby the researcher conducted five semi-structured interviews through which key workers were asked about the work carried out in Aspect in relation to the transition period and also existing supports among higher education institutes. From the primary research conducted, four themes were developed which were: ‘Transition Period’, ‘Social Skills Deficit’, ‘Strategies used by key workers’ and ‘Existing Student Supports’. These themes had been similar to those which were explored in the literature review while also providing the researcher with new information which had not previously been explored. The transition period, although being very much an individual experience, if supported, correctly can be a positive one. It emerged from the findings that the transition period and preparation for it needs to begin earlier and this may decrease stress on the client and promote mental wellbeing and a more positive experience in higher education.Item What are the effects of acquired hearing loss in older people?(Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork, 2018-05-30) Walsh, Amy Katherine; Laoide-Kemp, Siobhán; Maxwell, Nicola; Cork Deaf Association; Civil Society OrganizationBackground: Acquired hearing loss (AHL) is defined as a hearing loss which is acquired after birth or at any other time in one’s life. In Ireland, one in every twelve adults has a permanent hearing loss as a result of aging or exposure to noise. Aim: The experiences of the older Irish population has not yet been researched, therefore this study aimed to investigate the experiences of members of the Cork Deaf Association (CDA) who have an acquired hearing loss (AHL). Methods: This study was a pilot study in collaboration with CARL and the Cork Deaf Association which used a qualitative research design. Data was gathered using an open ended questionnaire which was distributed by the CDA to 30 potential participants. Data was analysed using a latent thematic approach. Results:12 members of the CDA responded to the questionnaires. From these responses four themes were identified. They included emotional well-being, management strategies and habilitation, alienation and promoting awareness. This study supported the hypothesis that AHL can have a negative effect on older people Conclusion: Further research is needed in this area in order to get a deeper insight into the effects AHL has on the older Irish population as a whole. Promoting awareness within communities may help older people with AHL to re-integrate into society and help eliminate the feeling of isolation and alienation.