'Gloak Our Laces' project launched in Kilkenny

Coinciding with the occurrence of National Traveller Ethnicity Day last month, the HSE/South East Community Healthcare officially launched the tin-smithed copper art project involving Travellers from across counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

Titled “Gloak our Laces” (meaning ‘look at us’), the project draws on themes of positive mental health and wellbeing.

It was arranged by the HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s mental health services, with support from the HSE’s Social Inclusion Office nationally and the  HSE’s mental health engagement and recovery office in the South East Community Healthcare area, working in collaboration with Traveller Projects in counties Carlow and Kilkenny.

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The arts project was led out by artist Mary Cassidy and the launch took place recently in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.

The “Gloak Our Laces” project has been documented on a short video (see https://youtu.be/ShIDusup-eY) and the finished pieces are to feature as an exhibition at the Dept. of Psychiatry acute mental health inpatient facility located on the grounds of St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny.

Speaking at the launch, Traveller Mental Health Coordinator with HSE/South East Community Healthcare Mary Byrne said:

“The ‘Gloak Our Laces’ project provided a space for participants to talk about minding mental health and wellbeing in a relaxed space while engaging in a shoulder to shoulder activity together.”

“This process was supported by the Carlow/Kilkenny Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse and Traveller Pride was embraced throughout. Participants were presented with an opportunity of personal discovery to tell their own story, in their own way through creative arts.”

“This is a key step in building Traveller culture competence within the Carlow/Kilkenny Mental Health Services and is in line with the newly launched HSE National Traveller Health Action Plan – ‘Working together to improve the health experiences and outcomes for Travellers (2022-2027). HSE SECH are currently developing a regional implementation plan of the NTHAP and are committed to fulfilling the actions over the timeline of the plan.”

Zoe Doheny (HSE/South East Community Healthcare Regional Co-ordinator for Traveller Health/Traveller Mental Health Liaison Nurse Carlow/Kilkenny), also speaking at the launch, added:

“This copper masterpiece showcases the very special skill and craftsmanship of the Traveller Artists in the area of tinsmithing that is traditional and valued within Traveller Culture. It will be exhibited in the Department of Psychiatry, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, embracing Traveller Culture within the facility. The masterpiece will also promote Traveller culture awareness for HSE staff who have the opportunity to view and appreciate it. A piece by Mary Carty will be displayed at Temple St. Children’s Hospital in Dublin.”

Louise O Leary (Tullow Traveller Women’s Group) said she and so many other participants of all ages were delighted to participate. With artist Mary Cassidy’s encouragement, Louise said participants gained experience at talents they mightn’t have even known they had, made new friends, heard valued advice throughout on health and wellbeing and were all very proud of the finished pieces.