We know that at least 200,000 children in Ireland are currently living with the trauma of parental problem alcohol use and a further 400,000 adults are living with its legacy, sometimes playing out with difficulties with emotional, mental and physical health. Yet despite these large numbers this Adverse Childhood Experience remains a deeply hidden aspect of Ireland’s relationship with alcohol. There are many reasons for this including family dynamics, shame and the wider societal conflict between our image of Ireland as a country which identifies strongly with drinking yet knows there is a huge price to pay for our alcohol use.
Our Silent Voices initiative aims to end this silence. This month starting Monday 18th October we are delighted to partner with other organisations and individuals by looking at the types of supports and interventions which are needed from the home to the classroom and for professionals working in this area.
Podcasts
'An insight into the trauma and complex impact of living with parental problem alcohol use.'
This two-part podcast features Marion Rackard IAHIP, ACI co-founder of Silent Voices interviewing Dr.Stephanie Brown, licensed psychologist, researcher and author of Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics: A Developmental Perspective.
The podcasts are available at Alcohol Action Ireland’s Alcohol Files.
The events include:
- 18 October, Webinar Online 19.00 – 21.00
Parental Problem Alcohol Use: Living and coping with a legacy of trauma
Stephanie Brown, PhD. Licensed psychologist, author, researcher, consultant and lecturer in the field of addiction
Public talk followed by panel discussion with the Founding Voices of Silent Voices.
Book your place at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/184910491257
- 21 October, film screening The Ark, 15.30 – 16.30
A screening of Annika Cassidy’s film ‘Peel’
followed by discussion with the film maker hosted by one of the Founding Voices of Silent Voices.
Book your place at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/185587215357
- 26 October,Online 19.00 – 21.00
Where the light enters: hope and healing through trauma informed education.
An afternoon/evening of conversation, learning and reflecting on education, trauma-informed practice, relationships and compassion.
Keynote speaker Gabor Maté
Online event with Maynooth University for those working in education.
Book your place at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/where-the-light-enters-hope-and-healing-through-trauma-informed-education-tickets-156217403459?aff=ebdssbeac
As well as the events listed we will be sharing stories online of those with lived experience – a very generous act which powerfully illustrates many of the issues and point towards the kinds of interventions which could help. We very much appreciate these contributions. Overwhelmingly these Shared Voices say that they want to End the Silence.
To help spread the word, we have created a communications toolkit>> designed to encourage the wider conversation. Our toolkit includes videos, infographics, social media images, podcasts and other content and, is available on our website.
We encourage you to share this within your networks and to use it throughout October and beyond.
Please join us and help #EndTheSilence
Marion Rackard IAHIP
Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO Alcohol Action Ireland
