We know that at least 200,000 children in Ireland are currently living with the trauma of parental problem alcohol use (PPAU) and a further 400,000 adults are living with its legacy – emotional, mental and physical health problems. Yet despite these large numbers this Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) remains a deeply hidden aspect of Ireland’s relationship with alcohol.
Alcohol Action Ireland’s initiative, Silent Voices, seeks to raise awareness and put forward policy solutions to address these issues.
During our End the Silence week of October 17-21 we are organising events and leading discussions on PPAU. We will be hearing from a range of experts, highlighting research findings and launching a dedicated toolkit, co-produced by AAI with professionals working in the field and people with lived experience. We hope the toolkit will be used by people across Ireland beyond this week to broaden understanding of this topic and allow people access help and information that will support them in their healing.
Details below:
Monday Oct 17: Release of research regarding professional training and knowledge in this area.
Tuesday Oct 18: 11am-1pm:Online event with the ISPCC – Through the Eyes of the Child and launch of a dedicated toolkit with Child Law expert and AAI patron, Dr Geoffrey Shannon.
Wednesday Oct 19: 7.30pm-9pm: Silent No More - a cultural in-person event at the New Theatre, Temple Bar, Dublin hosted by Ray D’Arcy. Featuring conversations with people impacted by alcohol use in the home plus readings by noted author Christine Dwyer Hickey from her novel, Tatty - Unesco’s One City One Book in 2020 - an exploration of this issue as told by one of its children.
Thursday Oct 20: Release of a podcast for use by therapists working in this area.
Friday Oct 21: 11am-1pm: Research to Action, an online event exploring practical solutions for young people experiencing PPAU, chaired by Children’s Ombudsman Niall Muldoon and featuring Teacher of Nurture Gerry Diamond on navigating the school environment with ACEs and trauma.
