St. Michael’s House Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services – Intellectual Disability (CAMHS-ID), in partnership with Fingal Libraries, is celebrating the upcoming launch of Creative Connections | It Takes a Village, an innovative parent wellbeing programme focused on connection, creativity, reflection and community.
Creative Connections is an eight-week programme developed for parents and carers of children and young people with intellectual disability and complex mental health needs attending CAMHS-ID St. Michael’s House.
The programme was created in recognition of the significant experiences and challenges many families navigate, and the importance of providing opportunities for parents, families and carers to connect, share experiences, build relationships and prioritise their own wellbeing.
Working together with Fingal Libraries and creative practitioner John Carpenter, the programme created a welcoming and inclusive community space where parents could come together through creativity, conversation, psychoeducation and shared experiences.
Throughout the programme, participants explored creative activities while connecting with others on similar journeys. The sessions provided opportunities for reflection, peer support and building meaningful relationships within a supportive environment.
An important part of Creative Connections was the opportunity for CAMHS-ID clinicians to listen directly to parents, families and carers. Their experiences, insights and priorities helped inform learning and support future service development, reflecting St. Michael’s House’s commitment to family participation and partnership working.
To celebrate the completion of the programme, the “It Takes a Village – A Creative Connections Exhibition” will officially launch on:
Date: Monday 22nd June
Time: 11:00am
Venue: County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin
The exhibition will showcase artwork, reflections and creative pieces developed throughout the programme, celebrating the courage, resilience, creativity, and community built by participating parents.
The launch event highlights the positive impact of collaboration between health services, families, libraries and the creative arts community. It demonstrates how partnerships beyond traditional service settings can create meaningful opportunities for wellbeing, connection and inclusion.
Creative Connections reflects the values of St. Michael’s House by placing people and families at the centre of service development, recognising the importance of listening, learning, and working together.
Click here or on the image below to find an overview and insights into the Creative Connections Exhibition.
Click on the below link(s) to view weekly Creative Connections insights
Week 3 Reflections | Finding Strength in Community - Belonging, Understanding & Shared Experiences
Week 4 Reflections | The Tree of Life - Strength, Hope & Resilience
Supporting Parents | Strengthening Communities | Shaping Services Together
For more information on this innovative project - contact communications@smh.ie