Depaul salutes peer advocates at City Hall as it expands peer advocacy programme to Cork

DEPAUL Ireland celebrated the achievements of its peer advocates at a Homeless Health Peer Advocacy (HHPA) recognition event, held yesterday at Cork City Hall.

The event also marked the expansion of the HHPA programme into the Cork region, with the aim to improve health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness through peer-led advocacy and support.

The HHPA programme trains people with lived experience of homelessness to act as health advocates.

As part of the launch, Depaul has employed two full-time peer advocates in the Cork region, who will begin referrals following a garda vetting process in July.

Speaking to The Echo, Depaul director of services and development Dermot Murphy said: “We’ve been running the programme in Dublin since 2019, and it has been incredibly successful.

“We have worked with our partners in the HSE and Mercy University Hospital Inclusion Health Team to look at the programme and bring it to Cork.

“We’re very excited. We hope that our advocates will be able to provide up to 140 visits this year.

“This will significantly improve health outcomes for those in the homelessness community, reduce hospital admissions, and reduce health issues.

“We’re currently working with various hospitals and homeless services to promote the programme in Cork.”

The minister of state for health, wellbeing and National Drug Strategy, Colm Burke, said: “The HHPA programme is a testament to the power of lived experience in shaping effective healthcare support for the homeless community.

“Expanding into Cork will undoubtedly improve health outcomes and foster a more inclusive healthcare system.”

Depaul CEO David Carroll said: “The decision to bring the HHPA programme to Cork was driven by the evident need for such a service.

“By addressing the health needs of individuals living in homelessness in the region, we are tackling one of the core barriers to stability and independence. “

Peer advocate Sinéad Flynn said: “Being a peer advocate has not only allowed me to give back to my community but has also given me a true sense of purpose. I’ve seen first-hand how trust and understanding can transform someone’s approach to accessing healthcare. This programme changes lives, including my own.”

For more information about the HHPA programme, visit https://ie.depaulcharity.org/