HSE and partners launch Hidden Harm video in Donegal, highlighting the difference One Good Adult can make

HSE West and North West launched their Hidden Harm video in Donegal at a special event in Ballyboffey.

Forty Donegal GAA clubs came together at the Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey on Monday, 21 September, to celebrate the people who quietly make a difference in the lives of children and young people.

The One Good Adult – Hidden Harm event recognised one nominated Hidden Harm from each club, with a special recognition award also presented to Kevin Mills. It brought together clubs, families and partner organisations to share a message: a trusted adult who notices, listens and keeps showing up can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.

The HSE, in partnership with the North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing and Jigsaw, launched the new Hidden Harm awareness video at the event. The video can be viewed here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ_jtrS35AA

The Hidden Harm resource highlights the often unseen impact of parental alcohol and drug use on children and young people. While acknowledging the difficulties and adversity that some children experience, the video places particular emphasis on hope, resilience and the protective influence of trusted adults.

Developed as an awareness and educational resource, the video aims to support greater understanding of Hidden Harm across professional, sporting and community settings.

The initiative also promotes the importance of One Good Adult, a concept developed by Jigsaw, recognising the significant protective role that a trusted adult can play in a young person's life.

Donna McGee, HSE Addiction Services Lead, said "It was a very special occasion and an important opportunity to bring statutory, community and voluntary organisations together around a shared message.

"Hidden Harm can often go unrecognised. Through this resource, we want to increase awareness of the impact of parental alcohol and drug use on children, while highlighting the importance of the protective relationships that exist within our communities.

"The message is one of hope. We know that having a trusted adult who listens, takes an interest and offers consistent support can make a lasting difference in a child's life.

"This video provides a valuable resource to support awareness, discussion and learning across services and communities."

The video was officially launched by Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children, who attended both the afternoon launch and the evening One Good Adult recognition event.

The afternoon launch brought together a cross-section of representatives from statutory, community and voluntary organisations, including professionals working across health, children's services, addiction services, mental health, safeguarding, sport and community development.

Through everyday situations, the video demonstrates how a coach, teacher, family member or other trusted adult can make a meaningful difference by noticing, listening, offering encouragement and providing a sense of safety and belonging.

Following the afternoon launch, the campaign continued with an evening celebration recognising the contribution of volunteers across Donegal GAA clubs.

Forty Donegal GAA clubs participated in the One Good Adult recognition evening, each nominating a volunteer who embodies the qualities of a trusted adult through their commitment to children and young people.

The evening brought together club representatives, volunteers, families and campaign partners. It featured contributions from Dr Niall Muldoon, a player panel reflecting on the trusted adults who influenced their lives, and the presentation of recognition awards.

A special recognition award was also presented to Kevin Mills, acknowledging his longstanding contribution to mental health, community wellbeing and the Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee.

Cora Harvey, Chairperson of Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing, said "Monday's event demonstrated the extraordinary contribution that ordinary people make to the lives of children and young people across our county.

"Our message to volunteers is very simple: we are not asking you to do more; we are acknowledging that what you already do matters.

"A coach who notices, a volunteer who listens or someone who makes a child feel included may never fully realise the difference they have made.

"The response from our clubs has been tremendous, and we hope this is only the beginning. Our ambition is to explore how Donegal could become a One Good Adult County, extending this message beyond the GAA into schools, other sporting organisations and communities across the county.

"We look forward to exploring this ambition with Jigsaw and our other partners."

Mary Coughlan, Chairperson of Donegal GAA said “Clubs are places where young people can find encouragement and a sense of belonging. We thank the North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force for the support and resources that helped bring this event together, and Jigsaw for its valued partnership in the campaign.”

The campaign partners hope the video will become a practical resource for use across relevant professional, sporting and community settings, complementing existing safeguarding arrangements and encouraging greater awareness of how adults can support children and young people.

The partners will explore opportunities to build on the initiative and extend its reach throughout Donegal.

The organisers thanked all participating clubs, volunteers, speakers and partner organisations for their contributions, with particular recognition of Brendan Brennan for his commitment to bringing the campaign and event to life.

The evening celebrations were hosted by Highland Radio's Oisín Kelly.