Annette Long
Unit 7 Bridge Street, Portlaoise, Laois R32 HDN4
089 6041926
annette.long@ltag.ie
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 4.30 pm
Friday 8.30 am to 1.30 pm
Open Up is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know needs immediate help please contact one of the services below immediately.
If someone is hurt or in danger call the emergency services straight away. Emergency services can be contacted at any time by dialling 999 or 112 in Republic of Ireland or 112 in Europe.
LTAG is a Traveller organisation that represents, promotes, supports and empowers Travellers. LTATG works to achieve equality, better living conditions, better health and the recognition of Traveller culture and ethnicity.
Primary Healthcare – Our Primary Healthcare team consists of 5 peer led Traveller Community Healthcare Workers who deliver various initiatives to their community. Such as diabetes, mental health, asthma, cardiovascular, vaccination programmes and oral health. They deliver information in various ways such as outreach, social media, newsletters information sessions and workshops.
Primary Healthcare Nurse – The Primary Healthcare nurse works in partnership with Laois Traveller Action Group (LTAG) and is responsible for planning Traveller specific health programmes along with the Primary Healthcare Team in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner to meet the health needs of the wider Traveller communities in Laois.
Community Development – Our Community Development Programme consists of two workers, one specific to the Women’s Programme and the other to the Men’s Programme.
The Community Development Team work to develop relationships with Traveller families in Laois through:
Outreach
Workshops
Men’s groups
Women’s groups
Events
Men’s Shed.
The aim is to improve mental health and wellbeing, physical health and better living conditions for Traveller families. The Community Development Team advocate on behalf of Traveller individuals and families.
Accommodation Services – Laois Traveller Action Group Community Development Workers support and advocate for families and individuals on all housing issues. They work closely with Laois County Council and are members of the LTACC (Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee). They work with families on housing applications and support them in accessing services.
Women’s Groups – Our Community Development Worker, Women’s Groups run a variety of groups and workshops. These groups provide the women a place to meet, work on projects and have open discussions on a variety of topics affecting their daily lives.
Men’s Groups – Our Community Development Worker, Men’s Group works to engage Traveller men from Co. Laois to engage in programmes such as soccer leagues, handball, trips such as Croake Patrick and the Japanese Gardens.
These groups are an opportunity to improving awareness of all health issues that affect them, helping to improve their mental health and encouraging conversation around the awareness of mental health and suicide.
The Traveller men attending these groups are encouraged to participate in the Travellers Men’s Health Network.
Education Support – The Community Development team support and advocate for Traveller families in relation to Education support. The team works with families, local schools, family liaison officers in Co. Laois.
LTAG does not have specific funding for an Education or Youth Worker.
Social Worker – LTAG has a Social Worker with a focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Yes our premises is on the ground floor
Before this website came along, we weren’t sure what services were available locally and how to access them. It’s great to now see them all listed in one place with lots of useful information and contact details.
