Stories That Heal: Traveller-Led Initiative Brings Creativity, Connection and Change to Cavan

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is proud to be part of a powerful new national movement that is using creativity to support wellbeing, challenge stigma, and amplify lived experience. The Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity Programme (TWTC) is opening new pathways for expression and inclusion—placing Traveller voices at the centre of the story.

Delivered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Arts Council, Creative Ireland and Healthy Ireland, under the governance of the National Creative Arts and Health Steering Group, this initiative reflects a strong, cross-sector commitment to equitable health outcomes through creative practice.

A Strong Local Partnership with National Impact

CCLD endorses Jackie Broxton (Community Link Worker for Cavan/Monaghan), The Verbal Arts Centre (Derry) and Foróige who deliver an innovative project titled:

Traveller Healing Through Stories

This Traveller-led programme will host a series of weekly creative writing and storytelling sessions designed specifically for Traveller participants. At its core, the project creates a safe, culturally respectful and inclusive space where individuals can explore:

• Identity and heritage

• Experiences of discrimination

• Mis/disinformation and its impacts

• Personal and collective resilience

Participants will be supported to develop original written pieces and storyboards, enabling them to share their narratives in their own words and on their own terms.

From Personal Story to Public Understanding

With participants’ consent, the completed works will be presented through public exhibitions in Cavan and Clones libraries. These exhibitions will provide an important platform to:

• Foster greater understanding of Traveller culture and experiences

• Challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma

• Engage the wider community in meaningful dialogue

This initiative demonstrates how targeted, culturally informed programmes can deliver measurable social and health outcomes, while strengthening community cohesion.

For media partners, this is a compelling human-interest story—one that highlights both innovation in community development and the power of creativity to effect social change.

For service users and the wider Traveller community, it offers an opportunity to be heard, valued and represented, while building confidence and wellbeing through creative engagement.

Launching a New Chapter

The project was officially launched at National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin on 14 May 2026, with attendance from key partners including Jackie Broxton, Community Link Worker for Cavan/Monaghan and Chrissie O’Sullivan of Cavan Traveller Movement. The event marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for participants and communities alike.

CCLD remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing and equal access to opportunity across County Cavan. Traveller Healing Through Stories is a testament to what can be achieved when collaboration, creativity and community come together.