‘End the Silence’ – a series of events and activities from 18 – 26 October 2021 to raise awareness of the issues arising from growing up with alcohol harm in the home.

We know that at least 200,000 children in Ireland are currently living with the trauma of parental problem alcohol use and a further 400,000 adults are living with its legacy, sometimes playing out with difficulties with emotional, mental and physical health. Yet despite these large numbers this Adverse Childhood Experience remains a deeply hidden aspect of Ireland’s relationship with alcohol. There are many reasons for this including family dynamics, shame and the wider societal conflict between our image of Ireland as a country which identifies strongly with drinking yet knows there is a huge price to pay for our alcohol use.

Our Silent Voices initiative aims to end this silence. In October we are delighted to partner with other organisations and individuals by looking at the types of supports and interventions which are needed from the home to the classroom and for professionals working in this area.

The events include:

18 October, Webinar

Online 19.00 – 21.00

Parental Problem Alcohol Use: Living and coping with a legacy of trauma.

Stephanie Brown, PhD. Leading psychologist, author, researcher, consultant and lecturer in the field of addiction

Public talk followed by panel discussion with the Founding Voices of Silent Voices.

Book your place at:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/184910491257

If you missed this presentation, a recording of the talk and discussion is now available at:

Or listen back to proceedings here:

21 October, film screening.

The Ark, 16.00 – 17.00

A screening of Annika Cassidy’s film ‘Peel’

followed by a discussion with the film maker hosted by one of the Founding Voices of Silent Voices.

Book your place at:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/185587215357

This film can be viewed on our You Tube channel:

26 October

Online 14.00 – 21.00

Where the light enters: hope and healing through trauma informed education.

A ‘Festival-style’ event of conversation, learning and reflecting on education, trauma-informed practice, relationships and compassion.

Keynote speaker Gabor Maté.

Online event with Maynooth University for those working in education.

The proceedings can now be viewed at

As well as the events listed we will be sharing stories online of those with lived experience – a very generous act which powerfully illustrates many of the issues and point towards the kinds of interventions which could help. We very much appreciate these contributions. Overwhelmingly these Shared Voices say that they want to End the Silence.

To help spread the word, AAI has created a communications toolkit designed to facilitate public discussions. The toolkit includes videos, infographics, social media images, podcasts and other content and, is available on the AAI website. We encourage you to share this within your networks and to use it throughout October and beyond in our joint effort to facilitate discussion.

Please join us and help #EndTheSilence

For more information about our ‘Silent Voices’ initiative visit our webpage.