Jamie Burke

As well as being my local club Garrymore’s Health & Wellbeing Officer, I am also part of the Health & Wellbeing team for Mayo GAA. Our team meets once a month to ensure we stay updated on all current GAA initiatives and developments in health and wellbeing.

Establishing Shared Purpose and Unity:

• Training Initiative:
• In October 2023, I was recommended to represent our team at Croke Park and participate in a new training initiative called Explaining Drugs & Alcohol.
• The training was organised by various drug and alcohol taskforces in Ireland and the GAA Community & Health Department.
• I attended the training, which covered the latest strategies and methods for delivering effective workshops on drugs and alcohol education within the GAA community.
• Implementation and Collaboration:
• Upon completion of the training, I began collaborating with the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Taskforce.
• Attended additional training sessions, such as SAOR brief intervention and Putting the Pieces Together.
• Became part of a dedicated team of facilitators tasked with delivering these workshops throughout the county.
• Organising Workshops:
• Engaged regularly with team members to coordinate the delivery of workshops.
• Collaboratively decided on pairings to co-facilitate workshops, ensuring optimal performance and coverage.
• Co-facilitated numerous workshops across Mayo, focusing on educating parents, players, and club members on substance misuse.
• Workshop Goals:
• Set clear objectives for each workshop, including increasing awareness of drug and alcohol misuse, providing practical strategies for prevention, and promoting healthy lifestyles within the GAA community.
• Ensured that each session was tailored to the specific needs of the attending club, making the content relevant and engaging.
• Team Engagement:
• Fostered an inclusive environment by encouraging team members to share their insights and experiences during planning meetings.
• Valued and incorporated feedback from fellow facilitators to improve the quality and effectiveness of the workshops.
• Maintained open lines of communication, ensuring everyone felt involved and heard.
• Recognition and Support:
• Acknowledged and celebrated the efforts and successes of team members during our monthly meetings.
• Provided support and guidance to new facilitators, helping them acclimate to their roles and develop their skills.
• Impact and Feedback:
• The workshops were well-received by the GAA clubs, with positive feedback highlighting increased awareness and knowledge about drug and alcohol issues.
• Clubs reported a greater sense of community and commitment to health and wellbeing initiatives.
• The collaborative efforts of the team led to the successful implementation of these workshops, making a meaningful impact on the GAA community.
• Team Working Skills:
• This experience has enhanced my ability to work as part of a team to achieve shared objectives, promote high performance, and cultivate a culture of involvement and consultation.
• By valuing contributions from others and fostering a unified approach, I can contribute to the successful delivery of an important health and wellbeing initiative within the GAA community.

• Facilitated group discussions and activities to ensure successful outcomes.
• Organised materials and resources required for each session in advance.
• Maintain the highest quality standards.
• Maintained records of attendance, participation, and other relevant information.
• Conducted research into best practices related to the facilitation process.
• Facilitated addiction recovery support groups utilising evidence-based practices.
• Helped clients transcend addiction and rebuild lives by empowering each with knowledge and skills.
• Attended professional conferences, workshops, seminars related to addictions counseling.
• Provided referrals and linkage to community resources such as housing assistance, employment opportunities.

• Operate an ambulance to and from scenes and emergency facilities, responding to dispatch calls for emergent medical assistance.
• Assessed scene upon arrival for possible hazards or dangerous situations.
• Observed infection control measures when treating multiple patients within a given timeframe.
• Collaborated with medical personnel to quickly treat and transport patients.
• Responded quickly to emergency calls, assessed the situation and provided appropriate treatment for illnesses or injuries.
• Monitored and replenished ambulance supplies, maintaining well-stocked inventory and properly functioning equipment.
• Demonstrated dedication to providing quality care through continued training and education.
• Provided emotional support and comfort to patients while transporting them to their destination.
• Documented patient assessment findings in accordance with established protocols.
• Interviewed patients to obtain medical history and details on current issues.
• Participated in continuing education courses to maintain certification requirements.
• Adhered strictly to safety regulations set forth by local governing bodies.