A new awareness video launched in Donegal, Ireland, is drawing attention to Hidden Harm, the often unseen impact that parental alcohol and drug use can have on children and young people. Developed by HSE West and North West together with the North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing and Jigsaw, the video was officially launched at a special event in Ballybofey on 21 September.

Rather than focusing only on the difficulties children may experience, the new resource puts particular emphasis on hope, resilience and the protective influence of trusted adults. Through everyday situations, it shows how a coach, teacher, family member or another supportive adult can make a meaningful difference simply by noticing, listening, offering encouragement and helping a young person feel safe and included.

The initiative is closely linked with Jigsaw’s One Good Adult concept, which highlights the importance of having at least one trusted and supportive adult in a young person’s life. Forty Donegal GAA clubs took part in the recognition event, with each club nominating a volunteer who demonstrates these qualities through their everyday involvement with children and young people. Organisers stressed that the message is not about asking volunteers to take on additional responsibilities, but about recognising the importance of what many already do.

The video has been designed as a practical awareness and educational resource for professional services, sporting organisations and communities. HSE Addiction Services Lead Donna McGee said Hidden Harm can easily go unrecognised and that the resource aims both to increase understanding of the effects of parental alcohol and drug use and to show how protective relationships within communities can help children experiencing difficulties at home.

The partners now hope to build on the initiative across Donegal, potentially extending the One Good Adult approach beyond Gaelic sports into schools, other sporting organisations and wider community settings. The project offers a useful prevention message: reducing alcohol- and drug-related harm is not only about addressing substance use itself, but also about recognising the children affected by it and strengthening the supportive relationships around them.

Find more from HSE (Ireland, September 2026)