Travellers in Wicklow launch ‘Elephant in the Room’ mental health initiative
The Wicklow PeopleA powerful public art project aimed at encouraging open conversations about mental health while celebrating Traveller culture has been launched in Bray, following presentations to local councillors and a community-led unveiling at Bray Civic Offices.
The Elephant in the Room project, created by the Girls Youth Group at Bray Travellers with the support of Signal Arts Centre, uses public sculpture and visual storytelling to address mental health challenges at both a personal and societal level.
The initiative forms part of a growing national and international movement that seeks to break down stigma, promote early intervention and remind people that they are not alone.
The Bray-based elephant sculpture, affectionately known as “Nelly”, is richly decorated with bold colours and symbolic motifs reflecting traveller culture, identity and pride. While visually striking, organisers say the sculpture’s purpose extends far beyond the visual aesthetics.
The project was formally presented to district councillors last month when the Bray Travellers Community Development Group was invited to address a monthly meeting of Bray Municipal District. During the presentation, the group outlined the aims of the project and highlighted the day-to-day challenges faced by members of the Traveller community.
Education officer Christina McIlveen addressed councillors as part of the project presentation, outlining how the initiative provided a creative outlet for young people while also highlighting wider issues facing the Traveller community, particularly in relation to education and mental health supports.
Ms McIlveen referenced ongoing challenges within the education system, noting that traveller participation in education remains at a “crisis level”, despite gradual improvements. She pointed to the continued perception that traveller children drop out of school early, and said traveller culture remains largely absent from the Irish school curriculum, despite travellers accounting for less than one per cent of the population.
Councillors were told that while progress is being made, the pace of change remains slow, and schools often lack the capacity and resources to fully engage with specialist Traveller education services.
The pilot National Traveller Programme (NTP) supporting Travellers in education was also referenced, including work linked to St Ciaran’s on the Old Connaught Road. However, it was noted that demand for support continues to outstrip available resources.
Elected members from across the district warmly welcomed the project and praised those involved.
Councillor Erika Doyle described Elephant in the Room as “a wonderful project”, adding that it can be particularly difficult to be young today. She said initiatives like this help to bring people together and create shared understanding.
Councillor Caroline Winstanley said the project generated “a real sense of pride” and highlighted the impact of seeing Traveller culture reflected positively in a prominent public space. Councillor Melanie Corrigan also welcomed the installation, saying there was a need for “more colour in our daily lives” while describing the project as a positive and uplifting initiative for the wider community living in County Wicklow.
In a statement following the presentation, the group thanked Bray Municipal District for the opportunity to speak directly with councillors and stressed the importance of collaboration at a local level.
“We welcome this opportunity to work together,” the statement said. “Together, we are stronger.”
Elephant in the Room was founded in 2021 by mental health advocate Brent Pope. What began as a grassroots initiative has since developed into a national movement, with elephant sculptures appearing in towns and cities across Ireland and internationally. Each project is delivered in partnership with local communities to ensure the artwork reflects lived experiences and local identity.
Mr Pope attended the recent Bray launch, where he offered his support to the young artists and community members involved. Speakers at the unveiling highlighted how public art can provide a safe and accessible way to open conversations around mental wellbeing, particularly for groups who may face barriers to support.
Local councillor Caroline Winstanley also attended the launch and praised the work of the Girls Youth Group and all those involved. She noted the strong cultural themes present in the artwork and spoke of the wider significance of the project.
“The elephant is beautifully painted with strong motifs that celebrate Traveller culture, identity and pride,” she said. “But beyond that, it represents the importance of talking openly and honestly about mental health in everyday life.”
The Bray Travellers Elephant in the Room will remain on public display at Bray Civic Offices for the next three months, where members of the public are encouraged to view the sculpture and engage with its message.
Organisers hope the project fosters understanding, empathy and dialogue around mental health.