At the roots of support: my job-shadowing experience in Ireland

By Dumitrița Simion.

From 26 August to 9 September, I had the privilege of joining a job-shadowing experience at Slí Eile, the only residential farm in Ireland for people with mental health challenges. The opportunity came through the Roots of Support project, funded by Erasmus+.

For two weeks, I immersed myself in the daily rhythm of the farm, where social care, meaningful work, and community living are seamlessly intertwined. I was surrounded by the legendary kindness of the Irish people, the spectacular scenery, and the gentle presence of friendly animals.

Slí Eile is more than just a farm, or a beautiful old mansion. It is a home where people can live for up to 18 months, receiving 24-hour support while recovering their mental health and rebuilding their lives.

Tenants engage in horticulture, in the bakery, and in two vintage shops. The vegetables they grow and the pastries they make find their way to local stores and the Saturday market. The vintage shops add their own charm, breathing new life into old treasures.

I had the opportunity to take part in many of these daily tasks: tending vegetables, preparing produce for sale, helping in the bakery, arranging stalls for market day, and assisting with deliveries. Beyond the practical work, I also shared countless small but meaningful moments—laughing over tea, facilitating art journaling sessions, or simply sitting in silence with the tenants.

What struck me most was how naturally peer support unfolded at Slí Eile. Hierarchies seemed almost invisible: staff and tenants worked side by side, sharing stories, responsibilities, and everyday life. Nothing was forced. Tasks were optional but gently encouraged, and the flexible structure allowed each person to engage at their own pace.

Peer support was often found in the smallest moments—chatting in the kitchen, working shoulder to shoulder in the garden, or preparing for the market together.

On a personal level, I came home with new skills in horticulture and baking, and with a deeper appreciation for how arts can open doors to expression and healing. I also learned about the challenges of sustaining social enterprises while respecting tenants’ needs: the importance of reliable staff, flexibility for fluctuating participation, and creativity in balancing recovery with production.

And perhaps my most important lesson: peer support can be as structured as a creative workshop—or as simple as sitting together in silence. Peer support is about being with. Sometimes it means listening to a life story. Sometimes it’s sharing a laugh or having tea together. And sometimes, it’s baking scones or harvesting spinach in quiet presence.

Above all, my time at Slí Eile was nourishing and hopeful. It reassured me that kindness and empathy are still abundant in our world—and that, with the right structures, they can flourish into communities of care.