The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in Ireland has officially opened applications for the 2026 fellowship programme. Delivered through a partnership between Shine and The Carter Center, the fellowship offers Irish journalists a unique opportunity to produce impactful mental health reporting while gaining access to international training, mentorship, and professional networks. Founded in 1996, the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship has become one of the world’s leading journalism programmes dedicated to improving mental health reporting. The fellowship supports journalists in creating informed, accurate, and compassionate stories that challenge stigma and raise public awareness about mental health experiences. About the Fellowship Programme The fellowship is a yearlong, non-residential programme designed for journalists and media professionals interested in producing high-quality mental health journalism projects. In 2023, Shine partnered with The Carter Center to launch the fellowship in the Republic of Ireland, extending the prestigious programme’s global reach. The fellowship aims to: Improve accurate and effective reporting on mental health issues Equip journalists with tools and resources to produce trauma-informed reporting Support storytelling that challenges stigma and discrimination Develop a network of informed media professionals focused on mental health reporting Participants join an international community of fellows, mental health experts, and journalism professionals from countries including the United States, Ireland, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Fellowship Benefits and Opportunities The annual fellowship offers one Irish media professional a funded opportunity to produce an original mental health journalism project. Fellowship highlights include: A stipend of €8,000 Access to leading international experts in mental health and journalism Flexible non-residential programme structure Professional training and networking opportunities Participation in international fellowship events in the United States The fellowship also provides participants with access to a global network of journalists committed to ethical and impactful mental health reporting. Key Dates for the 2026 Fellowship Applicants should carefully note the official fellowship timeline. Important dates include: 21 April 2026 – Applications open 28 April 2026 – Fellowship Q&A webinar at 3pm 15 May 2026 – Fellowship Q&A webinar at 2pm 2 June 2026 – Applications close 25 June 2026 – Announcement of the 2026/27 fellow 14–17 September 2026 – Annual Fellowship Meeting in Atlanta, United States The fellowship includes travel to The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, at both the beginning and end of the fellowship year. Eligibility Requirements The programme is open to journalists and media professionals with a minimum of three years of journalism experience. Eligible applicants may include: Reporters Producers Documentary journalists Audio journalists Photojournalists Programme makers Freelance journalists The fellowship welcomes applicants from all media disciplines and platforms. However, the following are not considered eligible journalism experience: Blogging Academic writing Public relations work Applicants must also: Be citizens or legal residents of the Republic of Ireland Be eligible to travel to the United States Submit a complete application before the deadline Attend required meetings at The Carter Center Previous experience in mental health reporting is not required. Priority Themes for 2026 Projects The fellowship encourages creative and socially impactful project ideas that centre lived mental health experiences. For 2026, projects should include at least one of the following themes: Hearing voices Mental health recovery Traveller mental health stories Mental health among older people Artificial intelligence and mental illness Families and supporters The programme also welcomes projects focusing on: Psychosis and schizophrenia Recovery-focused storytelling Mental health in farming communities Mental health in leadership roles Everyday mental health experiences Iatrogenic trauma Projects must centre the voices of people with lived experience to qualify for consideration. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a full fellowship application package, including: Completed application form Project proposal Supporting materials A mandatory Letter of Commitment The Letter of Commitment is an essential requirement and must be completed by an editor or producer from a media organisation based in the Republic of Ireland. The letter confirms that: The organisation supports the applicant’s project Editorial time and assistance will be provided The project will be published or broadcast The final work will remain freely accessible to the public and not behind a paywall Applications without this document are considered ineligible. International Training and Fellowship Experience Selected fellows participate in training and networking sessions at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Travel and accommodation expenses for these visits are covered by the programme. During the fellowship year, participants receive: Editorial guidance Access to mental health experts Peer collaboration opportunities International journalism support networks Fellows are also encouraged to continue reporting on mental health issues beyond the fellowship year. The Importance of Mental Health Journalism The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship continues to play an important role in improving public understanding of mental health through responsible journalism. By supporting accurate and compassionate storytelling, the fellowship helps: Reduce stigma around mental illness Increase public awareness and education Promote informed policy discussions Amplify underrepresented voices and communities The programme recognises the media’s powerful influence in shaping public perceptions of mental health experiences. Conclusion The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in Ireland offers an exceptional opportunity for Irish journalists to produce meaningful, high-impact reporting on mental health issues. With financial support, international training, expert mentorship, and access to a global journalism network, the fellowship continues to strengthen ethical and informed mental health reporting in Ireland and beyond. Journalists interested in mental health storytelling are encouraged to apply before the June 2026 deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.