Tipperary students graduate from mental health programme
Students from Clonmel, Cashel, and Thurles completed the programme
Students from across Tipperary were among over 100 who recently graduated from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Transition Year (TY) Programme as mental health ambassadors.
Abigail Strappe from Cashel Community School, Darragh Prendergast from Gaelcholáiste Cheitinn in Clonmel, and Lucy Keogh from Presentation Secondary School in Thurles all graduated from the ‘Walk in My Shoes’ campaign, a national initiative focused on promoting positive mental health among young people.
The programme combines educational sessions with direct engagement with mental health professionals and clients, allowing students to gain insight into the operation of a mental health service. They hear real experiences of recovery, and take part in a range of activities including observing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting involving psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists and social workers.
During the programme, students also attend workshops designed to build their confidence, and develop their communication skills.
Niall Fitzgerald from Offaly, who took part in the programme, said he believed there was a massive stigma associated with mental health in Ireland “but with courses like Walk in My Shoes, and its Transition Year Programme, younger generations are being educated on mental health and increasing our understanding of mental health difficulties. This helps to break the stigma and fosters a supportive environment to encourage young people to reach out for mental health support if needed”.