In response to the recently published Guidelines on Mental Health Promotion and Well-Being in Irish secondary schools, Gairmscoil Mhuire, Athenry has decided to engage this issue in a creative, pro-active manner.
The school has organised a week-long programme of events to explore and create an awareness of mental well-being among teenagers. The line-up for the week includes talks, workshops and presentations from relevant organisations throughout Galway.
This initiative has been taken on by the school with the support of Think Big, an organisation supported by Headstrong (Ireland’s national youth mental health organisation ).
One of the highlights of the week is the very informative and engaging presentation by the renowned Psychiatrist Dr Fergus Heffernan on “understanding positive mental health and the emotional wellbeing of teenagers today.” The talk will explore issues that affect young people growing up in Ireland today such as:
— How to nurture confidence and self-esteem in young people.
— Strategies for parents and children to combat stress and anxiety and other relevant areas specific to personal and family wellbeing.
— Improving communication skills between family members.
The school is committed to supporting the wellbeing of its students and is of the opinion that young people learn more effectively if they are happy and feel supported in school. Building resilience and emotional wellbeing is a very important element of student’s school potential and their success in life.
Monies raised during the week will go towards Jigsaw Galway.
