ON Wednesday, January 15, the RDS will host students from every corner of Ireland for a first of its kind event being held by Cycle Against Suicide.
The inaugural Student Leaders’ Congress will promote positive mental health and help-seeking behaviour in secondary school pupils.
This event is one of Cycle Against Suicide’s methods of conveying its core message that it’s okay not to feel okay and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.
The congress programme will feature a wide variety of events, each with the purpose of promoting positive mental health practices.
Discussion will take place with high profile Cycle Against Suicide ambassadors and expert guests, who will speak about various approaches to maintaining good mental health.
An exhibition will also form part of the programme, featuring organisations that offer youth and mental health services in Ireland.
Students will be playing an active part in the congress, through the creation of a mental health
‘tool kit’, which they will develop along with the assistance of experts in attendance.
Live entertainment will feature and RTE 2FM will be broadcasting from the RDS on the day. The entire congress will also be streaming live online through www.cycleagainstsuicide.com.
Speaking at the launch of the Student Leaders’ Congress, Cycle Against Suicide founder Jim Breen said the decision to have a schools’ event was an obvious one.
“Through the two weeks of the 2013 Cycle Against Suicide, we gave 28 presentations in schools, colleges and universities all around Ireland,
? stated Mr Breen.
“Young people are hugely responsive to the message we are trying to convey and it’s vitally important that they hear it and know that it’s okay not to feel okay and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.
“We felt it was necessary to have an event that was tailored exclusively to young people and we’re delighted with the positive response we have gotten.
“On January 15, you’re going to see over 4,500 secondary students from all over this island coming together to help break the stigma attached to mental health issues in Ireland.
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The Student Leaders’ Congress will take place from 11am to 3pm. For further information, visit www.cycleagainstsuicide.com.