STUDENTS at a Northside secondary school visited the RDS recently to participate in an event aimed at promoting positive mental health in communities across the island of Ireland.
The girls at St Mary’s Holy Faith, Killester, joined stars of Irish broadcasting, sport, music, business and the arts for the third annual Cycle Against Suicide Student Leaders’ Congress.
‘Appreciate Your Mind’ was the theme of the daylong event hosted by Cycle Against Suicide. Selected by Cycle Against Suicide student leaders, it sought to remind students that it’s ok not to feel ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help. Over 4,000 students from 100 schools attended.
As well as participating in a carefully choreographed, high energy experience, a choir comprising St Mary’s students opened the 2015 congress with their own song based on the
‘Appreciate Your Mind’ theme.
Principal of St Mary’s, Evelyn McLoughlin, said they were privileged to participate in the congress.
“And we were honoured to showcase our school’s work at this event,
? Ms McLoughlin told Northside People.
“The impact of this type of activity is far reaching, not just in our schools, but also in the community at large.
“We are especially happy that so many St Mary’s students took a leadership role on the day as volunteers.
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The Student Leaders’ Congress seeks to highlight the importance of promoting positive mental health practices in schools and communities and in a very special way, demonstrates the value to students of appreciating their own mental wellbeing.
There was also an opportunity for students to interact with mental health organisations exhibiting on the day.
The purpose of this interaction was to signpost students in the direction of where critical help is available, if and when it is needed.
The first student event was held at the RTE studios in March 2013.
Cycle Against Suicide founder Jim Breen said:
“There were 40 student leaders in attendance that day. That event highlighted to us the appetite that existed among young people for an event that would address mental health issues and harness the potential of young people as ambassadors for the Cycle Against Suicide movement.
“Each year over the two weeks of our annual cycle, we give presentations in schools, colleges and universities all around the island of Ireland and we witness how hugely responsive students are to the message that it’s ok not to feel ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help.
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Mr Breen said the event is tailored exclusively to young people.
“We are delighted to have such high profile guests in attendance to encourage our students to appreciate their mental wellbeing,
? he added.
MC’d by 2FM’s Colm Hayes and Al Porter, the event featured interviews and discussions with high profile Cycle Against Suicide ambassadors.
These included adventure athlete and professional speaker Mark Pollock; mother and athlete, Sonia O’Sullivan; Voice of Ireland coach and musician, Bressie; singer from indie pop act Heathers, Ellie McNamara; mentalist, Shane Gillen and many more.
Dublin Gospel Choir and bands White Chalk and Red Empire performed for all those in attendance.
Jim Breen established Cycle Against Suicide after visiting a suicide awareness group in Dublin 15 as part of RTE’s
‘The Secret Millionaire’ programme. Noticing the huge impact the programme had on people, Mr Breen decided to use his skills to help raise awareness for the supports available for suicide prevention in Ireland.