Fairview students prepare for mental health event

STUDENTS at a Northside school will join 7,000 others from all over Ireland this week for a major event to promote positive mental health. 

The students, from St Joseph’s CBS Secondary School, Fairview, will take part in this year’s Cycle Against Suicide Student Leaders’ Congress at Dublin’s 3 Arena.

The ‘Joeys’ students have been engaged in a number of different creative projects in recent weeks, which will be on display at the event, and are inspired by the Cycle Against Suicide motto that ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’. 

The Student Leaders’ Congress promotes positive mental health and provides advice to young people in a fun and inclusive manner. The theme for this year’s congress is #EmpowerYourVoice.

Speaking in advance of the event on January 18, Transition Year Mental Health Team coordinator, Allison Leetch, said she was sure the students travelling to the 3 Arena would do them proud.

The ‘Joeys’ students have been preparing well. Firstly, weekly quotes are put up around the school to ensure positive vibes are created in the corridors. Secondly, a dodgeball tournament has been set up to take place this month for all first year students to illustrate the benefits of exercise on their mental health. 

Finally, and most importantly, the TY team has written a book about Positive Mental health called ‘Mind Matters’. The book will be going on sale in Fairview in the next few weeks. 

The book contains interviews, articles, recipes and much more relating to mental health. If you are interested in buying the book it only costs €5. Contact the school on 01-8339779 to order.

Having started as a gathering of 40 young people in 2012, the Student Leaders’ Congress has grown year on year, and the 2018 event will be the largest young people’s mental health conference in Europe. 

The student-led event boasts a diverse schedule of speakers, which includes representatives from Irish mental health organisations, Snapchat star James Kavanagh, Galway hurlers Jason Flynn and Davy Glennon, Dustin the Turkey, author Kevin Hines and MC for the day, Radio DJ Nikki Hayes. Music performances will be provided at the 3 Arena by Booka Brass Band, Mundy, Wild Youth, Little Hours and many more.