MORE than 4,000 students took part in an event recently that was created to discuss and raise awareness of mental health and wellness issues faced by young people in Ireland today.
Students from more than 150 schools across the country took part in the 2020 Cycle Against Suicide Annual Student Leaders’ Congress, held at the Citywest Convention Centre in Dublin.
Former Ireland rugby player Alan Quinlan was among the speakers. A devoted advocate of mental health awareness who has openly talked about his own mental health struggles in the past, he addressed the young people in attendance.
During his address, Mr Quinlan spoke about his own experiences with mental health issues and gave advice to attendees on allowing themselves to be open and honest with others when they are feeling down.
He also highlighted the importance of young people learning the essential skills of building resilience and coping mechanisms that will allow them to navigate the challenges of day-to-day life.
Speaking about his involvement in the event, Mr Quinlan said: ”Mental health has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m keen to impart on others, especially young people, the struggles I faced and how I’ve learnt to address these.
“It’s vital that we continue to put mental health high on the agenda and this conference has given me the opportunity to speak to 4,000 young people about their mental health and building resilience.”
Mr Quinlan said young people are the future of Ireland and are setting an example with their willingness and openness to address mental health issues.
“It’s incredibly important that we encourage and support this through events like the Cycle Against Suicide Student Leaders’ Congress; and that we help to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat negative mental health and break the stigma that’s attached to it,” he added.
Other speakers touched on a variety of important topics including mental health difficulties, social anxiety, body image issues, issues affecting those in the LGBTQ+ community, consent and respect, trolling and how to offer hope and build resilience in young people.
The event also hosted talks and workshops from a number of experts in the field of mental health and wellbeing.
Now in its fifth year, the Student Leaders’ Congress is organised by suicide awareness and prevention charity, Cycle Against Suicide.
Chief executive of Cycle Against Suicide, Caroline Lafferty, said the charity was honoured to have hosted another successful Student Leaders’ Congress.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our speakers for sharing their expertise and experiences with students from across Ireland,” said Ms Lafferty.
The 2020 Cycle Against Suicide is taking place from April 25 to May 3. Cyclists can register and get further information by visiting www.cycleagainstsuicide.com