Online tool to help young Limerick people find mental health resources
The tool is designed to make mental health resources and local services easier to find
THE National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) have launched a new Online Youth Mental Health Signposting Tool, which is designed to provide people with easy access to mental health resources and local services.
The official launch event, held at the Carmelite Centre on Angier Street, featured Minister Mary Butler, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, and psychotherapist and author Colman Noctor.
The online tool aims to help bridge the gap in mental health support and ensure that young people can find the help they need quickly and efficiently.
Minister Mary Butler emphasised the importance of this initiative, saying: "The launch of this Youth Mental Health signposting tool marks a significant step forward in how we continue to support youth mental health in innovative ways.
“Young people have embraced modern technology and receive a lot of their information from their phones and devices. It is crucial that young people have access to the right, appropriate supports when they need them, in an age of misinformation and disinformation.
“This signposting tool will play a vital role to ensure access to the many supports for youth mental health are highlighted and signposted and will also support their families.”
NYCI National Youth Health Programme Manager, Rachael Traenor, highlighted the collective effort behind this project, saying: "This tool showcases the wealth of good work already being carried out by youth workers and youth services to support young people’s mental health.
“We are immensely proud of the collaborative work that has gone into developing this tool. It reflects our commitment to enhancing youth mental health support across Ireland.
“Our thanks go to all the organisations and individuals who have contributed to this important initiative.”
The launch event also included a showcase of youth mental health promotion programs and activities currently being facilitated by organisations across the country, including a discussion with Finglas Youth Resource Centre, Insync Youth Service, Kildare & West Wicklow and Limerick Youth Service.