Kilkenny group scoop national award at prestigious ceremony

Students from Kilkenny Youthreach were celebrated for their efforts in promoting positive mental health in their schools at the Mission Possible School Achievement awards ceremony held in St Patrick’s University Hospital earlier this month.

The awards are held annually to showcase the meaningful work schools are undertaking to foster positive mental health and wellbeing in classrooms and communities across Ireland.

The awards are run by Walk in My Shoes, the flagship awareness-raising and education campaign from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services and the winners in each category received a €1,000 prize, a role as Walk in My Shoes School Ambassador and a specialist Walk in My Shoes School Support Package. Runners-up in each category received prize money of €500.

Kilkenny Youthreach won first prize in the FET centres (including Youthreach) category for their wellbeing initiatives. The centre prioritises mental health and personal development. It offers an SPHE programme and MindOut for mental health awareness.

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They have a sensory room providing therapeutic support and they take part in various initiatives such as Amber Flag, Stand UP Week, and Eco-Unesco projects which foster inclusivity, creativity, and environmental awareness. Additionally, wellbeing services include counselling, reflexology and workshops, all contributing to a vibrant, resilient student community.

With their prize money, Kilkenny Youthreach aims to enhance their sensory room with audio and visual equipment such as sound machines, interactive speakers for music therapy, projectors for calming visual displays and LED mood lighting. They would also like to add some gym equipment as engaging in physical activities can benefit students by boosting mood and confidence.

Some other initiatives and ideas submitted included a Self-Expression Uniform Day, Wellbeing Weeks, a Let it Out booklet, Thriving Thursdays, a wellbeing noticeboard, Diversity Weeks, nurture rooms, sensory gardens, a Senior-to-Junior Mentoring Program, a Student Support Booklet, Stand UP Week, and a Mentoring Wheel.

Award Winners: