FCJ scoop top award for mental health promotion
FCJ Secondary School received the Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School Award at a ceremony in Dublin last week.
These awards recognised the immense efforts of 89 schools around Ireland who have completed the Ambassador School Programme, and became actively involved in mental health promotion.
The Ambassador School Programme which is one aspect of a wide range of Cycle Against Suicide initiatives and programmes, is school-led and involves the completion of ‘Five Gears’ over the course of a year, all of which are aimed at raising awareness of the message that ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’.
The programme provides a framework for schools to integrate mental health activities into the school plan and rewards schools who go the extra mile. The programme also aims to recognise innovative and effective initiatives, and facilitates schools to share and showcase good practice.
At the special reception, FCJ Secondary School was awarded the prestigious status of Ambassador School by Cycle Against Suicide in recognition of their fulfilment of the Five Gears, and their exceptional commitment to the promotion of positive mental health.
FCJ Secondary School was represented at the event by Link Teacher Anne Carroll and teacher Sandra Power along with students Fiachra Busher and Angelika Batko.
Ms Carroll said: ‘ The Ambassador School Awards ceremony was a great day. It’s wonderful to attend such a positive event and have the efforts of the students recognised. Our par- ticipation in the Ambassador School Programme has had an enormously positive impact on our school community, fostered a school-wide approach to the promotion of positive mental health, and provided incredible opportunities for student leadership.
Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee And Kayleigh Cullinane, Operation Transformation participant presented the awards to students.
For more information log onto www.cycleagainstsuicide.com.