The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Killorglin students celebrated as mental health ambassadors
KILLORGLIN Community College has been awarded the prestigious status of a cycle against suicide ambassador school at the annual awards ceremony held at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham recently.
Just one of an array of Cycle against Suicide initiatives, the programme was aimed at emphasising the fact that “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help”.
The awards honoured schools nationwide that were actively involved in mental health promotion and have completed the Ambassador School Programme.
The Community College was represented at the event by co-ordinating teacher Melissa O’Riordan and students Ailis Wakefield and Sinead Horgan; who were understandably elated that their efforts had been acknowledged at such a level.
Speaking at the event, Ms O’Riordan said: “It’s wonderful to attend such a positive event, and have the efforts of the students recognised.
“Our participation 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 for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, congratulated the schools on completing the Programme.
Tralee resident and founder of Cycle against Suicide, Jim Breen, meanwhile paid tribute to all the schools who participated in the programme saying: “On behalf of Cycle against Suicide I’d like to thank each of the 83 Ambassador Schools. Their actions are changing the mind-set, behaviour and culture of an entire generation.”