Kayleigh learns to ‘Walk in My Shoes’
A COUNTY Wicklow student recently graduated from a programme designed to educate young people on mental health issues and to challenge the stigma associated with mental health difficulties
Colaiste Chill Mhantain student Kayleigh Clare Malone was among 90 Transition Year students who took part in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Walk In My Shoes TY programme.
The programme saw students experience a week long placement in St Patrick’s University Hospital, which was hosted by the Adolescent Mental Health team. To date, almost 600 students have taken part in the programme, which is now in its seventh year.
On completion, participants become mental wellbeing ambassadors and return to their schools and communities with an added understanding of positive mental health. Each graduate delivers a presentation to their classmates to spread their understanding of the importance of promoting positive mental health in school and in their communities.
‘With 75 per cent of all mental health difficulties beginning before the age of 24, it’s crucial that students learn how to manage their mental health and access available supports from an early age,’ said Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
‘ These students are a credit to their schools and are well equipped to become mental health ambassadors in their local areas.’
The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 5, was IFTA-nominated actress Jordanne Jones.
For more information on the Transition Year Programme please visit www. walkinmyshoes.ie