Marcus Prouse in top photo award
Over 1,500 Irish students drew and photographed what mental health means to them following a call for entries into Mental Health Ireland’s Art & Photography Competition.
Issues including anxiety, stress and depression can be difficult for teenagers to talk about. Feedback from teachers and students was this competition opened up a space for the students to think about their own mental health and those around them.
The National Photography Winner was Marcus Prouse from Drogheda Grammar School.
His photo is a close up of a girls face surrounded by leaves of a tree. The use of natural light was really well executed and the way he captured the subject’s eyes was fantastic.
The National Art Winner was Jonathan O’Keeffe from St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, Co Kerry.
Martin Rogan, CEO Mental Health Ireland said “Young people in Ireland have taken a great interest in mental health and this is very obvious from the entries we have received this year. ‘They are not just interested in their own mental health but show interest in supporting others.’