Gormanston Collegehost CycleAgainst SuicideAwards
Franciscan College Gormanston had a very exciting start to the school year, receiving its 4th Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador School Award.
The school was also presented with an additional award, recognising its commitment to the Ambassador Schools Programme, by achieving 3 consecutive awards, one of only a handful of schools in the country to receive this recognition.
Both awards were presented at the Cycle Against Suicide Ambassador Schools Awards ceremony held recently at King’s Inn.
The main guest speaker at the awards ceremony was Adam Weafer an Irish Actor who featured in Red Rock and most recently Coronation Street.
He spoke about anxiety, panic attacks and how social media is a big factor in mental health for youth today. It was announced at the event that the new school year’s theme is ‘Positive vibes, Super lives’ and the hashtag is #Herovibes. The awards were then presented by Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee, Dr Harry Barry author and mental health expert along with Adam Weafer.
Receiving the award on behalf of Gormanston College was teacher Ms Heather Buchanan together with student representatives who were part of the ‘School Goes Orange’ 2017-18 Committee, made up of volunteers from Transition Year.
“Franciscan College Gormanston actively promotes mental health well-being, particularly through its Clann System that helps students integrate quickly and become an important part of the school community. The Ambassador Schools Programme supports the work of the school community, ensuring the focus remains on mental health activities.” said School Principal Dermot Lavin. The school acknowledged the continuous support of staff and students, together with help received from the programme sponsors Johnstone Paint Outlet, Cannon Row, Navan and Colm Buchanan Painting and Decorating.
The Ambassador Schools Programme was established in 2013 and encourages schools to become actively involved in mental health promotion. The programme provides a framework, structure and incentive for schools to integrate mental health activities into their school planning. The awards acknowledge schools that go the extra mile. Further details are available on www. cycleagainstsuicide.com.