Columba College student is mental health ambassador

Chloe Coyne from Columba College was among more than 100 students from across the country who graduated as mental health ambassadors from the ‘Walk in My Shoes’ Transition Year Programme in a ceremony at St Patrick’s University Hospital earlier this month.

Chloe Coyne graduated from the St Patrick’s Mental Health Services Walk in My Shoes TY programme on May 3.

On graduation, students emerge as mental health ambassadors and present to their classes about what they’ve learned about mental health.

The flagship education and awareness-raising campaign of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services originally launched its week-long TY Programme in 2011, with the aim of educating students about mental health difficulties, breaking down the stigma, and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Hosted by the Adolescent Mental Health Team at St Patrick’s University Hospital and open to all fourth-year students, participants undertake a range of classroom-based activities, including mock multidisciplinary team meetings with psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and social workers, cardiac first response training, and talks on topics including social media and mental health, pharmacology, advocacy and many more.

Students emerge as mental wellbeing ambassadors on completing the programme, before sharing their new understandings of mental health through preparing and giving presentations to their classmates on their return to school.

To date, more than 800 students have completed the programme, which is now in its ninth year.

“The Transition Year Programme is an outstanding initiative for students,” said guest speaker at the ceremony, Irish singer and songwriter Ryan O’Shaughnessy.

“Awareness and education around mental health is so important, especially for young people as they navigate their way through a rewarding, yet challenging, time of their lives.

“The Walk in My Shoes TY programme gives students an opportunity to experience first-hand and to raise awareness of the impact that a positive attitude towards mental health makes.”

• For more information on the Transition Year Programme please visit walkinmyshoes.ie.