We had some amazing ideas submitted to Mission Possible 2024/25 including awareness initiatives including wellbeing weeks, diversity weeks, Stand Up Week, Thriving Thursdays and a Self-Expression Uniform Day; resources like a Let It Out booklet and a student support booklet; activities like a Mentoring Wheel; and other projects like nurture rooms, sensory gardens and a Senior-to-Junior Mentoring Programme.
The winning schools and centres were:
Primary school winner:
St Clare's National School, County Cavan.
Our primary school winning entry was around a Self-Expression Day, where the children dress in a way that allows them to express their identities, define themselves as unique individuals and portray their true selves on the day.
Secondary school winner:
Coláiste Muire Ballymote, County Sligo.
Coláiste Muire's idea helps deepens collaborations with their Student Council and student body. Their project involved setting up art signposting areas which will serve as daily reminders for the importance of mental health and self-care; introducing information boards which showcase supports in the school community and beyond; and installing a new greenhouse to offer another wellbeing space for students and contribute to sustainability.
FET centres (including Youthreach) winner:
Kilkenny Youthreach, County Kilkenny.
Winners planned to enhance the wellbeing of young people attending their centre by developing a sensory room and adding gym equipment. These initiatives aim to improve mental health, physical health, and overall student engagement.
Judges included Paul Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS); Sinéad Smith, teacher in SPMHS’ Willow Grove Adolescent Unit; and Trish Harrington, Guidance Counsellor in St Patrick’s Cathedral Grammar School.
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