Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) is welcoming applications for the next Transition Year (TY) Programme as students graduate from the 2025/26 mental health placement.
Opening applications for the 2026/27 programme
The WIMS TY Programme is a national initiative focused on promoting positive mental health among young people.
The 2026/27 TY Programme, which will take place over five weeks between November 2026 and February 2027, is now accepting applications.
We are accepting applications for the TY Programme directly from students and from teachers or school staff on behalf of students. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from parents.
The deadline for applications is Friday, 31 July 2026.
The deadline for applications is Friday, 31 July 2026.
Building an understanding of mental health
Taking place across five placements each academic year, the four-day initiative, delivered by staff in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS), helps to support secondary school students to build their understanding of mental health; develop practical mental health promotion skills; and explore how they can contribute to creating more open and supportive environments in their schools and communities.
The programme, delivered through interactive workshops, discussion and reflective learning, encourages young people to think critically about mental health stigma, help-seeking, and resilience and underlines the importance of compassionate conversations around mental health.
Students learn through a combination of educational sessions and direct engagement with mental health professionals, service users and organisational leaders. Students are given insights into the operation of a mental health service; hear first-hand lived experiences of recovery; and take part in a range of activities over the four-days, including observing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting involving psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
Those attending the programme also engage with the Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director, clinicians and staff working in advocacy and communications at SPMHS. Alongside this, participants attend workshops designed to strengthen confidence, communication, and peer support skills. The programme supports students in gaining a greater understanding of the diverse roles involved in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Celebrating students in an awards ceremony
Every year, students who complete the TY Programme are celebrated at a graduation ceremony. The students who completed the 2025/26 TY Programme graduated as mental health ambassadors at a recent ceremony in St Patrick’s University Hospital.
The graduation marked 15 years since the TY Programme began, with approximately 1,500 students having completed the programme since it began in 2011.
Educating younger generations
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, TY Programme Participant, Niall Fitzgerald from Offaly, said: “I believe there is a massive stigma associated with mental health in Ireland but with courses like WIMS, and its TY Programme, younger generations are being educated on mental health and increasing our understanding of mental health difficulties.
“This helps to break the stigma and fosters a supportive environment to encourage young people to reach out for mental health support if needed".
Speaking about this year’s TY Programme graduates, Rebecca Gaynor, a lead on the TY Programme, said: “Congratulations to each and every student who has graduated from our 2025/26 TY Programme and are returning to their schools and communities as ambassadors for mental health.
“The TY Programme gives students a fantastic opportunity to learn from frontline staff about what it’s like to work in mental healthcare, while also giving them insight into the experiences of those with mental health difficulties.".
Each programme aims to empower students with the tools to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among their peers and community. It is a privilege to see the energy and enthusiasm that students bring to learning about mental health.”
