Transition Year Programme

The next TY Programme will take place over five separate placements across the 2026/27 academic year. 

It will run as a hybrid TY Programme, across four days, with students attending in person at  St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin 8, for the first day and then joining online for the remainder of the programme.

Details of the programme will be confirmed closer to the time. 

• What does the programme cover?

  The TY Programme includes lots of different, interactive educational sessions which are designed to give students a full and engaging experience. 

   

  Through interactive workshops, discussion and reflective learning, participants are encouraged to think critically about mental health stigma, help-seeking, resilience and the importance of compassionate conversations around mental health. 

   

  Students gain insight into the operation of a mental health service; hear lived experiences of recovery; and take part in a range of activities including observing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting involving psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists and social workers.  

   

  During the programme, participants also engage with staff from SPMHS including the Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director, clinicians and staff working in advocacy and communications.  

   

  Alongside this, students attend workshops designed to strengthen confidence, communication and peer support skills, and to support students in gaining a greater understanding of the diverse roles involved in supporting mental health and wellbeing. 

   

  Each placement aims to give students first-hand insight into mental healthcare. The placement begins with students being brought on a tour of St Patrick’s University Hospital in Dublin 8. 

   

  Throughout their dedicated four days, between Monday to Thursday, students also: 
  

  • learn about the history of mental healthcare in Ireland 
    
  • meet mental health experts and clinicians 
    
  • hear from people who have gone through mental health difficulties on their experiences of mental health recovery 
    
  • discuss mental health stigma and ways to tackle it. 

  We work closely with students throughout the week to help build their mental health awareness and see them return to their schools as mental health champions.

• When does the programme run?

  The 2026/27 TY Programme will take place over five weeks between November 2026 and February 2027. 
  
  The programme takes place over four days (Monday to Thursday of each given week). 
  
  Dates for each week of the programme will be confirmed closer to the time.

• Who can apply?

  We accept 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.  

  Teachers and TY Coordinators can apply for a general place on the programme, which can then be assigned to a student in their school at a later point. A deadline for confirming the name of the student will be set ahead of the programme starting.  

  Please note that the TY programme includes discussion of mental health topics, which may be sensitive for some participants. 

• How do I submit an application?

  We are accepting applications from students and teachers and school staff. To apply, please complete the application form here.  

   

  The deadline for applications is Friday, 31 July 2026. 

   

  Places are selected through a lottery draw basis after the deadline closes. Successful applicants will be notified by email by end of August 2026. 

   

  Due to the number of applications we receive, only successful applicants will be contacted.