Transition Year Programme

Our next TY Programme takes place across the 2020/21 academic year. Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, and with everyone’s safety in mind, we will run the upcoming programme online so that students can complete it remotely by attending a diverse timetable of virtual sessions throughout their dedicated week.

• What does the programme cover?

  Although the programme will not be taking place onsite in St Patrick’s University Hospital, as in earlier years, students will be brought on a virtual tour of the hospital at the beginning of their week.

  The online programme then includes numerous interactive elements and activities, including the mock MDT meeting, adapted for online delivery, and new modules, such as mental health training. Students will also take part in project work to develop mental health presentations, which they will then deliver online during the programme itself and, later, in their schools when they return to class after it finishes.

  Every session in the programme is imagined and designed with a virtual audience in mind to ensure students get a full, engaging and beneficial experience which builds their mental health awareness and gives them firsthand insight into the delivery of mental health care and treatment.

• When does the programme run?

  Our 2020/21 TY Programme will be held remotely over five weeks. Moving online means that we can increase the capacity for the programme to 25 students during each week.

  The five weeks of the next TY Programme will run across:

  • 19-23 October 2020
  • 9-13 November 2020
  • 16-20 November 2020
  • 18-22 January 2021
  • 15-19 February 2021.

• How do I appy for the programme?

  Applications for our 2020/21 TY Programme are now open, and must be submitted by a teacher or school staff; we cannot accept applications from students or parents.

  When a school applies, they are entered into a draw for a place on the programme. Places are then chosen at random to make the application process as fair as possible; due to demand, we will only offer one place per school. Schools who have been given a place on the programme can then nominate the student to participate.

  If you are a teacher or member of school staff wishing to apply for the programme, please email our Project Manager, Amanda McArdle, at info@walkinmyshoes.ie to confirm you would like to enter the draw for places on programme.

  You will need to provide your own name and email address, as well as your school’s name, postal address and email address in the email in order to complete your application.

  The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 19 August 2020.

  Please note that, as students will not be onsite, they do need to undergo Garda vetting before taking part in the programme.