Divert your stride from Suicide

Mount Mercy College, Cork (2011 & 2012)

The Idea
To break the silence around mental health problems and suicide and to encourage young people to communicate openly about the subject.

The ACTION
The team planned and hosted a Suicide Prevention Conference to which 600 Transition Year students from Cork schools were invited. The conference featured presentations from various professionals such as psychotherapists and lecturers and was supported and attended by celebrities such as Mick O’Driscoll from the Munster Rugby Team. The presentations and workshops at the conference informed students about how to look after their mental health and how to help others who may be suffering from depression. Students were also provided with contact details of organisations and available support services.

The Impact
This team raised awareness about the issue of suicide amongst their peers. They broke the silence around the issue and encouraged and facilitated open communication about mental health. The conference educated young people on various ways they can increase their positivity and how to support people when they may be feeling down. The project was supported by organisations and the local community in Cork and because it was such a success in 2011, the conference was also held in 2012.