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St. Fintan's Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2025

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St. Fintan's Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2025

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Students will be encouraged to wear their green ribbons tomorrow 10th October on World Mental Health Day. We as a school want to encourage open conversations in our school, in our homes and in our community about our mental health. We stand together to reduce stigma and promote kindness and understanding.

Thank you to Shine.ie for providing green ribbons for our students and teachers.

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Wellbeing support for Leaving Certificate students, parents and school staff.

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Wellbeing support for Leaving Certificate students, parents and school staff.

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Wellbeing support for Leaving Certificate students, parents and school staff

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The issuing of the Leaving Certificate results and the subsequent issuing of the CAO offers can be a time of mixed emotions for young people. These emotions can range from happiness to disappointment, to excitement and stress. All these feelings are normal and ok. What is most important at this time is to remember that although the Leaving Certificate is important, there are many roads now to get to one’s desired destination. The following information and resources will support students in minding their wellbeing in the coming days and weeks.

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Helpful tips and advice from the 'National Educational Psychological Service' on helping students transition from Primary to Secondary school.

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Whole School Initiatives that Promote Wellbeing

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Whole School Initiatives that Promote Wellbeing

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Our wellbeing initiatives in St. Fintan's strive to create a caring, healthy and inclusive environment that supports all of our students.

These include:

Chess Club

Continuum of Support Model

Cultural Diversity Week

Debating

Enterprise

First Aid

Gaisce Awards

Green School Committee

Healthy Eating

Lunch Time Clubs

Outdoor learning (Outdoor Classroom)

Performance Arts

Personal Development

Prefects

Road Safety

School Band

School Choir

School Musical

SOAR Workshops

Student Council

Themed weeks (e.g. Maths Week, Science Week etc)

Wellbeing Curriculum (CSPE, SPHE and PE)

Wellbeing Wall (Pictures)

Wellbeing Week

Young Social Innovators

Through their time, work and commitment, staff also provide a broad programme of sporting activities.

These include:

Athletics

Badminton

Basketball

Frisbee

Gaelic Football

Golf

Handball

Hurling

Rugby

Soccer

Squash

Table Tennis

Tennis

Teachers also organise co-curricular outings, visits and tours e.g. – Skiing for TY students, trips to Theatre and Drama, History, Geography and Science trips as well as

overseas tours.

These activities serve to broaden the educational engagement and sense of belonging

central to a sense of students’ wellbeing at school.

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National Parents Council: 'Supporting Parents to Support Their Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing'

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National Parents Council: 'Supporting Parents to Support Their Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing'

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This is an interactive resource that addresses the key factors that influence children’s mental health and wellbeing,

This 30-minute interactive webinar will:

support parents to encourage and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in their children.

discuss ways of building and nurturing resilience in children and young people.

examine tools for supporting positive mental health among this age cohort.

outline practical tips on how best support their child’s mental health and wellbeing.

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Supporting Parents to Support their Children’s Mental Health & Well-being

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slide: Supporting Parents to Support their Children’s Mental Health & Well-being

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St. Fintan’s High School endeavours to develop and support wellbeing of each and every person in our school community.

We aim to:

Provide for the wellbeing for all in the school in light of the school Mission Statement and the charter of our school trust – ERST.

Our policies, procedures, culture, ethos and the activities support and develop the wellbeing of all members of St.Fintan’s High School, both within the curriculum and the wider school community.

Our school wellbeing activities are informed by Junior Cycle Wellbeing Guidelines from the Department of Education and Skills (DES), in particular Circular Letter 0015/2017 and the DES Guidelines on Wellbeing.

We offer a variety of opportunities within and beyond the classroom focused on the promotion of wellbeing.

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Teams of Support

Year Heads

Class Tutors

Teachers

Additional Educational Needs Team

Special Needs Assistants

Guidance Counselling Supports

Student Mentorship Programme

Student Prefects

Student Council

Partnerships with Parents and the Wider Community: Parents Council

The Student Support Team

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Our Whole School approach is based  on the four key areas of Wellbeing Promotion

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Our Whole School approach is based  on the four key areas of Wellbeing Promotion

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Information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing.

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Information and advice about your mental health and wellbeing, including mental health issues, coping with difficult situations and helping someone else.

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Services and supports for young people

Jigsaw

Mental health advice and support - online and in person - for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and for parents or concerned adults.
Visit jigsaw.ie/livechat to chat online with a clinician Find Jigsaw services in your area - jigsaw.ie
Childline

Ireland's 24-hour listening service for young people up to the age of 18. Childline is a service from the ISPCC.

Freephone 1800 666 666, any time

Text 50101 any time

Chat online at childline.ie any time.

BeLonG To Youth Services

Support, information and groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland, their parents and carers, and other professionals.
belongto.org
spunout

spunout is Ireland's youth information website created by young people, for young people. Articles and information for young people on many topics, including mental health.

Free-text SPUNOUT to 50808 to chat with a trained volunteer, any time.

Barnardos

Services for children, families and communities, to transform the lives of vulnerable children affected by adverse childhood experiences. Barnardos also provide a Children's Bereavement Service.

Freephone 1800 910 123, Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm
barnardos.ie
CARI

Therapy for children and young people who have been affected by child sexual abuse. CARI also provide information, support and counselling to non-abusing parents, carers and siblings.

Phone 0818 924567, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
hello@cari.ie
Services and supports for older people

ALONE

National support and referral line for older people.

Phone 0818 222 024, 8am to 8pm every day

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Emotional support and information on supports and services.

Freephone 1800 341 341, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
helpline@alzheimer.ie
The Dementia Resource Hub lists information and online resources for people with dementia, families and carers.
alzheimer.ie understandtogether.ie
Seniorline

Confidential listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers.

Phone 1800 804 591, 10am to 10pm every day.
thirdageireland.ie
Age Friendly Ireland

Programmes and networks to support older people.
agefriendlyireland.ie
Bereavement and grief
Find organisations that provide self-help resources and services for people who are grieving or bereaved by suicide
Online videos and courses

Minding Your Wellbeing

Free series of video resources to learn and practice key elements of mental wellbeing such as mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience from HSE Health and Wellbeing.
Learn about the Minding your Wellbeing Programme
Minding Your Mental Health

Multilingual video messages presented by doctors and other health professionals living and working in Ireland. The videos are available in Romanian, Polish, Arabic, English, French, Lithuanian, Russian, Irish and Portuguese.
translateireland.ie
Stress Control

Stress Control classes to learn stress management skills and tips for minding your mental health, from the HSE. The programmes are for 3 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays and recommences at varying intervals.
stresscontrol.ie
Suicide or Survive

Free workshops and programmes on mental health, wellness and recovery.
suicideorsurvive.ie
Apps

These mobile apps can help you manage anxiety. They have been approved for listing here by the HSE Mental Health Group.

The app developers are solely responsible for their compliance and fitness for purpose. These apps are not supplied by the HSE and the HSE is not liable for their use.

Mindshift by Anxiety Canada

MindShift CBT uses strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help users engage in healthy thinking and take action. Users check in each day to track their anxiety and work with tools in the app.
Get Mindshift from the App Store Get Mindshift from Google Play
Headspace

Headspace teaches meditation and mindfulness skills. Map your journey, track your progress and 'buddy up' with friends and motivate each other.
Get Headspace from the App Store Get Headspace from Google Play
Clear Fear

From teenage mental health charity Stem4. The app uses CBT to help you learn to reduce the physical responses to threat. Strategies include learning to breathe, relax and be mindful, changing thoughts and behaviours, and releasing emotions. You can personalise the app and track your progress.
Get Clear Fear from the App Store Get Clear Fear from Google Play
HSE Eating Disorder Self Help App

A self-care app for people:

with an eating disorder

caring for someone with an eating disorder

worried about developing an eating disorder

diagnosed or are recovering from an eating disorder

From the HSE National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders and Bodywhys.
Find out about the HSE Eating Disorder Self Help App

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Find mental health supports and services from the HSE, agencies we fund and other organisations

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National Parents Council: Post-Primary Supports

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National Parents Council: Post-Primary Supports

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NPC exists to ensure that all parents are supported and empowered to become effective partners in their children's education.

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Anxiety can have a helpful role as young people prepare for their end-of-year and state exams.

No matter how much you prepare for exams, the pressure is firmly on and often the anxiety can be overwhelming for both students and their parents. However, according to St Patrick's Mental Health Services (SPMHS), anxiety is not always a bad thing.

Colman Noctor, Child and Adult Psychotherapist at SPMHS, says:

" Anxiety can motivate us and spur us on. Therefore, it is not a realistic goal to eliminate anxiety; rather, the goal is to manage it."

So what can parents do to manage both their own anxiety and that of their children?

The best approach to supporting a young person through the anxious exam period is to follow their lead. All young people are different and experience their environment differently so it is best to ask them what they need in order to support them effectively.

Instead of worrying if your child is working hard enough or working too hard, focus on creating a stress-free environment for students that allows their hard work to pay off.

Avoid piling on the pressure at this stage; rather, manage expectations of both yourself and your child. Encourage your child to be open and honest about their anxiety levels and facilitate open and honest communication.

Always remember to support the effort. At this stage, there is little value in going over what the young person could have done or discussing the option to repeat. Acknowledge and focus on the work that has been done and provide reassurance.

Reassure the young person that the examiner wants to find out what they do know, as opposed to what they don't know. Young people can feel overwhelmed, and anxiety tends to focus the mind on the gaps, as opposed to the work completed. Be the other voice in this regard.

Remind the young person that this will pass! There is no person in the world who still suffers from Leaving Cert anxiety 20 years on; although some of us will still dream about it, we have gotten over it and they will too.

Remember the most important A is an A in emotional health.

Paul Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of SPMHS, says: "we know that one in 10 children and adolescents suffer from mental health disorders and that, by age 13, one in three have some type of mental health difficulty; by 24, one in two."

"It is therefore vital that we pay special attention to the emotional needs of our young people at this time of year. It's our job as parents to protect our young by letting them know that exams are not the be all and end all. Exam time is stressful but, with the right attitudes and support, every student can flourish."

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A child psychologist reminds parents that exam anxiety can motivate students and shares advice on how to avoid anxiety turning into distress.

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The National Centre for Youth Mental Health

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A young person who attended Jigsaw

As a teenager I received the mental health support I needed. The work we did together has helped make me who I am today and I strongly believe that every young person should be able to access that kind of help.

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Visit Jigsaw.ie | The National Centre for Youth Mental Health

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We offer a listening ear, and give expert advice and support, online and in person, to young people across Ireland, aged 12 - 25 years-old.

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Watch our webinar with mental health experts and parenting organisations on supporting children's wellbeing.

At Walk in My Shoes (WIMS), we know that raising children brings a lot of joy and love to our lives, but it can also raise challenges.

Parents are constantly trying to balance the day-to-day risks, worries and changes in their children's lives, while trying to keep their young people emotionally and mentally healthy.

These challenges are perhaps never more pronounced than in difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey we ran with the National Parents Council Primary (NPC) found that close to one in five children received some form of mental health support during the pandemic, while a quarter of parents are worried about how their child will adjust as society begins to reopen.

To help parents in addressing these challenges, we held a webinar on supporting children's mental health in July 2021, hearing insight and advice from mental health experts and representatives from parenting organisations.

You can find out more about the speakers and topics, and watch the webinar below.

Building resilience

Our first speaker was Paul Gilligan, child psychologist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of St Patrick's Mental Health Services, who looked at building psychological resilience in young people.

Paul explained that psychological resilience is the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis. How we define "a crisis", how we define "ability", and how we define "coping" are all important; all of these concepts are not just different for children and adults, but for each individual child.

He reminded us that it is essential to continually challenge our belief systems about each child in our lives and ensure that they are healthy. This requires being honest with and challenging ourselves. We need to be able to accept and reflect on how our own childhoods, parents, experiences of parenting, professional training, communities and so on have impacted on our beliefs.

Finally, Paul explored how helping a child connect with their inner emotional strength is best done by focusing on the core concepts of child-centeredness. These concepts follow children's rights principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and focus on empowering a child to take control of and guide their own lives, particularly their emotional lives.

Listening effectively

Áine Lynch, CEO of the NPC ,joined us as the second speaker, focusing on listening and communication skills.

Áine noted that the communication you have with your child is the root of all good relationships. Open and respectful communication between family members can both contribute to children's social abilities and reduce the likelihood of mental health problems.

Listening effectively to your child is really critical to understanding their perspective and helping them find their way. Active listening is not always easy; it can be difficult. In her talk, Áine ran through some key listening skills in more detail.

Doing the best we can

Our last speaker was Clíodhna McDonnell, founder of the Doing the Best We Can peer support group for parents and guardians. It aims to bring people together through coffee mornings, one-on-one sessions and activities.

Clíodhna introduced the group and its work, explaining that the most important thing for its members is understanding mental health. It's important for all parents to know what their child is going through; if a parent feels empowered to cope with their situation, it helps their family overall. The group wants to let parents know there is a support network there which they can rely on when their children are going through difficult times.

Read more about improving child wellbeing

Read more about improving child wellbeing

Continue to...
New Teacher Year Planner launched to boost school's wellbeing goals

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Watch a webinar for parents on child mental health

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Walk in My Shoes held a webinar with mental health experts and parenting organisations on supporting children's wellbeing.

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Created by St. Patrick's Mental Health Service

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First established in 2012, we run a number of campaigns and events throughout the year to promote positive mental health with and for young people.

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Pieta provide free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress, engage in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide, 24/7.

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Pieta | Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm since 2006

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Pieta provides free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress, engage in self-harm, or bereaved by suicide, 24/7. Reach out to us today!

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Today's practice is Breath Awareness.

The breath is a terrific tool we have at our disposal to create more calm in ourselves. Stress makes our breathing faster and shallower which leads to tension in our bodies and also our minds. Allowing yourself space to breathe is wonderful gift that will reward you in untold ways. Attending to the breath has an extraordinary way of slowing down the breath and soothing the autonomic nervous system. It's as though the breath says "Oh, Thank you for noticing me, Now I can relax!". Sitting with your breath and following it in and out of your body can be difficult because the mind wants you to follow it instead. By noticing when your attention has gone somewhere else, and coming back to the breath again, you are 'flexing your awareness muscle' and strengthening your ability to focus. Informally, you can avail of opportunities during the day to pause with your breath.

Notice any insights form practicing breath awareness that arise for you.

You are invited to join us for another Mental Health Ireland's Mindful Moment Guided Practice Live Stream on Facebook at 1.30 pm .

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Mental Health Ireland - Promoting Positive Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery

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Today's practice is Breath Awareness. The breath is a terrific tool we have at our disposal to create more calm in ourselves. Stress makes our breathing faster and shallower which leads to tension in our bodies and also our minds. Allowing yourself space to breathe is wonderful gift that will reward you in untold ways.

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Supporting Your Child as they begin Post Primary school

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Supporting Your Child as they begin Post Primary school

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How best to support young people while they are making this transition.

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Why the transition can be difficult

For a lot of young people beginning secondary school is a huge life event. It can symbolise entrance into young adulthood.
Often seen as having great social significance, it can be the start of a more independent life.

They are also leaving an important part of their lives behind and whether or not they are conscious of it, endings can be difficult. This transition can be difficult for parents/guardians too. It is a change in routine for the household, which often comes with its own challenges.

It can bring more financial pressure, as books and supplies are even more expensive than at primary school level.

Listening

When a young person knows that they are being listened to, they will be far more likely to be open about what is worrying them.

Talking about change

For anyone that is going through a difficult time being heard is important. When a young person knows that they are being listened to, they will be far more likely to be open about what is worrying them. Active listening techniques can help this process.

Change can bring up a range of feelings, sometimes all at once. Acknowledge whatever your young person is experiencing; be it excitement, fear, worry, confusion, or curiosity. Let them know it's OK to feel any or all of these things.

Statements like 'I hear you, you're worried about making friends' or 'I can see that you are scared about the workload' Statements like these can be the start of helping them move through their experience.

Starting conversations around these types of topics can be hard. It is important to give yourself and your young person time and space so that you can find the right moment to have these conversations. Some young people may express themselves through their behaviour, so paying attention to any cues of struggle can help you both get a better insight.

Making the transition easier

Here are a few practical things that you can do to support your young person during this transition from primary to secondary school:

Focus on their strengths

During a time of change, while it is important to talk about what may be causing worry and anxiety, it is also important to balance this with something positive.

Statements like 'you are good at making friends' or 'one of your strengths is getting yourself organised' can help your young person get motivated in a constructive way.

Encouraging the following aspects in your young person has been shown to help transitions:

Resourcefulness

Resilience

Strategies to deal with challenges

Independence and self-belief

Skills relating to others such as listening actively, being tolerant and co-operation

A sense of contribution to school and community.

Build a new routine

One way in which you can help ease feelings of anxiety is to try and establish a new routine. You can discuss this with your young person so that at least there is an amount of certainty when it comes to the beginning of the new year.

Settling back into a routine, studying and managing a number of expectations is a lot of change. Sharing what you've noticed about their ability to adapt can help young people see strengths they may not have noticed themselves.

Sleep

Good sleep hygiene can be a really simple way to ensure that everyone is well resourced.

Sleep hygiene

Good sleep hygiene can be a really simple way to ensure that everyone is well resourced.

There can be a certain amount of resistance to the simple changes that can lead to better sleep - but they've been proven to work.

This animation was developed for us by students in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dún Laoghaire. It outlines what might be getting in the way of having a good night's sleep and what can be done about it.

Relationships

By having more contact with parents/guardians, teachers learn more about students' needs and their home environment.

Talk to the school

Establishing a good relationship with your young person's school is good for everyone. By having more contact with parents/guardians, teachers learn more about students' needs and their home environment.

By keeping an open conversation going with your young person's school it ensures you are kept in the loop as to how your child is developing.

While change can seem overwhelming, beginning secondary school offers opportunity for new beginnings. Helping your young person prepare for and embrace this change will have a big impact on their overall school experience.

We have included a few downloadable PDF's here that might help you and your young person:

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Supporting The Transition From Primary to Secondary School | Jigsaw.ie

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The change from primary to secondary school can be an anxious time. Read how you can support the young people in your life.

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The RCSI MyHealth Lecture Series explores a wide range of areas in health and well-being, including mental health, arthritis, vaccinations and psychology.

The lecture series is open to those who want to learn more about common illnesses and health-related topics directly from healthcare experts.

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As part of the discussion, the panel raised awareness around the key risk factors for heart health, in particular, how menopause affects women's risk of heart disease and stroke, the role of lifestyle medicine in prevention and specific supports available around maintaining cardiac health and preventing cardiovascular disease.
Watch the video
This episode is chaired by Dr Sarah Barry, Director of Academic Programmes, Senior Lecturer, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Panellists include:

Professor Robert Byrne, Director of Cardiology at the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin and Chair of Cardiovascular Research, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

Dr Robert Kelly, Senior Lecturer, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Consultant Cardiology and Lifestyle Medicine, Beacon Hospital Dublin

Dr Una O'Neill, General Practitioner, Mercer's Medical Centre, and GP trainer on the RCSI GP Training Programme

Podcast
Listen to the podcast here (or wherever you listen to your podcasts).
Useful resources

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A list of videos of the RCSI MyHealth series. More...

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Irish Independent Articles by Dr. David Coleman (Clinical Psychologist)

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Irish Independent Articles by Dr. David Coleman (Clinical Psychologist)

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Blog | Dr David Coleman | DavidColeman.ie

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Master the Art of Studying: Effective Tips and Tricks

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Master the Art of Studying: Effective Tips and Tricks

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With the right strategies and techniques, you can make studying more efficient and enjoyable. Here's how to Master the Art of Studying.

Effective Study Techniques:

1. Active Recall: Instead of passively rereading your notes, quiz yourself or explain the material to someone else. This forces your brain to actively retrieve information, strengthening your memory.

2. Spaced Repetition: Don't cram! Review your material at spaced intervals to reinforce your learning and prevent forgetting. Use flashcards or a spaced repetition app to help you with this.

3. Pomodoro Technique: Break your study sessions into focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

4. Mind Mapping: Visualise your knowledge by creating mind maps. This can help you see connections between different concepts and improve understanding.

5. Teach Someone Else: Explaining a topic to someone else can solidify your understanding and identify any gaps in your knowledge.

Time Management Strategies:

1. Prioritise Tasks: Use a to-do list or a planner to prioritise your tasks based on importance and deadlines.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make them seem less daunting and help you stay motivated.

3. Avoid Distractions: Find a quiet study environment and minimise distractions from your phone, social media, or other interruptions.

4. Take Breaks: Short breaks can help you stay focused and refreshed. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something relaxing.

5. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments with small rewards to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.

Remember, everyone learns differently.

Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. By incorporating these tips into your study routine, you can improve your focus, efficiency, and overall academic performance.

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Here are a few back to school tips to help you get back in the right mind frame and motivated for the new school year.

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On the one hand, it's exciting seeing people again and getting started with a sense of new beginnings. On the other, it's understandable to dread mornings for a while and worry about how things are going to go.

No matter what you're feeling, here are a few tips to help you get back in the right mind frame and motivated for the new school year.

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Back to school | Advice for Young People | Jigsaw.ie

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Going back to school often seems a little daunting. Check out these articles to make it a little less stressful.

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Supporting the Transition to Secondary school.

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Supporting the Transition to Secondary school.

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Supporting the transition to secondary school | Advice for Parents | Jigsaw

Supporting the transition to secondary school

The transition to secondary school is a big milestone in a young person's life. Although exciting, it can also throw up challenges. The effects of COVID-19 have added new challenges for young people starting secondary school in September.
Young people have been in and out of school due to lockdowns since March last year. Experiences of school closures are varied, some young people have been relieved and others have really missed school.

There is a general underlying feeling of uncertainty about the future which can influence your child's move to secondary school. Fortunately, there is a lot as a parent that you can do to help support their mental health during this process.

Support your young person to feel more at ease by actively listening. Have an open conversation about their thoughts and feelings.

Talking about transitions

Change can bring up a range of feelings, sometimes all at once. Acknowledge whatever your young person is experiencing; be it excitement, fear, worry, confusion or curiosity. Let them know it's OK to feel any or all of these things.

You can support your young person to feel more at ease by actively listening. Have an open conversation about their thoughts and feelings. Recognising these different emotions involves staying neutral. Statements like "I hear you, you're scared about how you'll manage with more homework" or "I can see that you're worried about meeting new people" can be a good first step.

Face to face conversations can be challenging for some young people, so consider how, where and when to . any start the conversation Some young people may express themselves through their behaviour, so p ay ing attention to can help you both get better insight . cues of struggle

What makes a difference?

Young people's ability to respond well to this specific transition is often related to their coping skills, personal resources, and the school environment itself. Encouraging the following aspects in your young person is to help transitions: has been shown

S trategies to deal with challenges

Independence and self-belief

S kills relating to others such as listening actively, being tolerant and co-operation

A sense of contribution to school and community.

As with many areas of life, preparation makes all the difference.

How can I support my young person?

From speaking with sixth class students in workshops, we know that the small things can feel big. Questions like 'where is my locker' or 'where am I going to eat my lunch' can play on students' minds.

As with many areas of life, preparation makes all the difference. Help your young person to find out about the practicalities in advance of starting school. This might be through linking with the school directly and students who already attend, or talking to other parents in the school. Often schools or their parents' councils will have Facebook pages where links can be made.

Work through other practicalities

Talking through their new schedule, or doing the new walk with them to their school would also be good ideas. This allows you both to solve any problems in the moment and provide reassurance.

If you're aware that your young person has additional needs, let the school know . Given all the recent changes, the more notice your school gets, the better you'll be able to prepare. But before that, chat with your young person about how they feel their needs would be best met and keep them involved.

Sharing what you've noticed about their ability to adapt can help young people see strengths they may not have noticed themselves.

Remind them of their strengths

Young people have persisted with study and lessons under difficult circumstances, with the support of dedicated teachers and parents. Remind them how they were able to work through all the changes of the last year. Point out that learning from these experiences will help them adapt to new challenges that may arise.

Settling back into a routine, studying and managing a number of expectations is a lot of change. Sharing what you've noticed about their ability to adapt can help young people see strengths they may not have noticed themselves. For example, young people have come to know that learning can happen anywhere and how to stay connected.

Managing relationships with friends, peers and teachers is an area where you can support your young person.

Social connection

At Jigsaw, we've heard from a lot of young people that isolation has been emotionally draining, which has fed into Over a lengthy period of social distancing, friendships may have bec ome strained or deteriorated. M anaging relationships with friends, peers and teachers is an area where you can support your young person.

Ease into it. Help your young person to arrange socially-distance d meet ups with close friends or neighbors who might be going to the same school. This will help them practice rusty social skills as well as get familiar with their new peers , at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

Practice.Role-playing or going through conversation starters allows your young person to work through worries or concerns with someone they trust. If they're not comfortable with it, they can write it down on paper

Co-operation.R egardless of age, we get on better with others when doing something collaborative, instead of competitive. Building on your young person's strengths and interests, consider what activities or topics they could use to build a sense of team work.

Emotional literacy. Young people learn from their caregivers. Studies suggest young people have better emotional understanding when their parents listen without judgement or criticism and talk to them about emotions in an empathetic, problem-solving wa y .

Setting a new routine

One of the biggest challenges in starting secondary school is the constant change of routine. There will be a large number of teachers and classes. Remind them this can be a good thing, as they have new opportunities for supportive relationships.

Developing a regular routine at home can be a great place to start. Try a visual board or calendar that everyone can see to encourage your young person to use a journal/agenda . Once they're in school, a bit of extra support at the beginning to create a routine around school work can help to settle them.

Sleep is also so important for mental health. G etting back into a routine over the weeks before school starts can help regulate the sleep/wake cycle.

While transition and change can seem overwhelming, beginning secondary school offers opportunity for new beginnings. Helping your young person prepare for and embrace this change will have a big impact on their overall school experience.

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Supporting the transition to secondary school | Advice for Parents | Jigsaw

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Supporting the transition to secondary school | Advice for Parents | Jigsaw Supporting the transition to secondary school The transition to secondary school is a big milestone in a young person's life. Although exciting, it can also throw up challenges. The effects of COVID-19 have added new challenges for young people starting secondary school in September.

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Balancing Work and Study: Tips for a Healthier Life

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Balancing Work and Study: Tips for a Healthier Life

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Here are some tips to help you manage your busy schedule:

Effective Time Management

Create a Schedule: Plan your day, week, and month to allocate specific time slots for work, study, and personal activities.

Prioritise Tasks: Identify important tasks and prioritise them based on deadlines and importance.

Break Down Large Tasks: Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks.

Time Management Techniques: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and productivity.

Healthy Work-Life Balance

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.

Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge.

Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress.

Stay Organised: Use tools like calendars and planners to keep track of deadlines and commitments.

Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if needed.

Tips for Staying Motivated

Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and focus on your progress.

Find a Study Buddy: Collaborate with classmates to stay motivated and accountable.

Remember, it's important to listen to your body and mind. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, reassess your priorities, and seek help if needed. By implementing these tips, you can effectively balance your commitments while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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5 ways to bring more positivity into your life.

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5 ways to bring more positivity into your life.

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5 ways to bring more positivity into your life

A positive mindset can help us handle tough times. It can build resilience and improve relationships, which can lead us to feel happier.

Simple ways to bring more positivity into your daily life.

1 - Focus on what you can control

When things feel uncertain or stressful, we might often worry about things that are outside of our control. Try focusing on what you can do. By choosing how you respond and how you approach situations, you can feel more empowered and find some calm even when everything else is a bit chaotic.

2 - Reframe negative thoughts

Negative thoughts can sneak up on you when you least expect them. When that happens, try flipping the script. Instead of giving attention to unhelpful thoughts such as ‘I can’t do this’ try replacing them with helpful ones "this is tough, but I’m learning." This simple shift can turn challenges into chances to grow.

3 - Surround yourself with positivity

The people we hang out with and the places we spend time in really affect our mindset. Try to be around people who lift your spirits/bring you positive energy and look for spaces—online or in real life—that make you feel good. This will help you keep that positive self-talk going strong.

4 - Celebrate small wins

Every little step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Take a moment to notice your progress and enjoy those small wins. This will lift your spirits and help you keep the momentum going, making it easier to stay motivated and positive.

5 - Practice self-compassion

We all make mistakes or have days when things don’t go as planned. Instead of being hard on yourself, practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would to a friend—with kindness and understanding. Everyone has off days, and that’s okay.

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How reading can support positive mental health.

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How reading can support positive mental health.

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We've asked some Transition Year (TY) students, our WIMS team, and staff from Willow Grove Adolescent Unit to suggest their favourite books that share a wellbeing message.

You can find their recommendations below; we hope you find a new favourite read!

"All the Bright Places by Jennifer Nivan is a young adult fiction novel which is based on the author's personal story. This is a compelling story about a girl who intends to live, from a boy who intends to die. The main message in this novel is what it feels like to navigate something uncontrollable to you."
Recommended by a TY student
"I really enjoyed this book; it was full of emotion and the impact people have on each other's lives."
Recommended by a TY student
" Everything Happens for a Reason by Madison Beer has a lot of wellbeing messages that are special to me, but the one that stands out and that I always keep in mind is "Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know everything happens for a reason". Everyone should think positively like this, even when we're going through tough times."
Recommended by a TY student
"It's about two people who, despite having health conditions that affect their quality and quantity of life, find happiness in being in the present with their friends and loved ones. It's very inspirational and made me feel happy."
Recommended by a TY student
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"Heartstopper by Alice Oseman is a comic series following boyfriends Nick and Charlie. This comic shows positive LGBTQIA+ relations and has helped many queer youths feel more comfortable in themselves. It was even adapted to a Netflix series!"
Recommended by a TY student
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How I Learned to Live with Panic by Claire Eastham

"This book is described as "An electric, warm, comforting, and funny handbook on panic and how to cope and live alongside it". It is an intimate, honest and ultimate exploration of panic attacks. Claire covers the crisis points where panic can hit and interviews a host of people - scientists, professors, dieticians, psychologists and people who struggle with panic - to anatomise how it can be managed."
Recommended by a TY student
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by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

"Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles is a book based on the Japanese concept of finding purpose in life through connecting with nature and the five senses."
Recommended by Willow Grove staff
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"This book is a collection of poetry and inspired writings that celebrate the power of vulnerability and the magic that occurs when we decide to live authentically, commit to our personal evolution, and bare it all."
Recommended by the WIMS team
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"This is a charming book of fabulous illustrations and few words, but all with great meaning. It's a book about being strong, riding the waves of life, the importance of friendships and being kind."
Recommended by the WIMS team
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" This is a read that has a supreme wellbeing message to me as it tackles health emotionally and physically, with its two main characters both having battled cancer. The message of the book is to live life to the fullest, because you never know what's going to happen."
Recommended by a TY student
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower"The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is one of my favourite books and it sends an immensely powerful message. I find the book very true to itself and shows what it is like to deal with trauma and how confusing it could be especially in your teen years. The story ends with a really uplifting and powerful monologue from the main character."

Recommended by a TY student

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"The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Learning that there is joy to be found in the present; that living in the past or future is not beneficial to your mental health."
Recommended by the WIMS team
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They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

" This book is about two boys who are told they will die in the next week. One is very introverted, so, when told he's soon going to die, he decides to finally start living. This is a great message that we should live every day as if it were our last."
Recommended by a TY student
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"This is one of my favourite books. I feel the meaningful message in this book is about tolerance and friendship against bullying."
Recommended by a TY student
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"There are two quotes from this book that really stood out to me - "When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind" and "Learning who you are is what you are here to do"."
Recommended by a TY student

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How reading can support positive mental health

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We've asked some Transition Year (TY) students, our WIMS team, and staff from Willow Grove Adolescent Unit to suggest their favourite books that share a wellbeing message. You can find their recommendations below; we hope you find a new favourite read!

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Helplines & Support Contacts from 3ts.ie (turnthetide)

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Helplines & Support Contacts from 3ts.ie (turnthetide)

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We’ve pulled together a directory of crisis helplines and specialist support services for you. There is help available and there are people who are trained to provide help and support.

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The World Federation for Mental Health, the founder of World Mental Health Day, presents the WFMH Global Campaign 2023. The Global Campaign aims to recognise the 75th Anniversary of WFMH and World Mental Health Day 2023. The campaign and its initiatives will be based on this year's official theme of World Mental Health Day- 'Mental Health is a Universal Human Right'.

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World Mental Health Day (10th October, 2024)

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World Mental Health Day (10th October, 2024)

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March is Sleep Awareness month. Please see the follow link on the importance of sleep and tips on sleep.

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Try not to worry if your sleep is disturbed for a short while. There are things you can do to improve your sleep and restore your energy.

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March 2025: Sleep Awareness Month

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Sleep Awareness Month for Europe 2025 | ESRS

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Sleep is the foundation of a child's growth, learning, and emotional well-being. Yet, in today's fast-paced digital world, sleep is often compromised-leading

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Managing Stress, Sleep and Wellbeing During Exams

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Managing Stress, Sleep and Wellbeing During Exams

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Managing Stress, Sleep And Wellbeing During Exams

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Discover practical tips to manage your time and emotional wellbeing during your Junior Cert or Leaving Cert. Optimise your mental health and performance during exam season with these effective strategies.