Two Offaly TY students graduate from mental health services programme

Two students from Offaly were among over 100 nationally who graduated from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Transition Year (TY) Programme as mental health ambassadors at a recent ceremony.

The Transition Year Programme from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services is coordinated by its Walk in My Shoes campaign, a national initiative focused on promoting positive mental health among young people.

Delivered across five programmes each academic year, with 20 to 25 students participating in each programme, the four-day initiative supports 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 school and community environments. 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.

The programme combines educational sessions with direct engagement with mental health professionals, service users and organisational leaders. 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 the CEO, 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.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, TY Programme participant Niall Fitzgerald from Coláiste Naomh Cormac in Kilcormac, said: “I believe there is a massive stigma associated with mental health in Ireland but with courses like Walk in My Shoes, and its Transition Year 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.”

Juliet O’Brien from St Brendan’s Community School in Birr, was another participant from Offaly to graduate from the programme

The 2025/2026 academic year marks 15 years since St Patrick’s Mental Health Services began running its Transition Year Programme, with approximately 1,500 students having completed the programme since it began in 2011. Over the coming years, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services will seek to further develop and expand the programme through the development of a large-scale mental health promotion project that is currently being progressed. The programme, which is being co-created with students, including current and former TY Programme participants, will focus on empowering young people and equipping them with practical tools to support their mental health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

The 2026/2027 TY programme is now open for applications. For more information visit walkinmyshoes.ie.