Tullamore school helps launch new youth mental health programme

A new mental health and wellbeing programme for secondary schools has been officially launched at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tullamore.

The local school is among those taking part in the national pilot of 'Rising Minds', a new initiative from award-winning Irish mental health charity A Lust for Life, and supported by Aura Leisure Centre in Tullamore.

Co-founded by Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin in 2017, A Lust For Life has been at the forefront of developing early prevention mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools across Ireland.

The 'Rising Minds' programme, developed with psychologists, teachers, guidance counsellors, and young people themselves, aims to support first-year students as they navigate the transition into post-primary school.

It introduces the concept of mental fitness, equipping young people with practical tools to build resilience, manage emotions, and strengthen relationships, helping them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

A photocall in Tullamore brought together students and staff from Sacred Heart Secondary School with Stephen Forde, Aura operations manager, highlighting the centre's commitment to community wellbeing and youth mental health.

Jayne Origan, teacher at Sacred Heart Secondary School, speaking at the launch, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the 'Rising Minds' pilot.

“It’s an engaging and relevant programme that gives students real tools to understand themselves, manage challenges, and build empathy for others. It’s already creating great conversations in our classrooms.”

Stephen Forde, operations manager at Aura Leisure in Tullamore, said: “Aura is proud to support Rising Minds and help bring this programme to life in our community.

“Supporting the mental health of young people goes hand-in-hand with our vision of creating a healthier happier Ireland in mind and body. This partnership shows what’s possible when schools and local organisations work together.”

Speaking about the partnership with Aura Leisure, Paula McLoughlin, Co-Founder and Chair of A Lust for Life said: “At A Lust for Life, we believe every young person deserves the knowledge and skills to look after their mind.

“'Rising Minds' is about empowering students early and helping them build confidence, compassion and resilience for the challenges ahead. We’re so grateful to Aura Leisure for championing this partnership and supporting mental fitness in schools across Ireland.”

'Rising Minds' builds on A Lust for Life’s award-winning primary schools programme, which has already reached more than 220,000 children in over half of all primary schools across Ireland.

The charity said its move into secondary education marks a major step toward a full continuum of early mental health education, from infants to senior cycle.

The 'Rising Minds' pilot runs in 12 schools across eight counties this academic year, with a national rollout planned for late 2026.