Birr school students attend Speak Out event

by Anna Rothwell

A Transition Year, Young Social Innovators class, from St Brendan’s Community School in Birr, were among the prize winners at the Speak Out competition in Kilkenny on Wednesday, March 25.

The students presented on the topic of loneliness and isolation among elderly people.

Their goal is to raise awareness about the issue and to educate people on how they can make a difference in their community.

Their performance through creative storytelling and striking costumes represented themes of invisibility, disconnection, and the need for stronger intergenerational support. They impressed the judges with their act, winning an award for Best Costume.

Birr student Maisie O'Neill, who spoke at the event, said: “It was a brilliant experience for us and a great opportunity to raise awareness about loneliness and isolation among elderly people.”

The students have spent months exploring how isolation affects elderly people in their community. Through their research and conducting surveys, the group discovered that isolation could have both emotional and physical harm on people.

With the guidance and support of their teacher Julie Stephens, the students undertook an intergenerational quiz in Birr Library for the local men's shed.

This event was successful, bringing generations together and creating a stronger community connection. The next initiative they plan to host in the school is an intergenerational day including baked goods, music, games, and activities.