Approximately 100 Transition Year students from Co Longford contributed to a new publication which promotes positive mental health.
Students from Moyne Community School; Cnoc Mhuire, Granard; Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon; and Meán Scoil Mhuire, Longford contributed to the publication as part of the Longford Schools Photography Programme, delivered by Shelley Corcoran and Longford Arts Office with Longford Arts Officer, Fergus Kennedy.
Under the guidance of Shelley, the students began to create works based on the topic of mental health for a national competition. On a visit to Mercy Secondary School, Development Officer of Mental Health Ireland Midlands, Finola Colgan, saw their work, and recognised the potential for a publication.
The original idea was to release a calendar, but with Christmas fast approaching and a huge volume of incredible work, the decision was made to publish a book.
‘Positive Mental Health Moments in Time’ was launched in Slashers, Longford on February 6.
Students from all four schools, along with teachers, representatives of Mental Health Ireland and Longford Mental Health Association were in attendance.
A great afternoon was had by all. Shelley opened the event by explaining how the project had come to pass, and praising her students for their hard work and dedication to the project.
Throughout the afternoon, students, representatives and bystanders alike enjoyed performances from three of the four schools.
A number of students also took to the floor to explain what the project meant to them, with most of them admitting that they now felt like it was okay to discuss mental health and how they were feeling.
A lovely moment in the afternoon came when those with birthdays in February were invited to celebrate together with a cake, as is a monthly tradition for the Longford Mental Health Association.
A truly uplifting book, ‘Positive Mental Health Moments in Time’ is available from each of the schools and from the Longford Mental Health Association for just €3. All proceeds go to the Longford Mental Health Association.
