Kilmallock students take to the catwalk for mental health

Transition Year students at Coláiste Iósaef in Kilmallock are taking part in the Young Social Innovators project, again this year.
Young Social Innovators (YSI), is Ireland’s largest social awareness and active citizenship and education programme for 15 to 18 year old teens. Its main goal is to get young people involved in action which helps improve the lives of others in their community.
As part of their YSI project, the class are ambitiously raising funds to open a well-being room in the school, which will be available for all students and staff.
A safe space
YSI teacher, Siobhán Bailey told the Vale Star, “Our students hope that the well-being room will provide the school community with a safe space within the school for people who struggle with mental health. Student well-being is very much to the fore at Coláiste Iósaef and we are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile project. As part of the fundraising efforts, we are holding a fashion show in the Charleville Park Hotel on the Thursday 23rd of January at 7pm. Tickets, priced at only €15, are available now from the school office on 063-98275 or at eventbrite.ie.”
“There will be a number of outfits modelled by both students and staff. As our project is related to youth mental health, we will welcome guest speakers such as Donal Walsh’s father Fionnbarr Walsh, Jigsaw of Limerick and Claire Flynn from Limerick Mental Health. There will be a pop up shop from Ciara’s Closet and we will be holding a raffle with many great prizes such as a debs dress of your choice from Ciara’s Closet. “
Year long project
“This is a year long project for the students and before Christmas, promotion when our prize winners were Ann O’Sullivan (Food Hamper), Richie Lyons (Fuel Hamper) and Emer McCarthy (Wine and Voucher). The winner of the €50 Split The Pot was Cathal O’Donoghue (3rd year).
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and the wider community for giving so generously,” Siobhán added.