Students from nearly 20 schools across Ireland had the opportunity to gain work experience across departments from the wards to IT and psychotherapy. Clinicians from the Willow Grove Adolescent Service gave workshops about various aspects of mental health, mental illnesses, and where to seek help. 

As three quarters of adults with mental health disorders experience symptoms before the age of 25 years, learning about early warning signs of mental health problems and where to seek support is vital in encouraging and empowering young people to take care their own mental health and be mindful of their friends and peers.

Feedback from the students and their teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Students told us that they held Psychiatric Nursing in high regard. They found occupational theraphy as a career very interesting. They were also interested in the significance of Family Therapy and liked learning about medications.

Dispelling stigma and stereotypes, students said they felt surprised that the people passing them by in the corridors were mainly service users; they had assumed they were visitors.

One summed it up as, 'It's been wonderful, the best work experience ever.' 

Another added, 'The week was something I won't forget any time soon, it was insightful, eventful and very enjoyable.'

Now these young people are acting as champions for positive mental health within their schools and communities. They have been busy spreading the word that Mental Health Matters as well as fundraising for St. Patrick's Hospital Foundation.

Creative fundraisers have ranged from a TY charity ball to selling ice cream and hot chocolate at morning break, to street collections. Well done to all students, teachers, schools and communities!