Mayo student graduates as mental health ambassador
AMY Taveras, from Mount St. Michael Secondary School in Claremorris, has graduated from St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ Transition Year programme as a mental health ambassador at a ceremony which celebrated over 100 students who completed the 2025/2026 programme.
The programme from St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services is coordinated by its Walk in My Shoes campaign, a national initiative focused on promoting positive mental health among young people.
The initiative supports students to build their understanding of mental health; develop practical mental health promotion skills; and explore how they can contribute to creating more open and supportive school and community environments. Through interactive workshops, discussion and reflective learning, participants are encouraged to think critically about mental health stigma, help-seeking, resilience and the importance of compassionate conversations around mental health.
The programme combines educational sessions with direct engagement with mental health professionals, service users and organisational leaders. Students gain insight into the operation of a mental health service, hear lived experiences of recovery, and take part in a range of activities including observing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting involving psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists and social workers.
During the programme, participants also engage with the CEO, medical director, clinicians and staff working in advocacy and communications. Alongside this, students attend workshops designed to strengthen confidence, communication and peer support skills, and to support students in gaining a greater understanding of the diverse roles involved in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking about this year’s graduates, Rebecca Gaynor, a lead on the programme, said: “The Transition Year programme gives students a fantastic opportunity to learn from frontline staff about what it’s like to work in mental healthcare, while also giving them insight into the experiences of those with mental health difficulties. Each programme aims to empower students with the tools to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among their peers and community.
“It is a privilege to see the energy and enthusiasm that students bring to learning about mental health.”
The 2026/2027 programme is now open for applications here.