Good vibes at YouThrive Festival
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Catherine Flynn, Natural Wellness, preparing some healthy snack options along with the participants at the festival. Alex Coleman.Image 2 of 8
Pictured at the Foroige YouThrive Festival held in Cootehill on Thursday last were Nichola Fannin, Mental Health Youth Support Worker; Colin McAree, Foroige area manager; Dr Deirdre Mooney, Clinical Lead for YouThrive and Josephine Reilly, Clinical Nurse Specialist, YouThrive. Alex Coleman.Image 3 of 8
Foroige staff and volunteers working hard at the YouThrive Festival. Front (from left): Aoife Dawson, Shania Maughan and Elaine Smith; back, Ciara McPhillips, Sharon Ivers, Ciara O’Brien and Erica McDonagh.PHOTOS: ALEX COLEMAN Alex Coleman.Image 4 of 8
Getting a gentle push from kayaking instructor Tony Gregory as this group of girls head out on the river. Alex Coleman.Image 5 of 8
PICTURED: Smiles all around from this group of girls as they look foward to the kayaking. Names of all young people withheld at request of organisers. Alex Coleman.Image 6 of 8
Ciara O’Brien from Foróige relaxing with one of the patricipants trying her luck at coarse fishing. Alex Coleman.Image 7 of 8
Tony Gregory gets another bunch of lads out on the river. Alex Coleman.Image 8 of 8
Enjoying the fishing at the YouThrive Festival in Cootehill. Alex Coleman.Organisers are hailing the staging of another successful Youthrive Festival in Cootehill recently as contributing to positive mental health among local young people.
The one-day event was hosted in Erica’s Fairy Forest for members of local Foróige projects, clubs and groups. It gave them an opportunity to enhance their mental health through participation in fun, social and recreational activities. The Youthrive Festival is also aimed at raising self-awareness and how young people can positively impact their own mental health and that of their peers. Activities included: Cookery demonstrations, fishing, kayaking, outdoor games, sport, painting workshops, archery and live music.
"Building on last year’s success was crucial, and this year saw more young people attending the festival, with a greater variety of activities and programmes available. There truly was something for everyone. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the Healthy Ireland Funding secured through Monaghan County Council. My thanks to the Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator, Paul Carragher," said Nichola Fannin, Youth Support Worker, Cavan Monaghan Early Intervention Mental Health Service.
"We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to today’s event, including the Foróige organising committee, participants and members, facilitators, Civil Defence, Foróige staff and volunteers," she added.
The Cavan - Monaghan early intervention Youth Mental Health Service, Youthrive, staffed by health and wellbeing professionals is a support service for young people between the age of 12-25 years, presenting with mild and emerging mental health concerns, affecting their mood or emotional wellbeing. The project is a unique partnership between the HSE and Foróige employing a Senior Psychologist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, a Youth Mental Health Support Workers and Administrator.
The service provides support for young people experiencing issues such as mild anxiety, stress in school or at home, mood issues, behaviour difficulties or have trouble understanding or expressing feelings, issues relating to sex, sexuality and gender.
For more information on Youthrive, contact 042-9674915 or email youthrive@hse.ie