Lifestyle
Male mental health the focus of students’ project

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By Michelle Crean
Young male students are on a mission to breaking down the stigma surrounding boys/men’s mental health. As part of their YSI 'Sem Against Stigma’ project, the Transition Year students from St Brendan's College have completed a number of projects and are making a film remotely.
They organised Mental Health Week as a group in October. Events that took place all thanks to them were a virtual talk from Alan Quinlan ex-Ireland and Munster rugby player, on his struggle with mental health, which was broadcast to the entire school.
'Sem Goes Amber' was another which raised funds for Steps for Nathan and Pieta House two charities they feel passionate about.
"We had organised the four peak challenge, which has been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions," teacher Niamh Sheehy said. "We hoped to raise further funds for Steps for Nathan and Pieta House by climbing four of the highest peaks in beautiful Kerry."
The film focusing on stigma and the pressure young men face within society regarding their mental health is being made remotely by Kerry Filmmaker in Residence Mieke Vanmechelen.
"She has been working with the boys via Zoom each week. We hope to use the film as our YSI Speak Out video also. If they can help just one person with the film they will feel like it has all been worth it. The lads are absolutely inspirational and are really trying to shine a light on an issue that has been ignored for far too long in Irish society."
You can follow their journey on their Instagram page: ‘Semagainststigma’.
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