Waterford student acknowledged as mental health advocate
Some of the students who graduated from the programme and spoke at the graduation ceremony.
A Waterford student has been acknowledged and celebrated as an advocate for mental health after completing St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ (SPMHS) Transition Year Programme.
Ella Bolger, from St Declan’s Community College, was one of 100 students who graduated recently from the programme as mental health ambassadors.
The Transition Year 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.
Delivered across five programmes each academic year, with 20 to 25 students participating in each programme, the four-day 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. A spokesperson for SPMHS said that through interactive workshops, discussion and reflective learning, participants were encouraged to think critically about mental health stigma, help-seeking, resilience and the importance of compassionate conversations around mental health.
The programme combined educational sessions with direct engagement with mental health professionals, service users and organisational leaders.
"Students gained insight into the operation of a mental health service; heard lived experiences of recovery; and took part in a range of activities including observing a mock multidisciplinary team meeting involving psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, pharmacists and social workers," said the spokesperson.
During the programme, participants also engaged with the CEO, Medical Director, clinicians and staff working in advocacy and communications and they also attended 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 at the graduation ceremony, TY Programme participant, Niall Fitzgerald from Offaly, said: “I believe there is a massive stigma associated with mental health in Ireland but with courses like Walk in My Shoes, and its Transition Year Programme, younger generations are being educated on mental health and increasing our understanding of mental health difficulties."
"This helps to break the stigma and fosters a supportive environment to encourage young people to reach out for mental health support if needed," she said.
Speaking about this year’s TY Programme graduates, Rebecca Gaynor, a lead on the TY Programme, congratulated all of the students who participated and noted how they were returning to their schools as and communities as ambassadors for mental health.
"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," she said.
" Each programme aims to empower students with the tools to promote positive mental health and wellbeing among their peers and community," she added.
"It is a privilege to see the energy and enthusiasm that students bring to learning about mental health.”
The 2025/2026 academic year marks 15 years since St Patrick’s Mental Health Services began running its Transition Year Programme, with approximately 1,500 students having completed the programme since it began in 2011.
It's hoped that over the coming years the programme will be expanded and developed through the implementation of a large-scale mental health promotion project that is currently being progressed.
The programme, which is being co-created with students, including current and former TY Programme participants, will focus on empowering young people and equipping them with practical tools to support their mental health and wellbeing throughout their lives.
The 2026/2027 TY programme is now open for applications.
For more information visit walkinmyshoes.ie.
