VILLIERS SCHOOL
receives Cycle Against Suicide
‘Ambassador School’
award at Farmleigh House
- VILLIERS SCHOOL
honoured for their efforts in promoting positive mental health.
To coincide with World Suicide Prevention Week, Cycle Against Suicide
honoured the efforts and achievements of 45 secondary schools from all over
Ireland, including Villiers School in promoting positive mental health
awareness and their dedication in spreading the message, that "it's ok not
to feel ok; and it's absolutely ok to ask for help".
At a special reception in Dublin’s Farmleigh House, attended by the
Department of Education and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, student
representatives of Villiers were awarded 'Ambassador School' status by Cycle
Against Suicide, receiving a special plaque which is set to take pride of place
in the school. This award acknowledges their exceptional commitment in the
promotion of positive mental health and ultimately, their efforts in breaking
the cycle of suicide across Ireland.
Cycle Against Suicide’s ‘Ambassador School’ awards are a key pillar in
Cycle Against Suicide’s year-long schools programme. To be in with a chance of
being recognised for their schools’ efforts, the school must complete five key
sets of criteria, in the promotion of mental health; including getting active,
hosting a mental health week and project work.
The approach encourages active
engagement and participation among student and staff populations within
their schools and crucially, in their communities.
Speaking on behalf of Cycle Against Suicide, CEO Paul McBride said
“There is immense positivity surrounding our schools programme especially the
awards ceremony. The aim of Cycle Against Suicide is the reassurance that it's
ok not to feel ok; and it's absolutely ok to ask for help. Having 45 schools
receiving recognition for spreading this message is fantastic and I applaud
their efforts. Students, teachers and principals are making a real
difference in promoting open communication and action in their communities,
for which they deserve to be immensely proud."
Cycle Against Suicide Schools Co-ordinator, Angeline Collins acknowledged
the high levels of interest in the awards, saying; “The huge interest from schools
requesting adds to our motivation to continue to recognise innovative and
effective initiatives developed by schools and to share and showcase good
practice”.
Attendees at the ceremony in Farmleigh House, included students,
teachers, principals as well as members of the Institute of Guidance
Counsellors, members of the Department of Education and representatives of
Cycle Against Suicide. In attendance on behalf of Villiers were Hayley Connole
5M, Rebecca Gleeson 6M and Mr. McNair.