Support group aims to promote positive mental health in young

Eight Galway people concerned about depression and suicide in young people are starting a new support group.

Instead of focusing on mental health problems, the group plans to promote positive mental health among children and teenagers.

Retired career guidance counsellor Violet Gavin said the group believed that the right training and education could help young people avoid mental health problems in the future.

The group, which will soon be named, is planning to develop a peer counselling system, where teenagers would undertake intensive courses. They would then be in a position to talk to other students about their worries, she said.

A similar model exists in many US schools. There a student is identified in each class as a focus point for other students who may have worries about bullying or other issues.

"You could put young people in a room to talk to us 'oldie goldies' but we know that they are not going to voice any concerns. But put them in a group of other young people and you have a much better chance," she said.

The committee has its second meeting on Tuesday and hopes to be ready to introduce the group formally this summer.

Those interested can write to Ms Violet Gavin at Labasheeda, Truskey West, Barna, Co Galway.