Friday 18 November 2016

Walk In My Shoes - Transition Year Project

Each year, St. Patrick’s Walk In My Shoes Transition Year Programme invites 100 students from all over Ireland to take part in a week long placement, hosted by the Adolescent Mental Health team at St. Patrick’s University Hospital. The aim of the course is to educate young people about mental health and career opportunities within the mental health sector directly from clinicians at the campus of St Patrick’s University Hospital. All participants will return to their schools as ambassadors for mental wellbeing and share their new understanding of positive mental health by preparing and giving a presentation to their classmates.The project was set up in 2012 to breakdown the stigma of accessing mental health services amongst young people, and has grown over the years to become a comprehensive and worthwhile education course. To date we have welcomed almost 500 students on to the programme from all over the country.  All TY students are eligible to take part in the programme however due to high demand, places are limited and we can only accept one student per school.    Interested parties should give their name to Ms.McGeehin to be entered in a school draw. 
About the Programme
The programme has something to offer all students regardless of subject or career interests; however it is a particularly valuable programme for students interested in a career in the health sector, including medicine, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, occupational therapy and social work. 
Highlights of the course include; 
§  Observation and participation in a mock multidisciplinary meeting alongside clinicians from our MDT teams; §  Cardiac Response Training, after which the student will be awarded a recognised certificate of completion;    
§  Workshops and talks held by Willow Grove Adolescent Unit clinicians in a wide range of areas such as Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; 
§  Mindfulness; 
§  Social Media Training; 
§  A mental health services management workshop presented by CEO Paul Gilligan 
Interest in the programme has increased year on year, and feedback has shown that the experience is a positive and lasting one for students.  Past students have made positive connections with follow students and staff which have continued long after programme completion.  A recent survey of students found that almost all respondents (96%) believed that their experience had been of benefit to them in preparing for a future job or role in the workplace.

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