Mental health workshops expand to schools across Ireland

A charity that runs mental‑health workshops is extending its reach to schools across Ireland, with a particular emphasis on nutrition and breathing techniques designed to boost student well‑being. The programme has already served thousands of pupils in Belfast, Dublin and Donegal, and it is now being rolled out to additional schools throughout the country.

The initiative is delivered by trained facilitators who work alongside teachers and school nurses to teach children how simple dietary choices and mindful breathing can help manage stress and improve concentration. In County Dublin, several primary and secondary schools have already welcomed the workshops as part of their health curriculum, with staff reporting increased engagement from students during lessons.

The expansion comes at a time when other organisations are also calling for greater support in schools. The Green Ireland Youth (GIY) group has urged authorities to help broaden its ‘Grow at School’ programme, which aims to counter the influence of ultra‑processed foods on young people’s diets. While the GIY initiative focuses specifically on food production and nutrition education, it shares a common goal with the mental‑health workshops: fostering healthier habits among students.

In addition, RTE reports that disadvantaged schools are set to receive more support under an unnamed scheme. Although details of the scheme are not yet public, the coverage suggests that additional resources may be directed toward initiatives such as the mental‑health workshops, helping to ensure that all pupils benefit from improved well‑being programmes.

The charity’s expansion is expected to enhance resilience and emotional regulation among students nationwide, with particular benefits for those in schools that have previously had limited access to such support. By combining practical nutrition advice with breathing exercises, the programme offers a holistic approach to mental health that aligns with broader educational objectives around student welfare.

For further information see the sources cited.

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