Coláiste Muire Cobh was honoured to be awarded an Amber Flag for positive mental health promotion at a ceremony held in the school on Monday 1st October 2018. The Amber Flag initiative aims to encourage communities to promote and actively bring about a culture change in the promotion of positive mental health within the educational system and other organisations.

Being awarded this Amber flag acknowledges these efforts and unites the entire school community in the promotion of “Positive Mental Health”. Over the last number of years our school has highlighted the topic of mental health through various events where mental health becomes a daily topic of conversation. These conversations have led to a cultural shift where mental health becomes “The Norm” leading to the breaking down of “Stigma” that is associated with mental health resulting in individuals seeking help sooner.

The ceremony began with Principal, Mr. Fergus O’ Brien, welcoming everyone and the Amber Flag was handed over. The Flag was presented to Mr O’ Brien by Max Bell and Caitlin Durnin, two students who have been very involved in the conversations about mental health in Coláiste Muire. This kicked off a week-long series of events which include student teacher matches, workshops delivered by the Red Cross and HumourFit, TY retreat tp Scala, guest speakers, CUTE-icle Nail Salon, Breakfast club and World Teacher Day.

To conclude the ceremony, Mr O’ Brien announced that the students did not have to return to class and there would be a concert to celebrate. Performances included Sean Damery, Rebecca Ring, the Deltas and a  Teachers’ Band.  Well done to the students, management and staff of Colaiste Muire who continue to make conversations about Mental Health happen in the school community every day.