Launch of Discovery College West to support young people's mental health
The Minister for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler has officially launched Discovery College West in Castlerea.
Discovery College West, the first of its kind in Ireland, is a recovery education initiative for young people aged between 12 and 25 that aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, facilitate prevention and early intervention, and foster mental health recovery in this population.
It is a community facing recovery education service, currently covering Roscommon, Galway and Mayo.
The project was initially successfully piloted in Roscommon in 2019, leading to the appointment of the Discovery College Peer Recovery Educator, Chloe Costello, in September 2022.
Reducing stigma, encouraging connection, and fostering hope and empowerment are central elements in each interactive Discovery College workshop.
It provides a space where young people can discuss, explore, learn and share knowledge and experience of mental health challenges, wellbeing, and recovery.
Minister Butler said: "This launch is the result of a huge effort and investment from many stakeholders in the pilot project in partnership with Mental Health Ireland, and I express my thanks to Chloe Costello, project lead and her team, for delivering on Ireland's first ground breaking Discovery College.
"I was struck here by the three words share, explore and learn, and that's what we're talking about in relation to a Discovery College.
"‘Sharing The Vision’, our mental health policy talks about clinical programmes, recovery, peer support, lived experience, moving away from institutions, and I have to say that ‘Sharing The Vision’ is alive and well in this room today, it is absolutely fantastic.”
Peer Recovery Educator Chloe Costello highlighted: “What makes this service so unique and different to other mental health workshops is Co-Production and Peer involvement.
"Young people are involved throughout all stages of this service, from deciding the workshop topics, to co-producing the content, co-facilitating, being on the operational team, feedback and service improvement.
"Their knowledge and experience is what fuels this service. And not only young people, but their family members/carers/supporters, and those who work with young people in the services.
“By bringing the expertise of all these people together, it’s a recipe for continued learning, and respect of the varying degrees of knowledge.
"Through our interactive co-productions and workshops, it gives young people the opportunity to talk to each other about their experiences and it’s with this connection they learn - I AM NOT ALONE.
"And that in itself opens up doors to reaching out for help and support when they need it.”
Connor Gavin, who recently commenced his role as Recovery Education facilitator at The Discovery College, expressed his excitement about the potential for growth and development both for the college and himself, emphasising the importance of lived experience in recovery.
Charlie Meehan, Head of Mental Health Services, HSE Community Healthcare West, stated: "This service is run by young people for young people. It is not only the way we need to be going, it is the way we are going.
"The people who deliver this service are the experts, they are the experts by experience.”
Closing the event, Minister Butler emphasised there is not a family in Ireland that has not been challenged by mental health difficulties at some time
“The one thing I do want to say is mental health is not a bad word. Recovery is possible. Let's end the stigma.
"Let's all start here today by spreading a real positive message to the young people in this part of the country that there's a college here to support them every day of the week."
Oran Lennon from Strokestown Scoil Mhuire demonstrated his great musical talent throughout the launch.
PHOTO: Conor Gavin, Discovery College West Recovery Education Facilitator, Chloe Costello, Discovery College West Peer Recovery Educator, Mary Butler, Minister for Mental Health & Older People, and Orla O’Duinn, Occupational Therapy Manager East, Galway/Roscommon Mental Health Services.