Mayo Youthreach centre celebrates 30 years with launch of wellness garden
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Past student Amanda Becca with current students Rianna Prendergast and Vanessa McNicholas who all spoke at the official opening ceremony.Image 2 of 5
Minister Alan Dillon with Sarah and Elise Camilleri.Image 3 of 5
Teacher Adrian Mangan with Gerry Griffin, national Youthreach coordinator, who planted a tree to celebrate 30 years of Youthreach Kiltimagh.Image 4 of 5
Garda Sergeant Conor Drury and Pat Howley, director of organisation support and development at Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board.Image 5 of 5
Anthony Crowe, Anne Crowe and Ann Crowe.Mayo College of FET Youthreach Kiltimagh has proudly marked 30 years of supporting young learners with the official launch of its wellness garden, a new initiative designed to promote mental health, well-being, and outdoor learning.
The garden was officially opened by Maria Walsh, MEP, and attended by key figures, staff, students and community supporters.
Adding to the momentous occasion, Gerard Griffin, national Youthreach coordinator, planted a commemorative tree to honour three decades of Youthreach Kiltimagh’s impact on education and the local community.
The wellness garden is a dedicated space designed to support students’ personal development, providing an area for reflection, relaxation, and outdoor learning.
It reflects Youthreach Kiltimagh’s ongoing commitment to fostering a holistic learning environment that prioritises both education and wellbeing.
This initiative forms part of Youthreach Kiltimagh’s wider mental health and well-being initiative.
In 2024, Youthreach Kiltimagh was awarded the FET Learner Mental Health and Well-being ETBI Award, recognising its dedication to supporting students’ mental well-being.
The wellness garden is phase two of this initiative, following the success of previous projects, including participation in Junk Kouture over the past two years.
This year, two groups of learners designed and created Junk Kouture outfits, two of which were linked to the mental health mural and the mental health garden, aligning with phases one and two of the initiative.
Future phases are planned, including the development of the Zen Den as phase three, furthering the mission to create supportive and inspiring spaces for learners.
Speaking at the event, Maria Walsh, MEP, commended the initiative, stating: "Education is about more than academics – it’s about supporting young people holistically. This wellness garden is a fantastic example of how learning environments can foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being."
Tom Grady, chief executive of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), also praised the initiative and the ongoing success of Youthreach Kiltimagh.
He said: "Youthreach Kiltimagh has played a vital role in empowering young people by providing alternative education pathways.
“The wellness garden is a testament to the dedication of staff and students in creating a supportive, innovative learning environment that will benefit generations to come."
With three decades of success behind it, Youthreach Kiltimagh continues to be a pillar of alternative education, providing opportunities for young people to develop skills, confidence, and brighter futures.
The wellness garden stands as a lasting reminder of its commitment to student well-being and success.