Let’s Go Mental

 

 

 

 Twitter:  #LetsGoMental2015           Facebook: Let’s Go Mental 2015

 

 

Let’s Go Mental is a nationwide campaign to promote positive mental health in young people. This campaign was developed by teenagers for teenagers and involved a series of 31 events in every local authority area to promote positive mental health through music, sport, the arts and other fun activities. The Let’s Go Mental events were organised and run by the 31 Comhairle na nÓg and took place all over the country from May to October 2015. Click here for calendar of regional events:
Calendar of Lets Go Mental events

The young people from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive came up with the title and concept for Let’s Go Mental and developed a template for all 31 events, which is based on Headstrong’s ‘Five-a-Day for your Mental Health’: Connect, Be Aware, Get Moving, Give and Get Involved. These five concepts are evidence-based and are proven to have a positive impact on people’s mental health. See more info on this below.

The national launch of Let’s Go Mental took place in Dublin on Wednesday 24th June – photos below. Dublin Bus supported us in this initiative and gave us the use of one of their community buses to transport people to the launch. Festivities kicked off outside Leinster House at 12:15 where our branded bus was parked outside for a photo-call with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, TDs and senators and the media. The bus then transported everyone to the official launch venue –the Science Gallery on Pearse Street in Dublin where Let’s Go Mental was formally launched by Minister for Children & Youth Affairs Dr James Reilly. We engaged the support of a number of celebrity ambassadors to endorse our campaign. Irish Olympic sailor Annalise Murphy is our sports ambassador and spoke about ‘getting moving’ and the link between good physical health and positive mental health.

Our arts ambassador Brian Gleeson recently recorded a short video for us about the importance of ‘getting involved’ and finding something you love doing in life and following your dreams, no matter what. Here is what Brian had to say:

The wonderful HamsandwicH are our music ambassadors and not only said a few inspirational words at the launch, but they also played a few songs for us. They played on the bus too that morning and in general, were terrific ambassadors and really good sports.

Some pics from the national launch on 24th June: all others can be downloaded from this Flickr link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105669397@N08/sets/72157655199694046

On Wednesday 22nd April, National Executive members made a presentation to  members of the Oireachtas on Let’s Go Mental. Click here for more info and to download the presentation.

This project was the top recommendation from the teen members of Comhairle na nÓg at Dáil na nÓg 2013.  The young people from the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive came up with the title and concept for Let’s Go Mental and developed a template for all 31 events, based on Headstrong’s ‘Five-a-Day for your Mental Health’:

• Connect: Reach out to others. Connect with family, friends and that ‘one good person’ in your life.

• Be Aware:  Be curious of the wonders of the world around you. Be aware of yourself. Be mindful.

• Get Moving: Be physically active. Find an activity you enjoy and release those feel-good endorphins that improve your mood and mental health.

• Give: Do something nice for others or for your community. Volunteer. Give something back.

• Get Involved: Have a say in matters affecting you. Join clubs and groups. Make a contribution. Have a sense of purpose.

YOUR COMHAIRLE NEEDS YOU: Pics taken at Leinster House on 22nd April

Getting creative for the Let’s Go Mental regional events: 

BUZZ STUFF for Let’s Go Mental events

POSITIVITY:  Focusing on the positive small things we can do every day which make a big difference to how we feel

FUN!!!   Providing a fun and fabulous day for all participants

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW: Try a new hobby, sport or activity, meet new people, be creative, sign up for a new class or club, do something practical, learning some simple relaxation techniques, meet new people

TOOLS: giving young people the tools to use in their everyday lives to manage their own mental health