A primary school in Co Cavan is to launch a new initiative to promote positive mental health and celebrate individuality.
To coincide with World Mental Health Day, St Clare's National School in Ballyjamesduff, will officially open its new 'Positivity Pebbles Garden'.
The idea, proposed by pupils at the school, has seen each one design a personal pebble that features a mental health message, image, or colour pattern.
The pebbles were then added to the school's sensory garden, reflecting what St Clare's has said is its "commitment to mental health, wellbeing, diversity and celebrating individuality".
It comes after the school won a top prize as part of St Patrick's Mental Health Services' flagship awareness-raising and education campaign.
As winner of the 2024/25 Mission Possible School Achievement Awards, an annual competition run by Walk in My Shoes, St Clare's has been deemed to be an ambassador school for championing positive mental health.
The awards programme recognises the efforts being made by schools to promote mental health and well-being in classrooms and communities across the country.
As part of their award application, St Clare's was invited to propose an initiative they would create using the prize money of €1,000.
Teacher Verena Cunningham has said the pupils' idea of the 'Positivity Pebbles Garden' only became a reality because of the support the school got from the Walk in My Shoes team.
Ms Cunningham said: "The garden is rooted in our message to students; we want them to 'Be You'.
"It celebrates the creativity and uniqueness of each child and reminds us all how important it is to tend to our mental health, just like we care for the flowers and plants in our gardens," she added.
St Clare's National School has also been awarded an ongoing support package to help lead mental health promotion in schools.
Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick's Mental Health Services, has said the importance of promoting positive mental health within the school environment cannot be underestimated.
He said: "As we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we are delighted to witness first-hand the positive impact St Clare's mental health work is having on students and the wider community.
"Initiatives like the 'Positivity Pebbles Garden' help educate children about mental health from a young age and break down stigma.
"At Walk in My Shoes, we recognise the vital role schools play in fostering empathy, inclusion and wellbeing.
"By creating spaces where every young person feels valued and supported, schools like St Clare's help ensure all children have an opportunity to thrive," Mr Gilligan added.
