Youth mental health was main Comhairle conference concern

MENTAL health was among the main issues for young people in South Dublin, at the annual Comhairle na nÓg conference.

On Wednesday, October 23, about 80 young people from the county attended the annual South Dublin Youth Council conference at the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght.

“It was a fun, enjoyable, and interactive event, where young people had the opportunity to give their opinion on issues that affect them and their friends,” explained Noeleen O’Brien, co-ordinator at Foróige who organised the event with South Dublin County Council.

Youth Mental Health, which was the main topic members identified last year alongside Youth Spaces, will be the main focus for next year too.

Throughout last year, Comhairle na nÓg members have been surveying South Dublin schools to understand how to improve their peers’ mental health.

They then designed informative posters to place in schools and raise awareness on all the available mental health services in the county. All their work culminated in their Arts and Wellbeing festival attended by over 120 people in August 2024.

After the conference, their plan is to discuss further action in November 2024 and meet the Council Chambers in December 2024. “They will have a say in policy development and service delivery in their communities, and they will be the main vehicle for consultation with children and young people,” explained Noeleen.

“The conference itself was such a success,” she added.

“The members of the Comhairle were amazing in organising and leading the event. It gave us all confidence in the future generation.”

Members Kenny and Niamh led out the event and kept everyone on track, explained Noeleen, while outgoing Chairperson Liam Kelly highlighted the impact Comhairle na nÓg had on him and his life experiences. Ash Kennedy, representing Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, informed all the participants about the work of the Youth Council at a national level.

“The members spoke so well of the positive impact they are having on lives of their peers and young people in the county,” said Noeleen. Among the attendees, the conference was a success too as they described “interacting with new people, hearing others’ opinions and discussing issues with them” as the best part of their day.