We invited students who took part in our Transition Year (TY) Programme to share their experiences.
Each year, Walk in My Shoes (WIMS) hosts a week-long mental health training programme for TY students to learn about mental health and the services around mental healthcare. We welcome 125 students over five weeks, and, on completing the programme, students go on to become ambassadors for positive mental health within their schools, homes and communities.
On the first day of their placement, students are given a tour of St Patrick’s University Hospital (SPUH) to receive a first-hand experience of the facilities and services in a mental health hospital. This is also an opportunity for the students to meet our WIMS team and to come together as a group.
Throughout the week, students also take part in presentations and discussions around mental healthcare and career pathways with mental health experts and clinicians, including psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses and social workers. They experience a mock multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting and hear first-hand experiences from people with lived experience of mental health difficulties on their journey to recovery. Students also develop group projects and presentations to further enhance their knowledge and skill set.
Hear from graduating students
We asked graduates of our 2023/24 TY programme graduates to share some reflections on their experiences and what they will take away from their time on our programme.
Julie Dianzon
Coming from a family that immigrated from the Philippines, mental health was never something that we talked about openly in my household - it was always something that was glazed over or something to be ashamed of. Is it well documented that Filipino culture sees mental health as a sign of weakness and that seeking care is something that brings shame to the family.
I figured that, by partaking in this programme, I would learn about mental health, to not only educate myself, but also my family. I wanted to break the cycle of being ashamed about mental health so that my peers, and perhaps if I choose to have children in the future, will feel comfortable and more accepted.
I think I liked how the programme had an organised, set structure each day. It was also an opportunity to meet new people and I also really enjoyed the group work. Overall, I am so glad that I chose to take part in such a programme, one that aims to create youth mental health ambassadors so that we as a society become more accepting for future generations to come.
Abigail Clarke
I chose to participate in the WIMS TY Programme because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about mental health in Ireland.
What I enjoyed most was hearing about the different career paths and the services they provide to support the service users in their most vulnerable time. This support network is hugely important and appreciated for all service users and their families. It was also very interesting to be onsite and physically see what the building provides for service users. The building projects a very safe and nurturing atmosphere on arrival. I also enjoyed meeting people from all around Ireland with the same interest in the programme.
What I would have preferred would have been a full week of in-person experience. I feel, as a group, we would have interacted better and got to know each other more if we had been on campus for the five days.
This programme gave me the opportunity to become a mental health ambassador and share with my family how we can be more supportive towards one another.
On return to school, I made the decision to organise an anxiety workshop with my TY Coordinator, and I had some great feedback and my classmates telling me that they really benefited from it. It shows when we support others, positive outcomes come of it. Education is key in supporting each other.
Kate Norton
After being accepted to take part in the programme, I knew it was going to be a worthwhile experience. It helped me gain a detailed insight to the area of mental health services in Ireland. Since taking part in the programme, I have returned to my school as a mental health ambassador.
The experience was fulfilling and contained lessons that I can use for the rest of my life. The programme also helped me make choices in terms of my future. This is done through amazing speakers and coordinators speaking from real-life experiences.
The programme did not only spark an interest in the area of mental health as a job for me, but it also helped me understand the importance of looking out for one another.
Iyra Buenache
During this week I learned many things that I am very happy about. I discovered there are multiple pathways to working in the area of mental health.
Some of the staff from SPMHS gave us talks so we could get a better idea of what it’s like to work there. The programme was really well organised, the WIMS team were always really nice and helped us whenever we had a question.
This was a great experience to discover if a career in mental health is what I want to do in the future, I would really recommend it if someone was considering the same career pathway.
I am very happy with this week; I learned a lot of new things that will be useful for me and for my future.
Aoife McLelland
The week I spent in the WIMS programme was one of the most eye-opening weeks I’ve had. I wanted to take this course to learn more about my own mental health, understand stigma and learn how to help myself or others overcome it. We began the week by meeting everyone who also had an interest in improving their knowledge around mental health and wellbeing, it was so enjoyable - everyone was so kind and willing to learn.
Touring around the services at SPUH gave me a real feel for what a relaxing environment it was and how the service users would experience it.
Although I’d have loved to have seen everyone throughout the week, the online talks were very enjoyable. My personal favourite talk was from the occupational therapist, I just loved the way she was so invested and sounded excited to share with us what she did on a day to day!
Another great way to learn was group work - we got to talk to each other, share ideas and present our work together. It highlighted mental health issues in people that I wouldn’t have been aware of before. I still remember what I learned that week - to treat everyone kindly as we never know what’s going on in their heads.
