To mark World Mental Health Day today, St Clare’s National School in Ballyjamesduff has launched a colourful new Positivity Pebbles Garden.
The creative mental health initiative has been developed as part of the local school's role as an ‘Ambassador School’ for Walk in My Shoes, the national awareness campaign run by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
The school was named a winner of the 2024/25 Mission Possible School Achievement Awards which fosters positive mental health and wellbeing.
The local school chose to develop a Positivity Pebbles garden, inviting every child to design a personal pebble featuring a mental health message, image, or colour pattern.
Each pebble was then added to the school’s sensory garden, reflecting St Clare’s commitment to mental health, wellbeing, diversity and celebrating individuality. Teacher Verena Cunningham at St Clare’s National School shares with us how the project came to life. Meanwhile, Principal Karl McCartin says it's a wonderful initiative to be involved in by the entire school.
Teacher Verena Cunningham, "This idea was originally proposed by our pupils, and with the support of the Walk in My Shoes team and our ever-supportive school community, it became a reality. 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."
As part of their prize, St Clare’s NS was awarded the title of Walk in My Shoes Ambassador School, receiving a €1,000 grant and an ongoing support package to help lead on mental health promotion in schools. The Mission Possible School Achievement Awards recognise meaningful efforts by schools to promote mental health and wellbeing in classrooms and communities across Ireland.
Speaking about the importance of promoting positive mental health within the school environment, Paul Gilligan, CEO of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services said: "As we celebrate World Mental Health Day 2025, we are delighted to visit St Clare's NS and witness first-hand the positive impact their 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."
