Young people mark Mental Health Awareness Week at HeadsUp celebration

INCLUDE Youth hosted a celebration event last Wednesday, May 14, at Riversdale Leisure Centre Strabane, bringing together over 250 young people from across Strabane, Derry, Donegal, and Omagh to mark Mental Health Awareness Week and to celebrate the completion of the six-week HeadsUp (OUR Generation) Programme.

It is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The HeadsUp Programme supports young people in developing emotional resilience and improving their overall wellbeing.

Over the past six weeks, participants have explored key areas such as stress management, empathy, social identity, resilience, and self-awareness all designed to promote positive mental health and personal development.

This event is part of the PEACEPLUS OUR Generation project, which supports peacebuilding by promoting emotional resilience, mental health, and youth leadership.

It brings together communities across the border to address the intergenerational impact of trauma.

The project also creates lasting resources and best practice models, co-produced with young people, to support individual wellbeing and community cohesion for years to come.

“It’s been inspiring to see so many young people come together during Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the completion of their HeadsUp (OUR Generation) course," said Niall Blee, regional director of PEACEPLUS programmes.

"Today really highlights the value of mental health education, not only in the skills they’ve gained, but in seeing them enjoy the day with friends and take pride in what they’ve achieved.

"Thanks to the support of the PEACEPLUS programme, the HeadsUp (OUR Generation) project continues to invest in the wellbeing and future of our young people and today is a powerful example of that in action.”

The event welcomed young people who had completed or are currently participating in the HeadsUp Programme, including those from Strabane Academy, Holy Cross College, CRAFT Training (Omagh and Derry), Give and Take (Omagh and Enniskillen), Strive (Lifford/Derry), and 21 Training Strabane.

Throughout the afternoon, young people took part in a wide range of engaging activities, including inflatable obstacle courses as well as interactive circus skills, featuring juggling, tightrope walking, and a live DJ provided the soundtrack for the day.

This celebration not only marked the achievements of the young people involved but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, inclusion, and open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.