CAS Student Leader

The annual Cycle Against Suicide Student Leader Ambassadors’ Retreat took place in Kippure Estate, Co. Wicklow on Thursday and Friday, August 18^th and 19^th last. 

The Retreat, now in its third year, recognises students for their exceptional contribution to the area of mental health. The aim of the Student Leader Ambassador Programme is to harness the immense leadership potential of these young adults, and empower them to bring the Cycle Against Suicide message, “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help”, back to their schools and communities. The Student Leaders actively participate in all Cycle Against Suicide activities throughout the year.

Among the group of exceptional students, nominated by their schools and selected from hundreds of applicants, was Patrick Dobbs of CBS, Wexford. Patrick and his fellow Student Leader Ambassadors from all over the island of Ireland gathered to participate in the wide range of workshops, including Media Skills, Outdoor Pursuits, Team Building, Presentation Skills and Leadership Training. 

As well as participating in workshops and presentations, students also collaborated to develop a theme for this year's Student Leaders' Congress, which will take place in University of Limerick on January 19^th, 2017. 

Link Teacher Ruth Ivers said, 'It is a huge honour for CBS Wexford to have a student selected for such a prestigious and worthwhile programme at a national level. We are immensely proud of Patrick’s achievement’.

Among the inspiring guests presenting at this year's Retreat were Jim Breen, Founder of Cycle Against Suicide, and Ombudsman for Children, Niall Muldoon.