The Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast

This episode looks to provide insight, support and guidance to parents & guardians when the young person in their lives is struggling to attend school. When a young person is struggling to attend school, it can cause huge stress for the whole family. In this episode, we explore this issue, how common it is, and some supports and strategies for parents & guardians. Thanks to our contributors:Amy Goodison, Coordinator, Gorey School Completion Programme. Dr. Kim Lombard, Neart Clinical Lead, JigsawEdel Connolly, Jigsaw Youth AdvocateLink to RALLY video: RALLY on YouTube Click here for NEPS Guide for Parents on Reluctant School AttendanceParents webinars - including ones on Understanding Anxiety and Managing AnxietyFurther information on motivational interviewing as mentioned by Amy: Motivational Interviewing Ireland Further information on The Wheel of Change, as mentioned by Amy: The Wheel of Change

In our first episode of the Academic year 2025/26, the Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast discusses the importance of the move from primary to post-primary school, the challenges this can cause, and how parents & guardians can offer and find support around what can be an exciting but turbulent time in a young person's life.With thanks to our contributors, Tara Mulhern and Adam Burke from Jigsaw, Dr Maryanne Lowney from the Tusla Educational Support Service, and Orla Condren, former school principal and current CEO of Le Cheile Educational Trust.Here are some of the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:National Council for Special Education: www.ncse.ieNCSE advice document: Moving from Primary to Post-Primary School; Guidelines for parents and guardians of students with special educational needs: https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Moving-from-Primary-to-PostPrimary-School.pdfNCSE Education Passports: https://ncca.ie/en/primary/reporting-and-transfer/education-passport/ National Parents Council webinars and support document: Supporting Your Child’s Move from Primary to Post Primary School: https://www.npc.ie/images/uploads/downloads/ChildMove.PDFTusla Educational Support Service: https://www.tusla.ie/tess/4X4 breathing technique: https://youtu.be/CoGTlBkP3IU?si=5XAKMFkdyebxYLAVThe 54321 grounding technique: https://neart.learnupon.com/r/yesowjq5jxi54uqysn1hr1tzi1s1le5

This is a special bonus episode for school staff exploring what schools can do for students in the lead up to, and during exam time. Our contributors had so much to say, we didn't want to waste it!Thanks again to our contributors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, National Parents Council, Comhairle na nÓg and Principal Joe Leonard from Cross & Passion College, Kildare. Jigsaw's own Dr Kim Lombard also contributes.

In this episode, the Neart schools team talks to Dr. Kim Lombard from Jigsaw, Catríona Rodgers and Eoin Houlihan from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, Áine Lynch from the National Parents Council, Joe Leonard, principal of Cross and Passion College in Kildare, and Cian and Katie from the National Comhairle na nÓg.We discuss the impact exam stress has on young people and families, how parents can recognise when a young person is experiencing a worrying level of stress, some practical ways parents can support young people, and possible avenues of further support for both young people and their parents.Information on the organisations and supports mentioned can be found here: Exam Stress Episode resourceA general list of supports for parents & guardians can be found here: Parent & Guardian Support ListTo sign up for the Neart Parent newsletter and access further supports, register here: Neart Parent Registration

Welcome to the Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast. Full episodes starting on April 28th.The Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast is brought to you by Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, and the Department of Education and the National Educational Psychological Service.