Donegal schools join forces to launch new youth mental health programme

A new mental health and well-being programme for secondary schools has officially launched in Donegal

Mulroy College takes part in the national pilot of Rising Minds, a new initiative from award-winning Irish mental health charity A Lust for Life, proudly supported by Aura Leisure. Co-founded by Niall ‘Bressie’ Breslin in 2017, A Lust For Life has been at the forefront of developing early prevention mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools across Ireland. 

The Rising Minds programme, developed with psychologists, teachers, guidance counsellors, and young people themselves, supports first-year students as they navigate the transition into post-primary school. It introduces the concept of mental fitness, equipping young people with practical tools to build resilience, manage emotions, and strengthen relationships, helping them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.  

Ms Trudy O’Donnell- Wellbeing Coordinator at Mulroy College, speaking at the launch, said:“We’re delighted to be part of the Rising Minds pilot. It’s an engaging and relevant programme that gives students real tools to understand themselves, manage challenges, and build empathy for others. It’s already creating great conversations in our classrooms.”

Dara Patton, Operations Manager, Aura Leisure Letterenny, said: “Aura is proud to support Rising Minds and help bring this programme to life in our community. Supporting the mental health of young people goes hand in hand with our vision of creating a healthier, happier Ireland in mind and body. This partnership shows what’s possible when schools and local organisations work together.”

Speaking about the partnership with Aura Leisure, Paula McLoughlin, Co-Founder and Chair of A Lust for Life, said: “At A Lust for Life, we believe every young person deserves the knowledge and skills to look after their mind. Rising Minds is about empowering students early and helping them build confidence, compassion and resilience for the challenges ahead. We’re so grateful to Aura Leisure for championing this partnership and supporting mental fitness in schools across Ireland.”

Rising Minds builds on A Lust for Life’s award-winning Primary Schools Programme, which has already reached more than 222,100 children in over 50% of primary schools across Ireland. The charity’s move into secondary education marks a major step toward a full continuum of early mental health education, from infants to senior cycle.

The Rising Minds pilot runs in 12 schools across eight counties this academic year, with national rollout planned for late 2026.