Photo Special: ‘Mind your Melon’ young people of Donegal told

Mind your Melon, is a free mental health and wellbeing festival for young people which aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

It also provides the signposting for key services that are available to young people in the county.

Young people are encouraged to visit the website (see below) and view the programme of in-person events and explore video content on themed stages on an interactive map of Donegal, with stages at iconic locations around the county.

It will run until December 16.

At Glassagh Beach - some photos of the events so far

The festival features a programme of events including ‘A Drop in the Ocean’ with Liquid Therapy, Nutrition Myths workshops, Forest and beach walk with Muddy Souls, Tree planting with Ourganic Gardens, Tug of War challenge with Donegal Sports Partnership, workshops with The Shona Project along with Film making and song writing creativity opportunities and much more. Additionally, there is online content that includes inspiring talks, engaging demonstrations and information about mental health supports and services for young people.

Mind your Melon has been created by Donegal mental health charity Connect Mental Health in partnership with Jigsaw Donegal, Foróige and Donegal Local Development Company.

It has been developed ‘For young people, by young people’ - Young people from Donegal Youth Council and Jigsaw’s Youth Advisory Panel have been key to designing and creating the festival and planning the content and themes they wanted to see covered.

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Tara Toye, a Donegal Youth Councillor and member of the Jigsaw Donegal YAP mentioned "being involved in this project has been really interesting and I have learned a lot about youth mental health. It is so important that young people are made aware of this new resource that has been made for them to access. I would strongly encourage youth to maximise the use of this support".

Connect Mental Health Chairperson Ciaran McLoone said:

"We encourage Donegal people to take ownership of Mind your Melon, share it with your friends, family and young people. This years programme features a range of in person events and online content that, we hope, will reach as many young people as possible throughout the county."

Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager with Donegal Local Development added: "DLDC were delighted to get involved and collaborate with Connect Mental Health to co-ordinate this programme of activities. Mind Your Melon is a unique and energetic programme and we are really looking forward to seeing the positive outcomes for our young people."

Bill Vaughan from Mental Health Ireland added "Mind Your Melon is a very creative way to encourage young people to take an interest in all areas of their mental health and well-being."

The programme of in person events is extensive and interactive, taking place at locations right across the county. The website can be used by individuals in their own time but can also be used in various forms of group settings, to encourage discussion and information sharing."

Mental health is an essential part of a person’s health. Incorporating positive mental health and well-being practices during adolescence helps promote the development of healthy and resilient adults. 

Visit www.mindyourmelon.ie for more information.