Student Supports
Study Skills
​Sixth Years always receive a special Study Skills Session during their first week back in school in August/September.  The session lasts approximately two hours as it was essential that the Sixth Years be given clear explanations and guidance on study in what is their most important year so far in St. Mary's.

On the same day, the Sixth Years also receive a session on confidence and self esteem by outside espert, Tracey Geraghty.

Outside Agencies
Teenage years and in particular sixth year can be very stressful.  Sometimes it is hard to talk to others about how you feel and what is going on in your life.  There are many websites that provide useful information, helplines, shared experiences and ideas for coping with life problems.  Remember that a website cannot replace talking to someone such as a trusted friend or adult or seeking help from a professional such as our guidance counsellor.

​Useful Supports
Pieta House the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide.  
Tel: 01 601 0000
www.pieta.ie
e-mail mary@pieta.ie
​Headstrong was set up by Psychologist Tony Bates.  It supports the mental health of young people
When Headstrong began its journey four years ago, disturbing reports of self-harm, suicide and high-risk behaviour from across this country indicated that many young people and their families were experiencing levels of distress that they did not know how to handle. Suicide was the leading cause of death in young people, and one in four young people were identified as going through difficult times. The mental health supports these young people desperately needed were rarely available, and the few services available to them were hard to access and seldom youth friendly.
Headstrong was set up in response to this need – to change the way Ireland thinks about youth mental health, so that young people young people are connected to their community and have the resilience to face challenges to their mental health.
​SpunOut is an independent, youth powered national charity working to empower young people to create personal and social change.  The website provides help and ideas relating to social and health issues of those between 12 - 18.
​HeadsUp (headsup.ie) is a website for 15-24 year olds aimed at promoting positive mental health.
They have a free 24-hour text service available,  just text HEADSUP to 50424.  They also provide some very good Factsheets.    The Factsheets are written in order to give you more information; they cannot replace the expertise and advice of a qualified professional who will be able to deal with individual cases and problems.
​Bodywhys is the national voluntary organization dedicated to supporting the 200,000 people in Ireland affected by eating disorders.  Bodywhys provides a range of support services for people affected by eating disorders, including specific services for families and friends.  Tel: 2834963
​Teen Between is a specialised counselling service which supports teenagers with separated or divorced parents.
Since its inception Teen Between has aimed to give teenagers struggling with parental separation the tools to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents, while also coping with the additional struggles of entering adulthood.