Take 5 for Positive Youth Mental Health in Louth
Take 5 for Positive Youth Mental Health in Louth
Local response to engaging with young people regarding their mental well-being
The ‘Take 5 for Positive Mental Health’ initiative, spearheaded by Louth County Council in collaboration with Dundalk Youth Centre and the Louth Youth Network, is a transformative programme designed to enhance youth mental health & well-being. Developed as part of the Healthy Ireland Fund Programme by Healthy Louth, this initiative actively engages young people in shaping their mental health journey through a structured framework based on five pillars: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice. By fostering resilience, building skills, and creating meaningful social connections, the initiative has made a significant impact on the youth of County Louth.
Youth-Led, Co-Designed Approach to Implementation
A key strength of the initiative is its youth-led approach, ensuring that participants actively contribute to the programme’s design and execution. Through focus groups, planning sessions, and workshops, young people have had a direct role in shaping the activities to align with their needs and interests.
The initiative is structured around the five well-being pillars of the Take 5 Well-Being Framework:
- Connect: Encouraging meaningful social connections.
- Be Active: Promoting physical activity to boost mental health.
- Keep Learning: Building confidence through acquiring new skills.
- Give: Fostering community engagement and altruism.
- Take Notice: Cultivating mindfulness and appreciation of the present moment.
This approach provides the young people who participate the opportunity to engage in two programmes that will help them to develop both personally and as people who can contribute and lead in their local communities.
- Youth Committee Skills Programme: This equips participants with leadership, public speaking, and project planning skills, fostering a new generation of community advocates.
- Multi-Activity Leadership Programme: Participants engage in outdoor adventure activities such as kayaking, bouldering, and first aid training, enhancing confidence, teamwork, and employability.
The initiative is strongly rooted and supported by a network of organisations, including Dundalk Youth Centre, Louth Comhairle na nÓg, MAD Youth Theatre, and Youth Work Ireland Louth, among others. Additionally, expert guidance is provided by members of the Louth LCDC Health & Wellbeing Sub-Committee, including representatives from the HSE, Tusla, and CYPSC.
Positive results reported
In terms of assessing the impact of Take 5 for Positive Youth Mental Health the following results were reported:
Project Outputs Year 1 – 2023
Total Number of Participants that engaged in activities: 106
Participants Involved in Activities with Pre and Post Energy Vitality Index (EVI) Scoring: 70
Participants Who Self-Reported an Increase in Positive Mental Health:
- 67 reported an improvement
- 2 reported no change
- 1 reported a decrease
Participants Who Reported an Increased Awareness of Local Supports to Enhance Positive Mental Health:
- 61 reported an increase
- 9 reported no change
Project Outputs Year 2 – 2024
Total Number of Participants that engaged in activities: 305
Participants Involved in Activities with Pre and Post Energy Vitality Index (EVI) Scoring: 88
Participants Who Self-Reported an Increase in Positive Mental Health:
- 83 reported an improvement
- 4 reported no change
- 1 reported a decrease
Participants Who Reported an Increased Awareness of Local Supports to Enhance Positive Mental Health:
- 86 reported an increase
- 2 reported no change
Some Examples of the feedback from the young people who participated and what the programme meant to them include:
“From doing the Leadership programme I found love for working in a team and discovered my love for the outdoors.”
“I had so much fun kayaking for the times I was able to stay in the boat.”
“I had the best experience and made friends for life.”
“When I first looked up the mountain, I wanted to hide on the bus. But when I finally reached the top, I felt such a sense of achievement. In which I am very grateful for “
“I was very nervous about kayaking due to my dyspraxia as I was scared it would hold me back. But now I can hold my head high and be proud of myself taking the risk and it was so much fun”
The lessons learned from the approach taken in Take 5 for Positive Youth Mental Health in Louth confirm the importance of the including all parties in finding solutions. The programme highlighted the following:
- Collaboration and Ownership: The joint planning efforts of youth services fostered a strong sense of commitment and sustainability.
- Power of Co-Design: Allowing young people to shape the programme resulted in higher engagement and a more meaningful experience.
- Building Confidence and Resilience: Testimonials highlight the transformative impact of the initiative on participants’ self-esteem and well-being.
Sustainable impact with follow on projects.
The ‘Take 5 for Positive Mental Health’ initiative has successfully created a youth-centred, community-driven approach to mental well-being. Through skill development, leadership training, and strong partnerships, it empowers young people to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. The expansion of the initiative, including the development of the ‘Dear Future Me’ project as a cross-border collaboration, underscores its sustainability and long-term impact.
To continue fostering youth mental health, community members, stakeholders, and policymakers are encouraged to support and expand initiatives like ‘Take 5.’ By investing in youth leadership, promoting well-being practices, and ensuring inclusive access to mental health resources a stronger more resilient future for young people in County Louth is being created. If you would like to know more about this or other Health Louth Initiatives the Healthy Ireland Coordinator can be contacted here
