The Action

The project team responded to this issue when a fellow student’s mother was suffering from a serious illness. The team realised that support for young people is not always easily accessible, and set out to improve the situation for those who may feel lost when a loved one becomes ill.

The group collaborated with organisations and charities which deal with serious illnesses and produced a website and advice booklet which was distributed to doctors, schools, hospitals and guidance counsellors. They also created a children’s book that tells the story of a child whose mother had a serious illness and supplied this to schools, libraries and surgeries.

With help from the school’s guidance counsellor, a school support group was set up and a contemplative space known as the ‘Tranquillity Garden’ has been established. The team has also raised awareness of this issue by conducting media interviews and speaking with members of Dáil Éireann.

The Impact

The project has received national media attention, and the project team aims to publish both of its books. The team will continue to develop its support structure for students within the school itself as well as campaigning to have support available to all young people who are suffering because of loved one’s illnesses.