Laois secondary school to host Ógra Live Well Expo to boost health in students

A county wide exhibition to counteract the increase in mental health pressures on Laois children and teens is taking place this month.

Laois Volunteer Centre in collaboration with Mountmellick Community School and Laois County Council's Laois Connects have joined forces to hold a community and voluntary Expo from 11am - 2.30pm, on Wednesday, November 20 in Mountmellick Community School.

The Laois school has invited every primary and secondary school in the county to come along and get tips on living well.

More than 30 not for profit organisations and charities will host stands at the event to provide information about their work and services. It will provide a platform for the organisations to showcase their work and services.

Speakers from organisations that promote mental health and wellbeing, the sporting world, arts and culture sector and many more will deliver talks on the day. There will also be fun activities like Zumba Dancing, Aerobics Demos, live music, games and competitions, plus a health food area.  

"There appears to have been an alarming increase in mental health problems among adolescents and young people over the last two decades centred around issues such as social media usage and influence, climate crisis, wars, loss, isolation, to name but a few factors," Deputy Principal, Frances Kerry - La Rosa said.

"Today's young people are tomorrow's workforce and the next generation. We need to equip them with life skills, the ability to help themselves initially if they can and then provide them with the knowledge about where to go or who to contact when they need further support. This is what the Ógra Live Well EXPO is showcasing, the abundance and variety of excellent
supports available to our young people," the deputy principal said.

The Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre is Caitriona Ryan.

"It's a great opportunity for not for profit organisations or charities in the county to promote the work of their organisation to young people and to hopefully, plant the seed of volunteering. Volunteering is beneficial to both the community and the volunteer. Young volunteers, in particular, can learn and share skills, gain experience for their CVs and expand their world view."

Rose Doolin is the Age Friendly Co-Ordinator with Laois County Council.

“We are delighted to welcome Ogra Live Well as the youth version of the LCC Live Well Health and Wellbeing Event held in April. This new event is hosted by our long term partner Mountmellick Community School and partnered with Laois Volunteer Centre.

“Ogra Well provides a platform for the students to think about the issues that really matter to them and their locality, and seek answers and information on these topics, which they can then share with their Community in Mountmellick.

“This event will showcase the range of services and resources available in the Mountmellick area and the students and teachers in Mountmellick should be commended on their hard work” Ms Doolin said.

Emma O'Connor is Healthy Laois co-ordinator.

“This ensures that the voice of young people is heard and valued whilst empowering the students to take the lead, learn and grow and validates their place in the community,” she said.

If you would like to book a free stand at this event or to learn more, please contact Caitriona Ryan, Manager Laois Volunteer Centre on info@volunteerlaois.ie or phone 0872499659.