Teen Talks kick off in Cork

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL ‘TEEN TALK’ ROADSHOW VISITS NORTH CORK

Kathryn Thomas, Derval O’Rourke, Pat Divilly & Graham McCormack Inspire Cork Secondary School Students to look after their minds and bodies through Teen Talk series

Several hundred secondary school students attended an inspirational wellbeing and positive mental health event, Teen Talk, in Charleville North Cork today (Thursday). Organised by Cork County Council, RTE Presenter Kathryn Thomas hosted the event at which a number of high-profile speakers gave their insights to health and wellbeing for young people.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy said, “Young people today face a lot of pressure, through social media, exam pressure and sometimes difficulties at home, among other challenges. Teen Talk is all about giving people access to information, encouraging them to put the phones down and to do exercise, to consider their nutrition and to have a healthy state of mind too. People like Kathryn Thomas, Derval O’Rourke, Pat Divilly and Graham McCormack share their stories with the students to help and inspire them into a positive and healthy way of life.”

“Highlighting positive mental health, wellbeing, nutrition and fitness for young people, Teen Talks are designed to support students in dealing with whatever challenges they may face, be it at school, at home or online. Cork County Council is delighted to be rolling out these events across the county of Cork, and we invite all schools to avail of these important and free events,” said Cork County Council Chief Executive Tim Lucey.

Supported by Healthy Ireland and Local Community Development Committees (LCDC), the Teen Talk roadshow is travelling around the county of Cork in February and March. Former All Ireland and Cork Camogie Player Anna Geary will host the next Teen Talk event in Little Island on 5 March, followed by a Teen Talk in Bantry on 7 March. Students are invited to attend the Teen Talks, which are free of charge and registration through Cork County Council is essential.

Speaking at the event in the Charleville Park Hotel, Chairperson North Cork LCDC Cllr Gerard Murphy said, “It’s great to see so many young people here this morning being motivated by the sportspeople, nutritionists and wellbeing coaches to be more mindful of their physical and mental health.”