A Beacon of Hope - The Official Launch of Discovery College West

At Discovery College West, we are taking a huge step forward in supporting our community's young people as they face an increase of mental health challenges. Based in the West of Ireland, our college provides a safe, welcoming space where those aged 12-25 can share experiences, learn about mental health, and find hope on their path to recovery.

Together, we foster a no-pressure environment where everyone can get involved at their own pace. Through interactive workshops and co-production, we aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging young people to connect, learn, and grow alongside each other. As our Peer Educator, Chloe Costello, said, “It’s in that connection that we learn, ‘We are not alone.’ That, in itself, opens up doors for us to reach out for help and support when we need it.”

At the heart of Discovery College West, we emphasize inclusivity, respect, and community. Each of us plays a vital role, from choosing the topics for our workshops to co-facilitating them. By grounding everything we do in real-life experiences, we ensure our service remains meaningful and impactful.

The official launch of Discovery College West was a moment of celebration and recognition for all of us. Held at the E-Mental Health Hub in Castlerea, we were honored to welcome Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler. Her words at the event highlighted the importance of what we are achieving together. Minister Butler called Discovery College West a model for the entire country and expressed how proud she was to witness Ireland’s first Discovery College, right here in our community.

She shared her own experiences since taking office in 2020 and emphasized the need to end the stigma around mental health. As Minister Butler said, "Mental health is not a bad word, recovery is possible. Let’s end the stigma and let’s all start here today.” Her support underlines how important it is for us to continue working together, ensuring that mental health is recognized as an essential part of overall well-being.

During the launch, we were also inspired by the personal stories shared by those who have been with us on this journey. Max Farrell, one of our own co-producers and a volunteer with Discovery College West, spoke movingly about his personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and coming out as transgender. Max’s courage to share his story helps us all remember why we do this work: to provide support, connection, and hope. Max has become an integral part of our team, helping to create workshops that specifically address the needs of the LGBTQI+ community. His journey reminds us that recovery is not only possible but something we can help others achieve.

Our Recovery Education Facilitator, Conor Gavin, also spoke at the launch, sharing his own journey with mental health challenges.. Conor highlighted how working with Discovery College West has given him the opportunity to use his lived experience to help others, a powerful reminder of the strength we all bring to this initiative.

We were also joined by key figures such as Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, who praised the college for the impact it is having on our community. He emphasized the importance of compassion and communication, especially in a world where young people are often isolated by technology and social media. His words reinforced the value of our work and how vital it is to build environments where kindness, respect, and support are at the forefront.

Throughout the event, we heard from many who have benefitted from the services we provide. Parents, young people, and professionals alike shared how Discovery College West has already opened doors to mental health support that might otherwise have been closed. One parent expressed deep gratitude, sharing how their child now has the tools to manage anxiety thanks to the workshops and supportive environment we provide.

The feedback from our participants speaks volumes about the impact we are making. During the autumn/winter semester of 2023, we received feedback from 581 participants, with 95% saying our workshops promoted a hopeful outlook on mental health, 89% finding the content meaningful, and 81% identifying with the experiences shared. These numbers are more than statistics—they reflect the real lives we are touching, the connections we are fostering, and the hope we are building together.

We are not stopping here. With the official launch behind us, we are looking to the future with excitement. Our plans include growing our team, expanding our capacity, and reaching even more young people across the region. As we continue to expand into Mayo and Galway, rebranding as Discovery College West, we are setting our sights on embedding this model in other communities across Ireland. Minister Butler’s words resonate deeply with us, as she expressed her hope that Discovery College will become a national model, one that can offer support and recovery to even more young people.

As we move forward, we will continue to work with the principles of 'Sharing the Vision,' the national mental health framework, which emphasizes respect, equity, compassion, and hope. These values are at the core of everything we do, and they guide us as we look to the future.

The official launch of Discovery College West was a celebration of everything we have accomplished together, but it was also just the beginning. We invite everyone to join us as we continue to build a brighter future for mental health in our community and beyond. Mental health is something we all face together, and at Discovery College West, we are committed to ensuring that no one walks this path alone.