Personal Development Programme

The Personal Development Programme for transition year students has been in existence since 1998. It is run as a one-day workshop, the maximum size of each group is 15 students with two facilitators. The facilitators are experienced Mental Health professionals. For further information on this programme or to book a place for your school please contact the office of Cork Mental Health Association. Places may be limited so availability is on a 'first come first served basis'.

Material covered falls into 3 broad categories:

• Self-esteem and self-concept
• Stress and stress management


• Communication and group dynamics

Each of the above items is explored through discussion, role-play and group exercises.

The aim of the programme is to encourage students to look at ways of taking care of their own Mental Health and to de-stigmatise mental illness.

Some comments from the students:

'The day was a great eye opener for me on the issues of Mental Health'

'I really enjoyed the day and feel everyone should have the same opportunity'

PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY
9.30 – 10.45: SELF – ESTEEM AND SELF-CONCEPT.

• GOOD MENTAL HEALTH PROFILE
• I AM ME
• SELF – ASSESSMENT – TWENTY QUESTIONS
• OUR RIGHTS
• ASSERTIVENESS QUESTIONNAIRE
• ASSERTIVENESS PACK

10.45 – 11.15: BREAK

11.15 – 12.30: STRESS MANAGEMENT

• GROUNDING EXERCISE
• IDEAS FOR COPING WITH STRESS
• EFFECTS OF STRESS
• COPING SKILL QUESTIONNAIRE
• COPING WITH STRESS PACK

12.30 – 1.30: LUNCH

1.30 – 2.15: GROUP DYNAMICS AND COMMUNICATION

• SPACE SHIP EXERCISE
• LISTENING STATEMENTS

2.15 – 2.30: BREAK

2.30 – 3.30: TOWER BUILDING

For more information on the Personal Development Programme contact Cork Mental Health Foundation