Feelgood factor in happiness project

A TEENAGER donned a gorilla suit and played the drums in his school yesterday to spread a little happiness.

It was part of Ethan Lawlor’s innovative youth mental health project at Schull Community College in West Cork.

“It is a bit of fun, designed to put a smile on everyone’s face,” the 16-year-old transition year student said.

“Taking time out to have a laugh together helps to deal with the stresses of day-to-day life.”

The event was the culmination of his ‘Free Happiness’ project which was awarded funding by O2 and Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, as part of their ‘Think Big’ programme which aims to make a difference to young people’s mental health.

Ethan has staged initiatives in the school in recent months to lift the spirits of his fellow pupils.

He put motivational quotes on classroom doors, he arranged for a Headstrong representative to address senior students on young people’s mental health issues, and he arranged an information stand on youth mental health at a recent school open day.

And yesterday, he persuaded his friend, Luke O’Regan, 17, to don a gorilla suit. Seven more students distributed free chocolates and balloons, school bands Hot Penguin and The Drama performed free gigs, and exchange students from Lisotho and The Netherlands performed a break-dancing routine with the Schull students.

Ethan declared the event a huge success but said there was a serious message.

“People my age are feeling pressures at the moment — especially those in the senior cycle class who are worrying about the Leaving Cert, whether they can afford to go to college, or whether they will get jobs later,” he said.

“We have provided information about how to maintain a positive outlook, and by all having a laugh together we can ensure that people don’t let pressure get on top of them.”

He thanked O2 and Headstrong and school principal Tim O’Connor for their support, and Field’s Supervalu, Skibbereen and Hegarty’s Centra in Schull for providing the chocolates.

* Think Big helps young people to implement projects that will help make a difference to young people’s mental health.

It is open to any young person, aged between 14 and 25 and project ideas can be submitted at www.o2thinkbig.ie.