Over 5,000 sign petition urging mental health classes in schools

More than 5,000 people have signed a petition, prompted by a spike in Cork City’s suicide rates, calling for the introduction of mandatory mental health classes in secondary schools.

The petition, launched by University College Cork graduate Daragh Fleming, 22, has been replicated by other communities across the country. His petition will be presented to Health Minister Simon Harris early in the new year, with Cork’s Lord Mayor Des Cahill pledging to support it.

Daragh’s best friend, Erbie Underwood, died by suicide five years ago, aged just 17.