“Teen Talk”

On November 18th ,the Transition Year students had a virtual “Teen Talk”. "Teen Talk" is an annual, award-winning Cork County Council initiative that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing to teenagers in Cork. The event features talks, discussions, and speakers covering topics like mental health awareness, resilience, nutrition, and fitness, and aims to help students cope with the challenges they face at school, at home, and online. The initiative reaches thousands of secondary school students through in-person events and online streaming. 

Kayleigh Trappe, Irish Social Media and Television Personality, was the presenter for this Teen Gathering. 

Kayleigh Trappe first spoke about  her own personal story. She studied to become a Primary School teacher, and worked in this role  for several years. She first went viral on TikTok in 2024 by posting a funny lip sync video. She then decided to quit teaching ,and become a full time TikToker. She spoke about how difficult it was for her while growing up. She spoke about her insecurities, about her appearance, and not fitting in. She expressed how important it is to seek help when one  needs to. She expressed how important it is for teenagers  to reach for their goals. She spoke about the difference between luck and determination. 

The line up included:

Ashling Thompson, Cork camogie star, was one of the guest speakers. She spoke about her difficulties, and what she went through at such a young age. She talked about her mental health and how she did not speak up about it straight away, admitting how difficult this can be. Ashling talked about how helpful one of her camogie coaches was. She said he wanted to know Ashling Thompson, not Ashling the camogie player.Ashling told her audience that her family were always an active family. As a result , she played various different sports; her dad played GAA and her mom was an athlete.

Richard Hogan : Family Psychotherapist registered with The Family Therapy Association of Ireland

Richard started off by playing really fun interactive games with the audience. He talked about personal experiences in school and the difficulty of having dyslexia. He also talks about how mental health affects everyone, no matter what age they are. He told his audience that  “everyone has sad dark thoughts”. He talked about anxiety, and asked who suffers or suffered from anxiety. He himself suffers from anxiety . Richard spoke about when he found out his dad was having an affair which was not a good time for him.

Jen Bowler: Ireland’s got Talent Musician 

Jen speaks about the start of her getting into music. She told us it all started when her Granny bought her a guitar when she was eight, and started playing in the local church choir. She told  us how music is an escape for her. Jen lost her family over a short period of time , due to personal issues for her. This she confessed  was a very sad time for her.She  admitted she tried to end her life, as a result, but is grateful she didn't. She  now wakes up everyday so grateful for what she has.To finish off Jen then played some music for us and we sang and danced along.

Jerry Duffy: Professional Motivational speaker

Jerry spoke about failing. He expressed how important it is to get help and try again if you fail. He said how you can't control others ,but you can control yourself ,and how you act in situations. He explained how the future isn't something you can control. He played lots of interactive games with us to keep it interesting.

In conclusion this was such a good and informative talk which was very beneficial. We are delighted to have been part of this gathering in honour of TEENS.

Ciara Murphy and Aine Walsh  TY Students