Louth students learn the power of positive choices at wellness event

Students at Bush Post Primary School on the Cooley Peninsula recently took part in a wellness event focused on helping young people make positive choices for their wellbeing and their futures.

The event supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), brought students together for a day of discussion and reflection on how the choices we make can shape our lives and future opportunities.

A key part of the day was hearing from three speakers who shared their personal experiences of overcoming significant challenges, including addiction, involvement in crime and homelessness. They spoke honestly about the difficult paths they had faced in the past and the turning points that helped them change direction and rebuild their lives.

Students also heard from a member of An Garda Síochána, who spoke about the real-life consequences of criminal behaviour and how convictions can affect future opportunities such as employment and travel. The session also covered issues affecting young people today, including drugs, money laundering, social media use and the dangers of speeding.

One student who attended the event said:"It really made you think about the choices you make and how they can affect your future. Hearing real stories from people who turned their lives around made the message feel real."

Teachers noted the strong engagement from students throughout the day and the value of hearing real-life experiences that encourage reflection and personal responsibility.

The event, which was organised by CRJI Newry/Armagh, aimed to give students a greater understanding of the importance of positive choices and the supports available to them when facing challenges.

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The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.