By JK Onwumereh

Young African Catholics made presentations at churches around the Dublin region recently to raise awareness for better mental health.

With the latest statistics showing that one in five young people are affected by mental health issues, the Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO) of the African Chaplaincy based in Phibsborough got together to identify what they could do to help.

The group produced a leaflet to inform families that may be struggling with youth mental health issues, and took their message to churches in Balbriggan, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Lucan, Phibsborough, Swords and Tallaght.
All together they took their message to over 500 parishioners and raised nearly €2,300 for Catholic social support agency Crosscare to help with youth mental health services.

The CYO has entered the 2017 Aldi Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards and is currently planning a bonding day trip as part of its vision to support better mental health with strong friendships.