Support for Students

Supporting Student Wellbeing

How to Ask for Help

Sometimes the hardest part of feeling better is taking the first step. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just “not yourself,” here is how you can reach out:

– Talk to a “Safe Person”: This could be a friend, a parent, or any adult in Gortnor Abbey you trust (like a teacher, your Year Head, or the Guidance Counsellor).

– Start Small: You don’t have to explain everything at once. You can start with: “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, can we chat?” or even send an email if talking feels too hard.

– It’s Okay to be Nervous: Everyone feels a bit shy when asking for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to look after your mental health

– Use Your Phone: If you aren’t ready to talk to someone you know, use one of the confidential text services below.

Service Name Best For… Contact Details
Crisis Text Ireland Immediate 24/7 help via text (Students & Adults) Text HELLO to 50808
Mindspace Mayo Local Mayo youth mental health (Ages 12-25) mindspacemayo.ie / 094 906 7001
AsIAm Support & information for Autistic students asiam.ie / 01 445 6701
Belong To LGBTQ+ youth support, advice & groups belongto.org / Text LGBT to 50808
Childline 24/7 anonymous chat or call for students childline.ie / 1800 66 66 66
Jigsaw Youth mental health advice & online chat jigsaw.ie / 1800 JIGSAW (544729)
Pieta Support for self-harm or suicidal thoughts pieta.ie / 1800 247 247
Foróige Mayo Family support and youth community groups mayo.ie/foroige / 094 902 4332
Webwise Dealing with online safety or cyberbullying webwise.ie
Ballina FRC Local counselling & family resource centre ballinafrc.com / 096 75573
Cúram (Claremorris) Parenting courses & family support services curamclaremorris.ie / 094 936 2096
YourMentalHealth HSE directory of all local Irish services yourmentalhealth.ie / 1800 111 888
Spunout Facts on mental health, life, and teen issues spunout.ie
ShoutOut Educational support for LGBTQ+ issues shoutout.ie
Middletown Centre Resources for Autism and learning middletownautism.com
Bodywhys Support for those affected by eating disorders bodywhys.ie / 01 210 7906
Tusla Mayo Complex family needs and Meitheal support tusla.ie / 094 904 2283

Supporting Every Student to Thrive

Our commitment to wellbeing helps create a school environment where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.