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After months of research and development, Tackle Your Feelings with the help of Deirbhile Nic a Bháird and Ryan Baird, has launched an updated TYF Schools App. With new digital features, the updated app makes the programme easier for teachers to deliver, supported by greater accessibility and updates to content.

To date, thousands of students have already participated in the curriculum which was first launched by teacher Eimear Considine in 2020. Through the app, secondary school teachers are equipped with the tools and resources to guide their students through a life skills development programme which enables students to build healthy habits and personal coping mechanisms underpinned by positive sport psychology principles. 

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

In a recent pilot study conducted in association with the University of Limerick, it was found that the comprehensive lesson plans and accessible resources covering a range of emotions helped normalise conversations around mental wellbeing. Furthermore, teachers also felt the presence of influential rugby players throughout the app was a significant feature.  

Following in the footsteps of several Irish rugby figures who have backed Tackle Your Feelings over the years, Nic a Bháird and Baird are keen supporters of the TYF initiative. Indeed both have taken an active roles in the campaign in recent months.

A Strategic Advisor to the campaign through his own initiative, Baird has also taken his place on the TYF Expert Advisory Panel which brings together a number of experts in the fields of education, psychology and wellbeing as well as other relevant individuals whose experience can support the expansion and development of the programme. 

Baird said that he believes Tackle Your Feelings is an extremely important tool. “It’s an incredible resource for teachers to deliver useful and valuable support for young people at what can be an overwhelming and challenging time in their lives. It is fantastic to see more and more young people equip themselves with the tools to best manage their mental wellbeing in a positive way.”

Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Currently contracted by the IRFU meanwhile, Nic A Bháird’s background is in product design and user experience research. She also represented TYF as a judge at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in January. Speaking at the launch Nic A Bháird said that she has used Tackle Your Feelings resources extensively throughout her rugby career and that she attributes  her mental strength to the incredible people around me and through “learning the valuable skills of maintaining a healthy relationship with managing my own mental health.”

Headed up by Dr Hannah McCormack, TYF has been motivating people across Ireland to be more proactive when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing since 2016. By breaking down stigma, changing attitudes and in creating a movement that now extends to the country’s school populace, TYF has achieved many of its ambitions.

Ahead of the next phase which aims to have TYF Schools be the go-to wellbeing curriculum across the island of Ireland, McCormack says, “We wanted to build on the great foundations the programme has established over the last 4 years and ensure the new platform is easier than ever for teachers to operate and effectively deliver the programme to their students in the classroom. We want teachers to feel comfortable and confident that they have resources and content to best support their students, something this new app will significantly help with.”

For more information, visit: tackleyourfeelings.com/schools