Well done to Brenda Whelan who was nominated by Wexford Mental Health Assiociation for an award recently in the individual award category in the Wexford Garda Youth Awards.
Brenda has always been in the forefront when it comes to volunteering. She gives of her time freely to others to help them in their struggles. She has worked to make her school a more user friendly space by volunteering as a mentor to younger students, showing positive example in her involvement in spo…rt, showing grit and leadership in volunteering as a Meitheal leader, calmly and quietly assisting those who face daily struggles in school. She constantly makes herself available to others, lending a compassionate ear, a smile, a hug.
Brenda has spoken publicly about issues affecting her personally and affecting all young people in general. She has shown how young people can play a pivotal role in society. She demonstrates how difficulties can be dealt with and overcome, using various different strategies, constantly being mindful her own health and that of others. She has always participated in sport and has encouraged all students to be mindful of their health, taking exercise, being team players in sport and being brave enough to talk about their problems. She has been a leader in championing youth issues in school as a member of the Student council and has, in particular, highlighted bullying and its effect on student well-being. She lives the positivity of youth, even during difficult times.
Brenda has spoken as a representative of her school at many in school and outside of school events in the South-East. She has addressed a capacity audience at Wexford Mental Health Association’s Open evening in Wexford Arts Centre in 2016. She also made a speech at the WMHA anniversary concert at St. Iberius Church in Wexford in 2017. Her bravery and honesty in speaking out to promote positive mental health is encouraging and inspiring others. She is the quintessential young voice expressing the truth of her community, offering hope and health to us all.
By living her truth and acknowledging her struggles, Brenda has bravely shared her struggles in public, thereby normalising for us all the difficulties of modern life and the need for coping mechanisms. Brenda knows that it’s ok not to be ok and, more importantly, it’s ok to ask for help. And she offers help to others. Always. She shows maturity, understanding and sterling leadership qualities beyond her years. And she has spoken openly, showing others how it can be done.
Brenda Whelan has in no small way promoted the work and voice of Wexford Mental Health Association. She is a true ambassador for the Association.