2. PromotingPositiveMentalHealth
2
Dear Member,
As part of Young Fine Gael’s policy direction during this National Executive’s term, Mental Health is a major
section that we want to focus on.
We have developed two major policies on Mental Health - one external policy that includes many different
ideas that Government can adopt to improve Mental Health in our country and one internal policy that can
show how we as a youth political organisation can make a difference.
If Young Fine Gael is to be taken seriously on this issue, we have to prove that we are serious. This
document contains changes that are going to be implement to ensure that Young Fine Gael is a friendly
and safe place for our members Mental Health.
Yours sincerely,
Dale McDermott
President
Young Fine Gael
3. 3
Mental Health has been close to the heart of many Young Fine Gael members over the past number
of years. Due to this the Policy Sub-Committee decided to look at what Young Fine Gael can do, as an
organisation, for its members and help support them in their communities. The subcommittee and the
National Executive hope that this document will form the basis for a number of internal actions by YFG
at National, Regional and Branch level on Mental Health.
This document should compliment the external policies that we have set out in the document “Positive
Thinking, Positive Action; A YFG Policy Document on Mental Health in Ireland”. YFG will be lobbying the
Government and other bodies to implement these proposals.
Mental Health is a serious issue in Ireland and especially for Young People. In Ireland there are
approximately 550 suicides per annum, approximately 12,000 cases of deliberate self-harm treated
per annum, while a further 60,000 cases of self-harm are estimated as “hidden cases” per annum.
Furthermore the average age for the first act of self-harm is 16 years old. These are sobering statistics
and show why action is needed from all sections of society, not just Government and stakeholders.
As a youth organisation YFG is in the ideal situation to do something to challenge the stigma around
mental health and to support members should they need the support. By equipping YFG members,
with the resources and skills to tackle these issues, members can also be a source of support for their
families, friends, and communities.
Stephen Spillane
Director of Policy
Introduction
4. PromotingPositiveMentalHealth
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SafetalkTrainingForAllNationalExecutiveMembers,
BranchChairsAndSecretariesAndRegionalCouncilMembers
AnAmberFlagforYoungFineGael
Background
National Executive Members, Branch Chairs and Secretaries and Regional Council Members play an
active and visible role in the organisation. They are often ‘go to’ people for many Young Fine Gael
members. As an organisation YFG should put the mental health of its members as a priority. To support
this specific training will be given to National Executive Members, Branch Chairs and Secretaries and
Regional Council Members. This will allow them to support the membership through difficult times
whether at local, regional or national events. This will also allow member with this training to become a
support in their own communities.
Policy
That all National Executive Members, Branch Chairs and Secretaries and Regional Council Members
will receive, at minimum, SAFETALK training with the possibility of ASSIST and QPR training for those
who are interested.
Background
The AMBER FLAG initiative aims to encourage Schools/Colleges/ Clubs/Societies/Organisations to
promote and actively bring about a culture change in the promotion of positive mental health within the
educational system and other organisations. It is offered by the Mental Health Charity, Suicide Aware.
What the Amber Flag does is acknowledge these efforts and unite all schools/clubs/societies/
community groups in the promotion of “Positive Mental Health”. It becomes a daily topic of
conversation leading to a cultural shift where mental health becomes “The Norm” leading to the
breaking down of ‘stigma’, whish is often associated with mental health, resulting in individuals
seeking help sooner, when mental health issues arise.
5. 5
Policy
YFG will work towards achieving an Amber Flag for the organisation by completing the following steps:
AmberFlagAchievementStepsforClubs/Societies/Associations/Companies
1. The Club must establish an Amber Flag Project Team. The names of the members of the team shall
be recorded on Form 1 at the commencement of each year. This project team may vary from 2 to as
many members as the club wishes. One member shall be named as the Co-ordinator of the Amber Flag
initiative. The terms of reference of the project team should be to promote Positive Mental Health in
the Club and should take cognisance of roles already in existence in the Club that may already have an
involvement in this area. Professionals such as Chairman/ Coaches/Trainers have an invaluable role to
play in such matters and should be consulted prior to the formation of the committee. It is up to each
Club to decide how the team shall operate. Records of meetings/activities shall be kept for evidence of
the work of the team.
2.Once constituted the team shall prepare an Audit of the activities and services in the Club that promote
an ethos of Positive Mental Health. These are recorded on Form 2.
3. The Club should then identify 3 goals/tasks to enhance the existing educational provision and support
structures in the area of mental health promotion in the Club. These should be achievable in the duration
of one year. A Mental Health Awareness Day/Evening must be included as one of the 3 goals. This could
be a fixed date each year. These should be recorded on Form 3.
4. Once the goals have been agreed an Application for the Amber Flag may be made using Form 4 or
made online. The address for this application is contained in this Amber Flag booklet.
5. Once approved, the Flag will be sent to your Club and must be flown outside the Club building in a
conspicuous place where it will convey the caring ethos of your Club and the importance it places on
Mental Health.
6. The team must then carry out its 3 goals over the year in which the flag was presented. A number of
suggestions to assist teams are available in this guide but this list is not exhaustive and teams are
encouraged to develop their own ideas.
7. Clubs must elect a new team at the beginning of each year and outline its 3 goals/tasks for the next
year on a new Form 3. This should be signed by the co-ordinator.
Draft terms of Reference for the Amber Committee is in Appendix A. The Forms referenced above are
available on suicideaware.ie and in the Amber Flag Booklet.
6. PromotingPositiveMentalHealth
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YFGtomeetNationalQualityStandard(NQS)
forVolunteerledyouthgroups
Background
The NQS were developed to ensure quality standards are met by youth groups who receive funding from
the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). While these standards are mandatory for groups
who receive funding from DCYA, they are not mandatory for YFG. We believe that YFG should aim to meet
these standards at a national, regional and local level. This will ensure that Branches and the National
Organisation meet the highest quality of standards in Ireland.
Policy
The National Executive, National Youth Officer, Regional Councils and College and Local Branches will work
towards meeting the National Quality Standards to ensure that YFG core principles remains to be young
person centred, safety and well-being orientated and is aimed at development and educational.
7. 7
YFGAmberFlagCommitteeTermsofReference
n The Committee will be chaired by a member of National Executive.
n The Committee will be composed of 6 ordinary members and interested National Executive members.
At least one member of the National Executive must serve on the committee to act as National
Executive Liaison and Chair.
n The National Youth Officer (NYO) will be an ex-officio member of the committee.
n The aim of the committee will be to satisfy the criteria set out by Suicide Aware in order for YFG to
receive an Amber Flag. (www.suicideaware.ie)
n The Committee will review YFG events to see what Mental Health actions or events can be
implemented during them.
n Create and deliver a campaign: Mental Health Awareness Week/Month that would run across the
organisation.
n Look at the role Regional Councils and Branches can play and support them on any initiative they
may wish to take.
n Organise SafeTALK/Assist/QPR Training for Chairs and Secretaries as well as member of the National
Executive.
8. Fine Gael National Headquarters, 51 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2
Phone: 01 619 8444 Fax: 01 662 5046
Email: yfg@yfg.ie Web: www.yfg.ie
