Kildare student's documentary on mental health described as 'inspiring and uplifting'

Niamh Cullen, an NUI Galway student from Celbridge, Co. Kildare, was a runner up in the Headline Award for Student journalism 2016 . Niamh’s radio documentary, “Rennafix: Exercising Minds”, was one of 5 entries that were shortlisted in the national competition. Headline runs the award in an effort to raise awareness among media students of the issues involved when reporting on mental health and suicide and to recognise the good work being produced.The competition was judged by Carl O’Brien, the Education Editor at The Irish Times.

Speaking about the documentary, he said “Niamh’s documentary is an inspiring and uplifting story of how campaigners are promoting positive mental health activities in the north-west through outdoor activities”.

He continued, “As well as chronicling the stories of those affected by mental ill-health or bereaved by suicide, it shows the powerful support that can be provided by groups of friends and the wider community. It also shows the complexity of providing the right kind of support and how one size does not necessarily fit all”.

In conclusion, he said, “This is a sensitive and well-crafted story of what one group of people can achieve with vision and determination”.

Jennifer Purcell, a native of Rosbrien Co. Limerick, won the overall  award for student journalism relating to mental health or suicide prevention. The award was presented at the ceremony held in The Dean Hotel, Dublin on 6th July. Her articles titled, “Our Suicide Scourge”, and “Everyone’s in the same Boat” won for a combination of excellent writing, compelling personal stories of grief and recovery, which included expert advice and a focus on support services.

Headline is Ireland’s national media monitoring programme, working to promote responsible and accurate coverage of mental health and suicide related issues within the Irish media.