Graham Nelligan.
A TEENAGER from Tralee is one of 20 young people nationally to be recognised in the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards Programme.
Graham Nelligan, a sixth year student at Mercy Mounthawk, has been recognised for the motivation, service and impact he has demonstrated for his local community.
Graham has been volunteering with Jigsaw Kerry for the past year and a half enabling young people to talk about issues related to mental health. Graham raises awareness amongst young people that ‘it’s ok not to feel ok’.
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Through his work with Jigsaw, Graham has organised two 10km runs and has spoken at many events including the Rose of Tralee Festival, the Cycle Against Suicide and during the Ring of Kerry cycle.
“I feel it is important that young people know there is help available and there are people to talk to when they are feeling low,” he said.
Currently Graham is involved in a Health Promotion campaign called ‘Speak your Mind’ which has had an immense impact on the local community.
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Through social media Graham is communicating the importance of mental health in the daily lives of young people and while a ‘huge amount of personal commitment is needed I am very proud of how far we have come.’
Graham’s teacher, Pat Fleming, says that Graham is much admired not only for his ceaseless work with Jigsaw Kerry but also for the activities he runs for young people in his area, “he is truly remarkable for the way in which he has taken on responsibility and showed leadership.”
The only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind is run in partnership with The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) and recognises outstanding acts of volunteerism by Ireland’s youth.
Twenty post-primary students, who hail from all corners of f Ireland, will be presented with €500 and an engraved silver medallion at the gala awards ceremony on March 12 in the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa by special guest Brent Pope.
At the gala, two of the 20 students will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year and will receive €1,000 for a charity of their choice, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school and an all-expense paid trip to the United States in May to participate in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony.
