Conference being held today to shine light on adolescent mental health

A conference focusing on adolescent mental health and development will take place today, Tuesday, May 19th at the University of Galway, bringing together parents, professionals and caregivers to explore the challenges facing young people today.

The national Adolescent and Beyond Conference will feature a strong line-up of recognised national and international experts working in youth mental health, psychology and education. The event, now in its third year, is expected to build on the success of previous conferences, which attracted around 120 attendees.

Speakers on the day will include Bronagh Starrs, a psychotherapist and international speaker specialising in contemporary adolescence; Dr Aoife Durcan, a counselling psychologist known for her work with children and families; Lorraine Madden, a chartered educational psychologist and clinical director; Padraig Danaher, a clinical specialist occupational therapist and psychological coach; and Dr Blánaid Gavin, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with extensive expertise in youth mental health.

A distinctive feature of this year’s conference is its location in the Empathy Studio at the University of Galway. The studio offers an immersive, lived-experience approach, allowing attendees to better understand challenges such as hearing loss, visual impairment and mobility difficulties. Organisers say the experience is designed to deepen understanding of what adolescents may be navigating internally.

Gina Dermody, one of the conference coordinators, said the aim is to help adults reconnect with the adolescent experience. “You’re trying to keep your value systems in check and contribute to happiness, but sometimes we forget what it might be like to be an adolescent,” she said.

The programme will also include interactive workshops led by Lorraine Madden and Padraig Danaher, offering practical, hands-on tools for parents and professionals supporting young people. Attendees will have opportunities throughout the day to engage directly with speakers.

Ms Dermody, originally from Mayo and now living in Galway, has extensive experience as a family and adolescent psychotherapist, working with young people from age 10 through to emerging adulthood. She noted a growing rise in anxiety and neurodivergence among adolescents, particularly in secondary and third-level education, and said the conference aims to support parents in understanding these challenges.

Tickets cost €120 and include food. Organisers have also signalled plans to expand the conference and host further events in the future.