A group of teenagers in Cork have encouraged their peers to “realise that life can be a paradise” after they joined forces to release a single about their experiences of bullying, depression, and suicide.

‘Reach Out, Speak Out’ was written and performed by Trisha Sexton (14), Paul Woods (17) and Shane Keane (20), who met at their local Foróige, the Mayfield Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force Project. It was produced by Garry McCarthy of GMCBeats Workshops.

Sexton, Woods and Keane also filmed the accompanying video, which emphasises the importance of reaching out and speaking out about mental health. Watch below:

The group also designed and ran a Peer Education Workshop on bullying and depression among teenagers in St. Patrick’s College, Cork a few weeks ago.

Foróige Youth Officer Deirdre Dennigan, who works with the group, said of the song, “The group worked so hard writing the lyrics, coming up with the music, filming the video and designing the look and feel of the campaign. I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. The rap and video showcases how amazingly talented these young people are whilst highlighting a crucial issue for them and their peers.”