Tackle Your Feelings celebrates 10 years supporting youth mental wellbeing

Launched in 2015, Tackle Your Feelings (TYF) is a mental wellbeing campaign, run by Rugby Players Ireland (RPI) in partnership with Zurich Ireland with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation. The campaign has now been running for 10 years with the core purpose of inspiring more people to take action to look after their mental wellbeing on a daily basis. It aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide people with the tools and resources to be more proactive in looking after their emotional wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organisation(WHO) in 2025 almost 15% of young people aged 10 to 19 years of age suffer with mental health conditions globally.

With a strong focus on the proactive approach to mental wellbeing, the key message ‘Take control of your mental wellbeing’ sums up the approach of the TYF campaign. In line with Zurich’s purpose of helping people reach their full potential, the campaign activity is specifically designed to empower people to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and to inspire confidence in their ability to do so. We want to enable people to thrive, not just survive.   

TYF Schools Programme

A key component of the TYF programme is the TYF Schools Programme which launched five years ago. Since 2020, the TYF Schools Programme has reached thousands of students, providing them with the tools and resources to help them take control of their mental wellbeing. The programme's primary goal has been to create a positive and open environment where young people feel comfortable addressing their mental health challenges and seeking support when needed. The 8-lesson programme provides a journey through awareness building, emotion identification and skill and habit development. This evidence-based programme uses both sport and positive psychology theory to teach students the tools to help them proactively manage their mental wellbeing.

Empowering students

The TYF Schools Programme focuses on empowering students with knowledge and strategies to tackle their feelings effectively. Through engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and expert-led discussions, students learn about the importance of mental health, how to recognize signs of distress, and the numerous ways to seek help. The programme also emphasises the importance of empathy, teaching students to support their peers who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. To date, over 190 schools have committed to running the TYF Schools Programme, with approximately 12,350 students benefiting from access to the content.

Rugby player ambassadors

An integral part of the TYF Schools Programme's success has been the involvement of renowned rugby player ambassadors. These ambassadors have brought their passion for mental health awareness and their personal experiences to the forefront, helping to inspire and engage students. By participating in workshops, sharing their stories, and offering mentorship, these rugby stars have played a crucial role in making mental health discussions more relatable and impactful. Their support has not only elevated the programme's reach but also underscored the importance of mental wellbeing in sports and everyday life.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are excited about the future of the TYF Schools Programme. We are committed to expanding the programme's reach, incorporating new insights and approaches to mental health education, and continuing to support our communities in meaningful ways. Our goal is to ensure that every young person has access to the mental health support they need to thrive.

Anthony Brennan, CEO of Zurich Ireland said: “We know that teachers put their hearts into supporting their students and we see the dedication from teachers nationwide each year in ensuring their students feel understood and cared for throughout what can be a challenging time in school. We are proud to continue encouraging teachers and schools nationwide to sign up for the TYF Schools Programme and continue making an incredible impact on the lives of this young generation."

Join us in making a difference

If you would like to nominate a school to participate in the programme or you simply want to find out more information about the programme, please visit Schools - Tackle Your Feelings. Zurich in Ireland is honoured to be part of this incredible journey, and we look forward to many more years of making a positive impact on mental wellbeing in our schools and communities.

Zurich's commitment to mental health

Zurich in Ireland has long been a champion of mental health initiatives, recognising the critical role mental wellbeing plays in the overall health of individuals and communities. Our support for the TYF Schools Programme is just one example of our commitment to mental health advocacy. We believe that by investing in mental health education and support, we can help build a society where mental health is prioritised and continue to tackle the stigma with programmes like TYF.