"Supporting clinically informed, timely access to appropriate therapeutic support within the school setting"
What AILM Is:
AILM (symbolising inner strength) is a therapeutic framework established in collaboration with Ramsgrange Community School. It provides clinically informed psychotherapeutic support within the school, offering a dedicated space where young people can explore and express their experiences when emotional or personal challenges affect their emotionalhealth, relationships, and daily life.
Established in 2023, the AILM framework delivers timely access to psychotherapy within the school day, recognising the importance of locally accessible support within our rural DEIS school community. Access to AILM takes place through the school’s Student Support System where the Student Support Team (SST) considers requests for support.
How AILM works:
AILM operates within the school’s Student Support System and in consultation with the Student Support Team (SST). It works alongside existing school supports, including pastoral care and guidance counselling, and does not replace external mental health or clinical services where these may be needed. Access to AILM takes place through the SST referral process.
Working in partnership with the school, guardians, and young people,the framework provides a space where young people can explore, express, and reflect on their experiences.This work takes place within a dedicated therapeutic space — The Nook and The Haven — which were created with the support of the Board of Management, Senior Leadership Team, and the generosity of businesses in the local community.Creative approaches may be used to help young people explore,communicate, and understand their experiences. Psychodynamic and psychoanalyticthinkingmay also inform the work, which takes place within a consistently safe and reflective space, with guardian engagement supported as part of the process.
Professional Practice:
Access to AILM takes place through the school’s Student Support System where the Student Support Team (SST) considers requests for support.AILM operates in line with the framework’s clinical governance arrangements, clinical supervision, professional practice standards, and the school’s safeguarding procedures.Support is provided by an accredited Child and Adolescent Art Psychotherapist (ICP) with ongoing clinical experience workingwith young people within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The next phase is the development of a therapeutic garden beside The Nook and The Haven. This quiet outdoor area will allow young people to connect with nature and take part in reflectiveand creative activities.The school warmly welcomes community support in helping bring this space to life and is open to ideas, designs,materials, or practical support from those who would like to contribute.
Acknowledgement of support:
AILM has been developed with the support of the Board of Management and Senior Leadership Team of Ramsgrange Community School alongside support from within our local community. The school extends sincere thanks to those who have supported the development of the AILM therapeutic spaces, The Nook and The Haven, so far.We gratefully acknowledge the support of:
Greenlink Interconnector, New Ross Credit Union, Siemens, Scurri, Wallace’s of Wellingtonbridge, Modular Solutions, Pat Caulfield Plumbing, Noel Wall Carpentry and Slaney View Motors.
If parents/guardians have concerns about their young person, they should contact the appropriate school supports during school hours, or seek external support where appropriate.