Source: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ireland

Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Young SVP programme in the South East of Ireland were so concerned at the level of stress and anxiety among their peers during the Covid-19 restrictions that they put together a beautiful musical video to drive home the message that young people are not alone.

The video is intended to offer support for those students all over the country who are feeling  down, worried or anxious and encourages them to talk about their anxieties and that help is on hand for them.

The project was supported by over 100 Young SVP students from around the country who feature in the video with ‘You are not alone’ signs.

The video ends with an encouragement to call Pieta House or The Samaritans if you need help.

Debbie O’Halloran, SVP Youth Development Officer in the South East said that these TY and 5th Year students from schools in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford were so aware of the impact on mental health that they agreed without hesitation to sing together on this video.

The Young SVP Programme is a youth development programme designed for use in school/youth groups. The programme focuses on social action within the ethos and mission of SVP. Young people are offered opportunities to learn about SVP, Social Justice and how to engage in social action in a positive meaningful way.

The SVP National Youth Development officer Becca Gallagher said that this initiative #youarenotalone is a perfect example of the level of concern for others that is engendered in the Young  SVP Programme.

Singers: Eryn Buckley (Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School New Ross), Jessie Byrne (Presentation Secondary School Wexford), Aaron Smith (Presentation College Carlow), Orla Flynn (Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny), Tyra-Lee Spry (St Paul’s Community College, Waterford), Mia Redmond (Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge), Shauna Barry (St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross), Jerely Pembele (Presentation Secondary School, Waterford), Lauren Brophy (Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore), Ciara Sheperd (Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny) Katie Williams (Presentation College Carlow), Kerri Cleary (St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross) and Debbie O Halloran (Young SVP).

Video edited/ produced by Steven O Halloran from Timeryder

Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul,  The song ‘You Will Be Found’ comes from a Broadway musical called Dear Evan Hanson the story of a US teenager with social anxiety issues.

You Will Be Found

Have you ever felt like nobody was there?

Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?

Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?

Well, let that lonely feeling wash away

Maybe there’s a reason to believe you’ll be okay
‘Cause when you don’t feel strong enough to stand
You can reach, reach out your hand

And oh, someone will coming running

And I know, they’ll take you home

Even when the dark comes crashing through

When you need a friend to carry you
And when you’re broken on the ground
You will be found

So let the sun come streaming in

‘Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again
Lift your head and look around
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found
You will be found

Have you…