UCC-led Intinn Youth Mental Health Programme Research wins Prestigious Award

18 Dec 2025

A landmark evaluation study of the Intinn Youth Film & Mental Health Programme has been named an Outstanding Paper in the 2025 Emerald Literati Award.

This award recognises its contribution to adolescent mental health support.

The study, led by Dr John Goodwin and colleagues from UCC’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, was published in the Mental Health Review Journal. The research provides strong evidence that the Intinn programme is a much needed and effective resource for young people and schools at a time of growing mental health challenges.

Production still from Sound & Colour, from the Intinn Programme 2025.

Presented by Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) in partnership with UCC and supported by Cork City Council and the HSE, Intinn – meaning ‘mind’ or ‘way of thinking’ – is a free programme that uses film and expert-led workshops to help Transition Year students explore mental health, resilience, and well-being in a language they understand: storytelling. Following screenings, workshops are delivered by a mental health professional and workshop facilitator, addressing the themes of the film.

The award-winning UCC study demonstrated that participation in the programme has led to significant increases in student well-being, personal resilience, and positive attitudes towards seeking help for both personal struggles and, crucially, suicidal ideation. Teachers have praised the programme for its relatable approach to opening discussions on complex topics in a safe and engaging way.

The vital programme has been shortlisted for multiple Business to Arts Awards annually from 2021 to 2024, while this recognition underscores the impactful collaboration between CIFF, UCC, and supporting partners Cork City Council and the HSE.