Eileen delivered a talk to our Junior students on self esteem, looking after our mental health, looking out for each other, where to find support etc. and held their attention throughout. The feedback from many of the students was very positive. They liked the way she threw out questions to the floor and asked them to reflect on certain topics. These are some of the comments from our students - “It really made me think”. “I liked the way she made it really relevant to our age group”. “She was really good”. Many of the teachers present commented afterwards on how attentive our students were and how worthwhile the topics covered were. Eileen was very easy to work with and accommodating for our school’s needs.

— ST ANGELA’s COLLEGE, MAY 2014

I was introduced to Eileen Keane three years ago. Since that time we have worked together in organising fashion shows in order to raise money for some well known charities in Cork. Eileen is a true professional who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her events. Modeling at any stage in someone’s life can be a terrifying experience, yet she ensures everyone is made feel comfortable and confident. Eileen has a passion for helping people feel their best. She has an extremely pleasant way of dealing with, and reaching out to young people. Struggling with confidence is a difficult place to be especially now with the pressures on young people. I wish Eileen every success with her new venture. Our youth are in safe hands with Eileen. Go n-éirí leat.

— JULIET MURPHY, HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB

Eileen Keane, director of Jumpstartyourconfidence.com has had a very positive response from our students.  This is our second year availing of her programmes for 1st year students pertaining to:

• The importance of a positive Self-Esteem

• Social Media and Bullying Awareness

The students' feedback was very positive. They indicated that the sessions helped them to understand issues many of them have had whilst  settling  into secondary school. For example;

• the fact that many students found things difficult but now realized they were not alone,

•  the importance of believing in themselves

• the importance of friendship

• the damaging effects of all types of bullying.

They found the Social Media section especially helpful in giving them strategies to find a balanced life and helped their awareness as to the pros and cons of same.

This is our first year availing of the Coping Skills talk for Junior Cert Students and this was also very well received by the students. Eileen dealt with issues such as peer pressure, choices, self-control and exam pressure in a very holistic way. She has a deep understanding of the issues concerning young people today and a natural empathy with teenagers.

I would highly recommend both of Eileen’s sessions and would be happy to give further feedback to any school interested in these talks.

— MOUNT MERCY COLLEGE CORK

Thanks again Eileen for the presentations you did recently for our First Year girls in Colaiste Muire Crosshaven.
The feedback from the girls was excellent in relation to both content covered and your presentation/interaction with the students.
The timing [just after Christmas holidays] seems to have worked well and hopefully the full benefits of the presentations will become evident as the remainder of the year unfolds.

Hopefully we will be in a position to repeat the exercise in the forthcoming academic year.

— COLAISTE MUIRE CROSSHAVEN 

Eileen organised a fashion show for our school in 2011. This was hugely successful as a fundraising initiative.

Eileen took full control of this fashion show from the onset. Initially some children were reluctant to model but Eileen encouraged all children to participate. She taught the children their routines in a professional, easy-going manner and on the night each child in the school (and some staff) walked down the ramp confidently and happily. It was particularly nice to see some of the more timid children smiling and waving to their parents and families.

What started as a fundraising venture had evolved as an exercise which promoted self esteem, team play and camaraderie. Thanks Eileen.

— CATHERINE FLEMING, VICARSTOWN, NATIONAL SCHOOL, MARC O SÍOCHÁIN, PRÍOMHOIDE 

"Alice first met Eileen at end of August just before starting transition year. She had been very quiet and was not part of any group and I suppose was feeling isolated. I was concerned about transition year and wanted her to be able to enjoy herself. Meeting Eileen changed everything. Eileen made her feel very comfortable and they talked about everything from school, discos, drinking, friends, boys, career choices. Eileen encourages her, gives practical advise and is so supportive. A few short months later Alice is flying, she got very involved in transition year, made some lovely friends, grown in confidence and most importantly is so much happier in herself. Eileen is always available through text/email and Alice loves their chats. She is always positive and upbeat after meeting with Eileen. Eileen is incredibly helpful and encouraging. Meeting Eileen was one of the best things I ever did for my daughter

— PARENT

Eileen is always available through text/email and Alice loves their chats. She is always positive and upbeat after meeting with Eileen. Eileen is incredibly helpful and encouraging. Meeting Eileen was one of the best things I ever did for my daughter

— PARENT

Thank you so much for the time you gave me before I started secondary school. The advice you gave me really helped.

I am getting on really well now.

Thanks again.

— PARENT

I just wanted to express my sincere thanks. What a morning!!!!. He did not want to go initially but openly said after that the session was great. Hes brighter and cheerful and delighted with himself!!! You gave us both food for thought , and while my day was a bit of a rollercoaster that did not end until 1am last evening I really wanted to thank you. Id definitely hope to be back.

Its wonderful knowing that I have someone now that Id trust and could meet with if the going gets tough tore think choices and who to proceed. Regarding myself, I really do hope to slow down a bit and take the time and have chatted to Tom about it so hopefully once everything is in place that will happen. !!!!!
Your concept is wonderful-You will make a lot of people happy and there is one delighted little boy here with a mom a little more sure of her role this morning

— PARENT

Firstly I would like to say a very big thank you for the confidence and simple feel good factor that you have helped me to achieve over the last two years. Working with you throughout the challenges, in particular the “Grand Finale” Fashion Show to mark the end of each challenge was such a wonderful experience. From someone who never “walked the plank” i.e. the dreaded cat walk, I can honestly say you made the whole experience so enjoyable. One could not but pick up on your amazing drive, confidence and energy. Not only did you offer real tips on fashion, and deportment with constant words of assurance and encouragement, but you have the ability to tailor that advice regardless of age. Whether a young teenager or mature lady you had something to offer everyone. What you have in a nutshell is the gift to make people feel good about themselves and have the confidence to get out there to enjoy and cherish the moment.

Best of luck and I look forward to many more encounters.

— MARGARET COTTER, COMPLAINTS AND OMBUDSMAN MANAGER, CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

Mary first met Eileen at end of August just before starting transition year.  She had been very quiet and was not part of any group and I suppose was feeling isolated.  I was concerned about transition year and wanted her to be able to enjoy herself.   Meeting Eileen changed everything.  Eileen made her feel very comfortable and they talked about everything from school, discos, drinking, friends, boys, career choices.  Eileen encourages her, gives practical advice and is so supportive.  A few short months later Mary is flying, she got very involved in transition year, made some lovely friends, grown in confidence and most importantly is so much happier in herself.  Eileen is always available through text/email and Mary loves their chats.  She is always positive and upbeat after meeting with Eileen.  Eileen is incredibly helpful and encouraging.  Meeting Eileen was one of the best things I ever did for my daughter

— PARENT  

"I am not sure where to begin to thank you for the remarkable transformation you have brought about in my daughter Alice.

I must admit that I was very concerned as I watched my lovely little girl, despite, or perhaps in spite of our best efforts, becoming a retiring and reticent 'clone', overly made up and desperately trying to fit some image that was simply not her, for the sake of acceptance by her peers. She went from a happy, bright, out-going child to someone who was afraid to say or do anything that might appear to be 'uncool'. I felt quite helpless at times as I witnessed her disappear.

I am not sure what magic potion you used but the results have been quite spectacular. It has been several months since you saw her and I am sure that you won't remember her but suspect that you would not recognise her now either. She is no longer the quiet, retiring and somewhat 'orange' hued young lady that she was but has blossomed into herself. Incidentally (or perhaps not!) about the time that Alice rediscovered herself the bullying stopped. I am not privy to all of her dynamics, nor should I be, but it seems that she simply stopped being a victim. She did confide in me though that she had decided to cut back on her use of social media / facebook because it was "mostly just crap". I don't really know what you do, Eileen. I asked Alice but she didn't want to discuss it much and I had to respect that. She did say however that "Eileen, well...she's kinda like a mum but she's cool. She, like totally got me". Do you think if I sent her back to you again you could convince her not to use the word 'like' in every single sentence, or is that just asking too much.

What you do should be part of every school's curriculum particularly in our present climate.

Many many thanks – the concerned dad!"

—  PARENT