This article provides an overview of research carried out with early school-leavers in four Youthreach centres in the West of Ireland. It offers progressive perspectives on links between early school leaving and mental health related issues. In particular the participants' stories reveal that their mainstream schooling experiences had a damaging effect on their mental health. The findings highlight the necessity for the creation of educational provisions that have "care" and "respect" as central concepts, and for Youthreach centres to be recognised as a viable and valid alternative to mainstream schooling.