Dundalk IT’s week of activities to support mental health and wellbeing

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) hosted a weeklong event from 7 to 11 October, aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of staff and students.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Week included several activities and workshops such as “Let’s Talk Stress” and “Keeping Myself Well,” in addition to raising awareness of onsite supports for staff and students. The activities were co–ordinated by DkIT’s Counselling Services, with staff from across the institute organising events along with the Students Union. This awareness week is an initiative of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Working Group. 

Some of the highlights of the week included the tribal drumming session, open choir rehearsal, yoga and breathwork classes, and a nature hike in the beautiful surroundings of Ravensdale Forest, led by Pastoral Care Coordinator, Alan Conlon.  

There was a focus on the supports that are both provided by the institute and accessible in the locality and how these can be availed of by students. Organisations including HSE Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Shine and Turas shared information on improving mental health and wellbeing and the vast range of services available in the locality.  

Mental Health and Wellbeing Week forms part of DkIT’s commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of staff and students, as part of the institute’s strategy to develop the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.

Earlier this year, DkIT partnered with the JED Foundation, an international nonprofit organisation that protects emotional health to develop an advanced Mental Health Campus Strategy at DkIT. The foundation provides colleges and universities with expert support, evidence-based best practices, and data-driven guidance to protect student mental health and prevent suicide. 

DkIT provides a full suite of services to all students on campus from Careers and Employability, Student Counselling, the Health Unit, Pastoral Care, Disability Services & Support and Diversity & Access supports, and the institute has recently added an additional Mental Health Advisor support, led by Mark Finnegan, a mental health nurse. During the week, staff and students had the opportunity to learn more about these services including the daily drop-in counselling service available to all students. 

Speaking about Mental Health and Wellbeing week, Melissa Mackin, Student Councillor at DkIT said: “Identifying and improving areas where we can have a positive impact on student mental health across DkIT is a huge priority for the team. Mental Health and Wellbeing Week provides an excellent opportunity for staff and students to gain awareness of the mental health and wellbeing supports available at DkIT, while engaging in numerous events and activities over the week with the aim of improving overall mental health and wellbeing.

“We are constantly looking for ways to foster a supportive environment for students in DkIT. One of our supports includes a daily drop-in counselling service from 11-12 noon to allow students to have a chat and determine if counselling might be beneficial for them. We would encourage all of our students to avail of the various services offered whenever they need support.”