Healthy Campus
Our Mission is to have a campus community where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential, where wellbeing is valued and supported and is everyone’s responsibility.
Our Vision
DkIT will be recognised as an organisation that adopts a holistic understanding of health, takes a whole campus approach and aspires to create a learning environment and organisational culture that enhances the health and wellbeing of all of our community and enables people to achieve their full potential.
With this approach, we hope to raise awareness of the resources that are available to support students and staff in their pursuit of health and wellbeing while making the best possible use of the array of facilities, knowledge, and services already in place.
2025 - 2026 Initiatives
A number of Healthy Campus Projects are running this year for staff and students. Some of these projects have been funded by Healthy Ireland through Louth County Council and a number have been funded by DkIT Healthy Campus. For more information on these projects see the list below. Alternatively, you can download the 2025-26 Initiatives Poster
2026 Activities
All staff and students are warmly invited to attend this year’s Annual Health Fair - an exciting and inclusive event dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing across our campus community. The event is proudly organised by the Student Health Unit in partnership with the Student Services Team, DKIT’s Healthy Campus, the Students’ Union, and most importantly, our students.
Throughout the event, a wide range of health professionals will be on hand to offer expert guidance and resources on mental health, physical activity, nutrition, sexual health, substance use, digital wellbeing, free health checks and road safety. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, ask questions, and discover supports that can help you thrive both on and off campus.
- Date/Time: 4th Feb: 10.30 - 13.30 In MPC
Join us for the 1st Annual DkIT Healthy Eating Day — Enjoy a fun, food-filled day featuring:
- Microbiome & cookery workshop to learn how to keep your gut thriving
- Ask the Nutritionist stand for expert answers, nutrition tips, body-composition checks, with prizes to be won and more!
As part of Health Week, students and staff are warmly invited to attend an inspirational on-campus talk with Chris Connolly (@getbetterwithchris).
This powerful session offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into human resilience, wellbeing, and the importance of taking small steps toward recovery. Chris will share his raw and uplifting journey - from addiction and homelessness to building a supportive community of over 228,000 people and reminding us that no matter where you start, getting better is always possible.
- Date/Time: 5th Feb 14.00 - 15.00 in Whitaker Theatre
ACT is an mindfulness based, therapeutic approach that uses evidence based techniques to improve coping skills, emotional regulation, and values-consistent behaviours. Research shows positive outcomes for ACT regardless of mental health status and even when delivered in a brief format. If you're looking for ways to better manage stress, engage in some self-care, or even just gain some new skills and knowledge, this is for you!
If you are interested in taking part we'll invite you to complete some quick self-report measures multiple timepoints. The workshop will take around one hour but as lunch will also be provided on the day, we'd advise allocating 1 hour and 30 minutes. Following the workshop, you'll be provided with interactive materials that will allow you to practice and consolidate what's been covered in your own time. You can register your interest here
- Date/Time: 10th, 11th and 13th February 2026 at 1pm
One Exercise a day for the 28 days of February, exercises will be provided, the concept is simple one exercise a day for 28 days!
This International Women’s Day workshop empowers women through a unique blend of traditional craft and contemporary digital technology, supporting wellbeing, creativity, and skill development. Lunch provided.
The workshop is aimed at female staff and students. This International Women’s Day workshop empowers women through a unique blend of traditional craft and contemporary digital technology, supporting wellbeing, creativity, and skill development.
The day begins with cyanotype printing, a nature-based, sun-powered process that encourages mindfulness and creative expression. Participants will create botanical artworks using foraged or locally sourced plants, connecting with nature while learning a sustainable photographic technique in a supportive, collaborative environment that promotes wellbeing and connection.
In the afternoon, participants will enhance their cyanotype prints using augmented reality and generative AI, adding layers of sound, animation, and digital meaning. These augmented artworks will be shared via a collaborative Padlet wall and QR codes.
This hybrid approach provides hands-on experience in sustainable art practices and emerging technologies, building confidence and digital literacy. Participants will leave with finished artworks, transferable skills, and practical tools for future creative, professional, and community projects.
By combining meditative making with digital innovation, the workshop addresses mental wellbeing and the digital skills gap—two key challenges affecting women today. The event celebrates women’s creativity and innovation, fostering empowerment and peer connection. AR-enhanced artworks will be exhibited in PJ Carrolls and the Winter Garden, with promotion through internal communications, news stories, and social media to extend the project’s impact across campus.
- Date/Time: 9th March 2026, From 10.30am
“Building Connections” uses the simple joy of building blocks to create a space for creativity, collaboration and calm, giving everyone the chance to step away from screens and engage in hands-on LEGO type projects which will spark imagination and reduce stress.
During 1-hour sessions, participants will work individually or in small teams to construct models under the guidance of staff from the Department of the Built Environment.
This collaboration is looking for students and staff to participate in a fun and creative group activity, in consultation with an artist. Drawing upon the great artistic history at DkIT, the group will have input on themes/designs which they think is important for the campus e.g. belonging, community, nurturing, wellbeing and support.
The project will be a stained-glass effect image, to be unveiled in a centralised space on campus for all to enjoy, spreading joy, colour, and inspiration for years to come.
- Date/Time: April to May 2026
This 3- hour workshop combines the benefits of baking therapy with doing good. Participants will learn the skills of breadmaking in a professional kitchen with expert guidance from professional chefs. After the workshop, the baked goods will be shared with during a tea party. The workshop is aimed at staff and students.
- Date/Time: TBC
The DkIT Dundalk 10k regularly attracts over 1000 participants and this year's event will take place on Wednesday 15th of April at 7.00pm. Special DkIT student and staff rates will be available. The event also offers a 5k fun run/walk for those not quite ready for a 10k.
- Date/Time: 15th April 2026
Bust the myths, join us for free food samples and enjoy an informative demonstration and talk on healthy food choices based on protein-rich foods that are natural and healthy.
2025 Activities
DkIT’s Fittest 2025 is a campus wide STEPS challenge to promote physical activity participation in both staff and students. It serves to promote an increase in sustainable physical activity by encouraging physical activity engagement in a fun and inclusive manner. Project Lead: BSc Hons Health & Physical Activity Team | 29th Sept. - 24th October 2025 |
The aim of the event is to build a strong cycle user network in the institute, to empower reluctant or nervous cyclist and to impart the numerous health and wellbeing benefits of cycling to as much of the campus community as possible. Project Lead: Gareth Kelly | 21st Oct. |
Walkie Talkie Café - coffee; connect and walk. This will be followed by two Healthy Eating & Nutrition Workshops. The project fosters inclusivity, belonging, and positive mental health for students and staff. Project Lead: Aidan Hoare, Christopher McGrath, Derick Englishby, Rosemary Leonard, Diako Khodaei, Glenn McCormack | Oct. & Nov. |
The competition invites all DkIT students (full-time and part-time) to submit photographs on the theme “That Which Sparks Happiness Within Me.” It aims to promote positive mental wellbeing and creative expression within our student community, encouraging participants to reflect on and share what brings them joy. Project Lead: Mary Matthews & Frank Brady | Entries: 6th Oct. - 7th Nov. Award Ceremony: 26th Nov. |
This 3- hour workshop combines the benefits of baking therapy with doing good. Participants will learn the skills of breadmaking in a professional kitchen with expert guidance from professional chefs. After the workshop, the baked goods will be shared with others during a tea party. The workshop is aimed at staff and students. Project Lead: Maeve McArdle, Alan McCabe, Rosemary Leonard | 13th Nov. |
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) is a psychotherapeutic, evidence-based approach that has demonstrated desirable outcomes across a broad range of populations. This research will involve delivery of a one session, in-person ACT workshop, in conjunction with digital ACT supports, to the DkIT staff community with the aim of implementing effective coping skills and establishing values-oriented behavioural patterns. Project Lead: Orla Moran | Oct. 2025 to Jan. 2026 |
It is an 8-week Couch to 5k programme aimed at all DkIT members, both staff and students, who feel that they cannot walk or run 5k. The project aims to improve people’s health, both mental and physical, empower people and create a feeling of belonging. The couch to 5k programme will last 8 weeks, and would involve two weekly lunchtime training sessions. Project Lead: Mary Kennedy & DkIT Green Campus Committee & DkIT Athletics Club | Feb. 2025 Launch |
This project aims to actively promote the full range of DkIT’s free, confidential services and 24/7 national supports to male apprentices during their block release. It uses free food and a trade-focused communication style to entice engagement and encourage proactive help seeking for academic and personal stress. Project Lead: Gerard Galligan | Oct. 2025 onwards |
This project invites people to collaborate on writing songs inspired by their everyday experiences. No prior musical knowledge is required and anybody from across campus is welcome to share their ideas and help craft a song within each of three sessions with a guest facilitator. Project Lead: Daithí Kearney | Friday mornings at 11am in Nov. |
This project aims to support Early Years students who often face significant challenges balancing their academic studies, part-time work, and long commutes. Targeting approximately 40 students across all four years of the programme, the workshops will offer a supportive space for students to slow down, connect with themselves and their peers, and develop self-care strategies, such as breathwork and mindfulness. Project Lead: Sarah Brock | 2-hour workshop twice over Semester One |
Healthy Campus Members
View the list of current Healthy Campus Initiative members and their roles.
View Members
Dr. Diarmuid O'Callaghan, President of DkIT said:
"I am delighted to introduce the inaugural DkIT Healthy Campus Plan. The positive health and wellbeing of our staff and students is the key driver to the completion of this plan... Our staff and students spend a significant amount of time on our campus and we want that to be an environment where they can flourish.
This Healthy Campus Plan seeks to further enhance and complement these activities by further promoting what we already do well; through collaboration and consultation developing additional initiatives and most importantly ongoing communication with our staff and students about DkIT Healthy Campus."
Mental Health
Raise increased awareness of mental wellbeing supports already available for students and staff on campus and through collaborations with external stakeholders provide additional resources and tools.
Read Mental Health (.PDF)
Healthy Environment
Increase the use of our campus by exploring the introduction of walking trails on campus, promote travel methods to college that increase physical activity and promote smoking reduction initiatives.
Read Healthy Environment (.PDF)
Nutrition
Educate staff and students of the benefits of a balanced nutritional diet through the provision of practical information such as recipes and skills to produce healthy meals.
Read Nutrition (.PDF)
Sexual Health
Consolidate the existing activities, expanding where gaps have been identified and collaborating with external agencies e.g. Sexual wellbeing.ie; GUM clinic in Louth County Hospital etc.
Read Sexual Health (.PDF)
Physical Activity
Develop a communication mechanism where all staff and students are easily aware of what and where physical activities are taking place across the Institute and how they can participate in any of these activities.
Read Physical Activity (.PDF)