DkIT promotes wellbeing through Mental Health Awareness Week
Dundalk Institute of Technology recently held Mental Health Awareness Week, combing a variety of fun activities and showcasing available supports for staff and students.
Throughout the week, there were a number of activities happening across campus including sensory guided nature walks, pop up wellness stations and a creative songwriting workshop.
During the week, students were also encouraged to have a chat through initiatives such as The Open Door, a space to talk things through and unpack what's going on, or learn more about internal supports and local and national mental health supports.
The annual Mental Health Fair was really well attended and it was wonderful to have representatives from Turas, Shine, Samaritans, Pieta, Women’s Aid, MABS, Niteline, Chime and Dundalk Outcomers on campus. In addition to learning about local supports, students engaged in try out sessions for different sports such as pilates and challenged peers to some board game sessions.
Students had the opportunity to explore virtual reality through the Get out of your Head &Play event and designing stress zombies which took place at the Mobile Digital Lab.
To round off the week, a meditation session was held, encouraging students to foster different techniques during times of anxiety and stress.
Séan O’Connell, Head of Student Counselling at DkIT said:
“We were very pleased to be able to offer support, mental health outreach, community engagement, and signposting to our services for students throughout Mental Health Week. This is all part of our roadmap to improve the mental health of everyone in our community and prevent suicide, in collaboration with the Department of Health, and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. We look forward to continuing these initiatives over the coming weeks and months through Open Door sessions, Wellness Wednesdays, Exam stress management, and mental health skills events.”
