DkIT’s decision to partner with JED is part of their strategy to develop the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. As part of the process JED will assess DkIT’s campus needs and develop a customised strategic plan to build on existing strengths, and implement tools, strategies, and techniques that lead to measurable improvements in student mental health and a more connected community.

The JED partnership is specifically tailored to DkIT and previously DCU is the only other college in Ireland who have partnered with them. The HEA Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework is the national framework that all Higher Education Institutes are all currently working on, and the JED foundation is mentioned in the Framework as a good international practice example.

Mark Finnegan, Mental Health Nurse, Health Unit, DkIT said,

“Partnering with the JED foundation has been extremely valuable. It helps DkIT to identify and improve key areas across the campus which can impact student mental health. It promotes a supportive environment for students in DkIT, raises mental health awareness and provides a space for students to have their say. This greatly contributes to DkIT's commitment to student well-being and will help to guide future policies, procedures and supports”.

The Institute recently had a site visit from Shannon and Erlinda from the JED Foundation. So far DkIT has completed a baseline assessment of the whole Institute and campus, and some students have taken part in a focus group to discuss their knowledge and experience of current supports in place, this was conducted in order to review how the college can improve in the area of mental health across the Institute from policy, procedures to initiatives and supports.

JED’s 2-day campus visit included a campus tour, looking at physical spaces with the view of improving social connectedness and belonging as well as a review of accessibility and safety. There was also a focus meeting with the Counselling Service, Disability Service, Health Unit and Pastoral Care to discuss the supports available in the college in relation to Mental Health. This was a multidisciplinary meeting which involved key staff and students from across the Institute.

This partnership is a 2-year process and is being funded under the HEA Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework.