University of Galway Students’ Union will hold its Mental Health Week campaign next week from Monday 9 to Friday 13 October.
The week of events will be looking at different aspects of students’ mental health and encouraging them to look for help if and when they need it.
The Share the Load exhibition will take place in Áras na Mac Léinn on Thursday to highlight the issue of mental health and suicide amongst students and to highlight the supports that are available.
The installation comprises a display of 137 backpacks laid out, each representing a life lost to suicide in the college-going age group.
On Monday the Feel Good Fair will have information stands from various groups promoting mental health wellbeing. Free training courses during the week will include safeTALK suicide awareness training and financial resilience training.
Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said that mental health is something that affects every single one of us in one way or another.
“We want to ensure our students know that there is no shame in reaching out, and there are services there to help you when you may be struggling,” he said.
“With our events like the Feel Good Fair and the Share the Load installation we hope to help break the stigma associated with mental health issues, and to encourage people to ask for help.”
Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Izzy Tiernan added: “Through our training events during the week we hope to empower our students to look after their mental health and also be in a position to reach out to help others.
“We will be highlighting the services available on and off campus to help students who are going through a tough time.”
