Dundalk IT celebrates Mental Health Week

Dundalk Institute of Technology recently held Mental Health Awareness Week, with a host of onsite supports and fun activities for both students and staff.

Throughout the week, there were a variety of activities happening across campus daily including a reset station, pilates, knitting and crochet, beginner yoga and a taster Hyrox session off campus in Sean Kilroy Fitness.

In addition to the multiple activities taking place, students also had the opportunity to have a chat or learn more about internal supports and local and national mental health supports at the “Zen Den.”

“It was wonderful to have representatives from Turas, Shine, Samaritans, Dundalk Counselling Centre, Women's Aid, Mental Health Ireland, and Dundalk Outcomers on campus. DkIT’s Ending Sexual Violence & Harassment (ESVH) Manager also spoke to students about recognising Green Flags in relationships. As always, a visit from some furry friends from Dundalk Dog Rescue went down a treat,” said a spokesperson for the college.

Students had the chance to share their skills in sessions organised by the Knitting and Crocheting Society and the Circus Society, providing a welcoming space for relaxation and trying something new. Meanwhile, the “Walk and Talk” event gave everyone a chance to chat, make friends, enjoy the outdoors, and lift their spirits with some gentle movement.

To round off the week, a special gathering was arranged for the handover of a commissioned art piece that was a collaboration for Mental Health Awareness Week by the library, pastoral care and counselling teams.

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Staff and students are welcome to visit the library and have a look at the wonderful art piece. Created by Né O’Nualláin the painting is entitled “An Dochas Amach is an Aonas Isteach”. This is an Irish seanfhocail /old Irish saying which translates to “out with the bad and in with the good’’ and is used to signify the hope for a transformation from negativity to positivity.

It was erected in the library as a constant reminder to the DkIT community about keeping the conversation going around mental health.