WIT News

Comedy, hugs and massages at WIT for Positive Mental Health Week Posted: Mon, January 18, 2010

Free hugs, yoga, stand-up comedy, massages, ‘welfare couches’, giant board games, budgeting advice and a balloon release to remember those who have lost their lives to mental illness are among the events planned as part of the Waterford Institute of Technology Students’ Union Positive Mental Health Week which began today (Mon, Jan 18).

With each day from Monday to Thursday themed around a particular area – depression, stress, suicide and physical health – the week will be action-packed at both the College Street and main campuses with the aim to raise awareness across the Institute community of the importance of a positive approach to mental health.

Australian comedian Damian Clark and Irish comic Andrew Stanley (both from RTÉ’s ‘I Dare Ya’) are performing a show titled ‘Please Talk, Please Laugh’ as part of the awareness week while free hugs will be provided on campus during the week by costumed Disney characters. Advice and free hot drinks are being provided on welfare couches while free massages will be available Monday-Wednesday.

A chance to de-stress and recall happy childhood memories will be provided on Tuesday when inflatables and giant board games will be the order of the day with everything from ‘Mega Connect 4’ to ‘Giant Twister’ on offer. Also on Tuesday, there will be a workshop on maximising mental health and impacting positively on others.

At noon on Wednesday, there will be a symbolic release of balloons at the main entrance to the Cork Road campus to recall all those who have lost their lives due to mental health problems. The number of balloons released will be 424, reflecting the number of people officially recorded as having taken their own lives in Ireland during 2008, the most recent year for which data is available.

As part of the focus on physical health on Thursday, free ‘smoothies’ and fruit will be distributed on campus through the day while there will be cookery demonstrations focused on healthy eating. In addition, a yoga class will provided at lunchtime.

The Money Advice & Budgetary Service (MABS) will be on campus on Thursday to offer advice on managing personal and household finances, a growing source of stress during the current recession.

Commenting on the week’s programme, Cathy Pembroke, President, Waterford Institute of Technology Students’ Union, said: “This is perhaps one of the most crucial events of the year from our perspective as we focus on the value of mental health and the importance of taking a positive approach to our mental as well as physical well-being. Stress levels for students and in society more widely have obviously increased with the onset of the recession – making it more vital than ever that we provide easy access to information and support.

“Unfortunately, there can still be a stigma about mental health issues and one of the reasons for the fun approach we’re taking this week is to try and get across vital messages in a way that’s not intimidating or off-putting for the estimated eight per cent of students who may be encountering mental health problems at any given time.”

• Those encountering mental health issues are encouraged to call the Samaritans on 1850-609090 or text ‘HEADSUP’ to 50424 for a list of support services and resources.