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ATU and UU host Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Symposium in Letterkenny
Attendees included academic staff, PhD researchers, students, HSE stakeholders, student support services, parents/guardians and members of the public
Staff and students from ATU and UU at the recent Student Mental Health symposium hosted by ATU Donegal in Letterkenny
Reporter:
Contributor
13 Feb 2025 8:28 AM
Email:
news@donegallive.ie
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in conjunction with Ulster University (UU) hosted a Student Mental Health symposium on theATUDonegalLetterkenny campus.
Over 120 people attended this informative event funded by HEA North Sout Research Programme. Attendees included academic staff, PhD researchers, students, HSE stakeholders, student support services, parents/guardians and members of the public.
VP for Cross-border Engagement and Head of College atATUDonegal, Paul Hannigan welcomed guests with the opening address.
“It’s great to see the research being presented and it’s a reflection of the ongoing work and commitment that there is to student mental health," Mr Hannigan said. "There are supports available to students and support staff are properly trained to deal with sensitive mental health issues and the guidance from HSE and other bodies guides us to provide the best service we can for the students on campus. Early interventions can promote positive mental health and well-being and that’s something that I feel is important."
Dr Elaine Murray (UU), Dr Louise McBride (ATU), Dr Margaret McLafferty (ATU) and James Sweeney (ATU) provided an overview of the Irish Student Wellbeing and ADHD Project – (I-SWAP) outcomes, progress and further developments in terms ofATU/UU collaboration. The HEA North-South Research Programme funded I-SWAP project, which aimed to improve the wellbeing and help-seeking behaviours among students living with ADHD on the Island of Ireland.
Dr Louise McBride, Head of the Department of Nursing and Health Care at Atlantic Technological University,Donegal, noted: "Following our very successful conference hosted last year, the I-SWAP research team were delighted to share the outputs and progress of the project including further collaboration with UU on another Research Ireland funded project in this area. Trends continue to suggest we need to continuously inform our student support services with best practice evidence in relation to college students mental health and wellbeing at all levels of education including higher, secondary and primary level."
Dr Elaine Murray says: “Identifying strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing in the student population is a key priority for universities across the UK and Ireland. The symposium provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our ongoing collaborative cross-border student mental health research programme between Ulster University andATU, the positive impact it is having on students, and hear from expert stakeholders working in this area.”
The keynote speaker at the event Gareth Hughes, psychotherapist, researcher and UK and internationally recognised expert on university mental health and wellbeing, delivered a talk on the current state of university student mental health, common challenges, gaps and the importance of whole university approaches.
This important event showcased the ongoing commitment of the cross-border collaboration ofATUand UU and their commitment to student mental health and well-being. The research will continue to further knowledge and understanding in the area and future events will follow given the success of this recent symposium.
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