Trinity College Launches First Student Mental Health Policy

Posted on: 27 June 2008

Trinity College has published its first student mental health policy and guidelines which aims to heighten awareness and increase understanding across the College community about mental health issues. The policy promotes informed and constructive attitudes to mental health issues while following international best practice, including the provision of appropriate and timely support for services for students.

The publication was officially launched by the Minister for Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney, TD at a reception hosted by the Vice-Provost, Prof Ruth Byrne on 19 June.

“The drafting of this policy illustrates Trinity’s commitment to an inclusive education for all, which welcomes diversity and promotes equal opportunities for students to develop their full potential,” stated Prof Gerry Whyte, Dean of Students at the launch. “By articulating a written policy and providing guidelines on student mental health, TCD aims to promote student well-being and provide a safe and health work environment for all students and staff. Through this policy we hope to ensure that appropriate intervention is taken where needed and encourage students with mental health difficulties to disclose them so that suitable arrangements can be made to support them.”

This policy represents the efforts of all of the student services in College, together with the Students’ Union, The working group, lead by the former Dean of Students, Bruce Misstear included Deirdre Flynn, Head, Student Counselling Service, Dr Claire Laudet, former Senior Tutor, Clodagh Nolan, Lecturer, Occupational Therapy, Sinead O’Brien, former College psychiatrist, David Thomas, former Director of the Health Centre, Declan Treanor, Disabilities Services Co-ordinator and Denise Keogh, TCD Students’ Union Welfare Officer.

In addition to publishing this mental health policy, Trinity College has taken a number of other initiatives to support students with mental health difficulties which include: the creation of a confidential online mental health portal offering support to Trinity students; the establishment of a peer support network supported by the Student Counselling Service; and the promotion of mental health through the SU Mental Health Awareness Week and the College Health Week. In conjunction with a number of other educational institutions, Trinity also operates Niteline, a confidential and anonymous telephone listening service. In addition, the Unilink-1 programme run by the Disability Office in conjunction with the Department of Occupational Therapy offers support for students with mental health difficulties in relation to the day-to-day things that students do, such as managing studying, going to lectures, socialising, getting essays and project work done on time and doing exams.

The Dean of Students, Prof Gerry Whyte, Vice-Provost, Prof Ruth Byrne, Minister for Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney, TD , and Deirdre Flynn, Head, Student Counselling Service at the launch of the Student Mental Health Policy & Guidelines