University of Galway Students’ Union Mental Health Week
Seachtain na Meabhairshláinte Comhaltas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
All events are FREE!
Monday 9th October | Dé Luain an 9 Deireadh Fómhair
- 11am-3pm Feel Good Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn. Call down to meet some of the Irish Guide Dogs, get freebies from HSE Sexual Wellbeing and meet Jigsaw. There’ll also be information and chats with Active* Consent, Student Counselling, the Chaplaincy and of course your Students’ Union will be there with more freebies!
- 7pm Speed Friending in the Corrib Room at Sult. Make new friends and have the craic! Free tickets HERE.
Tuesday 10th October | Dé Máirt an 10 Deireadh Fómhair
- 5pm-7pm CEAPAIM Planning for Semester 1 Success Student Workshop. Sign Up HERE.
- 6.30pm-7.30pm Jigsaw 5 A Day for Mental Health Online Workshop. Free online workshop to help you learn strategies to build + take care of your mental health. Book HERE.
Wednesday 11th October | Dé Céadaoin an 11 Deireadh Fómhair
- 10am-4pm INMO Stand in Áras Moyola. Meet representatives from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and find out how to join their Union.
- 5pm-6pm Financial Resilience Online Workshop. Financial resilience is the ability to cope with negative events that impact on our finances. It’s about feeling secure and in control, knowing that you can pay the bills, deal with the unexpected, and have achievable goals for the future. Book HERE.
Thursday 12th October |Déardaoin an 12 Deireadh Fómhair
- 11am-3pm Share The Load Exhibit in foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn. CONTENT WARNING SUICIDE. The installation comprises a display of 137 backpacks laid out, each representing a life lost to suicide in the college-going age group. It aims to highlight the issue of mental health and suicide amongst students and to highlight the supports that are available. In collaboration with 3ts – turn the tide.
Friday 13th October | Dé hAoine an 13 Deireadh Fómhair
- 9.30am-1pm safeTALK Training. safeTALK is a 3½ hour ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants (over the age of 18 yrs.) to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide. Participants learn how to provide practical help by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keepsafe) and also gain information on the supports and resources available locally, regionally and nationally. More info + booking details HERE.
Details of available Mental Health Supports are here
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Students’ Union Launch Mental Health Week
University of Galway Students’ Union will be holding their Mental Health Week campaign Monday 9th-Friday 13th of October. The week of events will be looking at different aspects of student mental health and encouraging students 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: “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. 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.”
October 2023 SU Events
Click the links for more information/tickets or email studentsunion@universityofgalway.ie
Monday 2nd October
CÉIM sessions start Geography, Law, Psychology, Science and Spanish
6pm Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn (Class Rep Council) Meeting 1
7pm Sin Newspaper Meeting in computer room upstairs in Arts Millennium Building
Tuesday 3rd October
10.30am-2.30pm Mooju Free Samples in SU Office while stocks last!
5pm Deadline to register for Gaeilge Courses
5pm First Year Class Rep Nominations Close on YourSpace
6pm-8pm Vegan Pot Luck in the Hub with the Climate Crew and Vegan Soc
6.30pm Diversity Week Table Quiz in Corrib Room at Sult. Raising fund for Galway Rape Crisis Centre and Cancer Care West. Tickets €3 HERE.
8pm Self Defence Course SOLD OUT
Wednesday 4th October
9am-6pm National Student Protest in Dublin with USI. Bus tickets €2 HERE.
Thursday 5th October
11am Postgrad Workers Protest outside the Library
5pm Nominations Close Clubs Captain By Election
5pm-7pm Climate Crew meeting in The Stage with poster making for Climate Strike
6pm Pot Luck in The Hub for Diversity Week. Bring a plate and/or sample dishes from other cultures.
Friday 6th October
2pm Fridays for Future Climate Strike in Eyre Square
Monday 9th October
11am-3pm SU Feel Good Fair in Áras na Mac Léinn for Mental Health Week
5pm Applications close for Student Safety Watch
7pm Speed Friending at Sult. Free tickets HERE.
Tuesday 10th October
Gaeilge/Irish Language Courses Start
6.30pm-7.30pm Jigsaw 5 A Day for Mental Health Online Workshop
Wednesday 11th October
10am-4pm Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Info Stand in Áras Moyola foyer
5pm-6pm Financial Resilience Online Workshop
6pm Postgrad Quiz Night in the Corrib Room at Sult
Thursday 12th October
10am-8pm Clubs Captain Election Voting on YourSpace (only Club Captains may vote in this election)
11am-3pm Share The Load Exhibit in Áras na Mac Léinn for Mental Health Week
Friday 13th October
9.30am-1.30pm safeTALK Training
5pm First Year Class Rep Election Voting Closes on YourSpace
Monday 16th October
5pm-7pm Climate Crew Meeting in the Small Acoustic Room downstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn
Tuesday 17th October
6pm College of Medicine, Nursing + Health Sciences Class Rep Meeting AC202
7pm College of Business, Public Policy + Law Class Rep Meeting AC202
Wednesday 18th October
6pm College of Science and Engineering Class Rep Meeting AC201
7pm College of Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies Class Rep Meeting AC201
10.30am-1.30pm USA Summer Camp Pop Up in SU Office and Talk (2pm-3pm The View)
Sensory Night at Sult
Thursday 19th October
6pm Postgraduate Class Rep meeting AC201
Monday 23rd October
11am-3pm Galway Simon Pop Up Clothes Shop in The Cube
5pm Nursing Uniform Donation Drive Ends
6pm Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn (Class Rep Council) Meeting 2
Tuesday 24th October
Wednesday 25th October
6pm-7pm Climate Crew Meeting in The Stage downstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn
Friday 27th October
10am-5pm Hygiene Hub Donation Drive
Monday 30th October
Bank Holiday (no lectures)
Tuesday 31st October
Deadline to pay Semester 1 Fees
7pm-12am Hallows!!! Tickets on sale soon.
Students’ Union to Sleep Out to Highlight Accommodation Crisis
University of Galway Students’ Union will be holding an accommodation protest and sleep out at Eyre Square on Wednesday 27th of September. The protest will meet the Quadrangle at University of Galway campus at 4.30pm and later make its way to Eyre Square where there will be speeches before the students set up camp for the night.
The Union is calling on the Government and the University to come up with urgent solutions for the huge numbers of Galway students who are currently homeless. The sleep out protest aims to draw attention to the plight of the many students who can’t find housing.
Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said: “Our students are among the worst affected by the current housing crisis, we have students commuting for up to 7 hours a day, paying extortionate rent, sleeping on friends couches or living in hostels. This is completely unacceptable, and it is down to lack of Government action. Students cannot possibly study, live and work under these conditions. We are calling for more affordable student accommodation, digs legislation, and for our public representatives to finally start taking this issue seriously”.
Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Izzy Tiernan added: “We are getting hundreds of emails and phone calls every day from students and their families who are desperately seeking housing. It’s heart breaking to hear the circumstances that students are finding themselves in. There’s also been an increase in accommodation fraud which is adding to this nightmare situation.”
Student Safety Watch Applications
Applications are now OPEN for the Student Safety Watch for the 2023/24 academic term.
Please send your CV together with cover letter outlining your suitability to be part of the Student Safety Watch to studentsunionrecruitment@universityofgalway.ie before 5pm on Monday 9 October 2023.
Full job description is available HERE:
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please note: You must be available for training on Thursday 26 October.
September 2023 SU Events
Click the links for more information/tickets or email studentsunion@universityofgalway.ie
Monday 4th September
Teaching starts (non first years)
9am-5pm SU Cloakroom Open Mon-Fri
10am-5pm SU Office Open Mon-Fri
Class Rep nominations open for returning students
Wednesday 6th September
12pm-5pm SU Stand at Socs Day outside Áras na Mac Léinn
9pm-11pm Money4Cans live band at Sult
Sunday 10th September
World Suicide Prevention Day
Monday 11th September
10am Nursing + Midwifery Uniform Drive Starts
Tuesday 12th September
Online Orientation Talks
7pm-9pm SU Outdoor Cinema outside Engineering Building
Wednesday 13th September
Online Orientation Talks
5pm-7pm Climate Crew Meeting The Stage
Thursday 14th September
Online Orientation Talks
Friday 15th September
On Campus Orientation Talks
All Day Freshers’ Fest
11.30am Meet at the Big Yellow Thing to walk to Eyre Square for Climate Strike at 12pm
5pm Class Rep nominations close for returning students
9pm Arriba Traffic Light Party at Sult
Saturday 16th September
12pm-4pm SU Office Open
12pm-4pm Galway Simon Pop Up Shop in the Cube
8pm-10pm Siúcra live band at Sult. Free entry. Rugby World Cup match in the Corrib Room at Sult.
All Day + Night Fáilte Fest
Monday 18th September
Teaching starts (First years)
Class Rep Elections for Returning Students on YourSpace
Class Rep Nominations open for First Years on YourSpace
6.30pm Pilates Course Starts Online
Tuesday 19th September
12pm-5pm SU Stand at Socs Day and Volunteering Fair outside Áras na Mac Léinn
1pm-3pm FREE Rapid HIV & Syphilis Testing in The Space with Sexual Health West
7pm SDG Table Quiz the Corrib Room at Sult.
Wednesday 20th September
12pm-4pm SU Stand at Clubs Day in Kingfisher
6pm-7pm Climate Crew Meeting Room 2 upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn
Thursday 21st September
11am-3pm SU Freshers Fair Áras na Mac Léinn/BA Hall
10am-4pm Free Collection Day for Batteries, Electrical and Electronic Waste at Orbsen Building
8pm Bumble Presents Mero & Daire Freshers 2.0 at Sult
Friday 22nd September
11am-3.30pm Environmental Summit in The Cube
Monday 25th September
10am Lab Coat + Goggle Giveaway at SU Office. Limited supply. First come first served.
CÉIM Sessions start
Tuesday 26th September
12pm Sign Language Courses Start
8pm Self Defence Course 1
Wednesday 27th September
1pm-3pm Get On Track Week stands in the Library Foyer
4.30pm SU Accommodation Protest Meet at the Quad and march to Eyre Square to camp out
6pm Postgrad Speed Friending in the Corrib Room at Sult SOLD OUT
Friday 29th September
10am-5pm Hygiene Hub Donation Drive
5pm Returning Student Class Rep Nominations Close on YourSpace
Freshers’ Fair
The SU Freshers’ Fair is back 11am-3pm Thursday 21st of September at Áras na Mac Léinn!
Call down for freebies, prizes and surprises!
There’ll be giant inflatable games in the Bailey Allen Hall, student friendly companies in Áras na Mac Léinn, a vintage pop up shop in The Cube and food trucks outside Áras na Mac Léinn.
We will also be giving out 2,000 FREE Students’ Union Rudaí Áille bags including: a free drink, snacks, a bottle opener, SU Freshers’ Magazine, a pen, sweets and some extra special surprises you don’t want to miss…
Exhibitors in the foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn and Bailey Allen Hall include:
- ALIVE Volunteering
- Big O Taxis
- Bus Éireann
- Citylink
- Claddagh Credit Union
- Currys
- Domino’s Pizza
- Flirt FM
- Hot Press Magazine
- Just Eat
- Kingfisher Gym
- Matt O’Flaherty Chemists
- Pálás Cinema
- iRadio
- SU Card
- USIT
- Whack Vintage
Food Trucks outside Áras na Mac Léinn
- Ember Firehouse
- Juice Genie
- Traditional Crepes
Hygiene Hub | An Banc Sláinteachais
Donate to the Hygiene Hub today | Tabhair rud éigin don Bhanc Sláinteachais inniu
Donate hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products to those in need | Tabhair táirgí sláinteachais, cúraim phearsanta agus glantacháin tí dóibh siúd atá i ngátar.
Help us to end Hygiene Poverty | Déanaimis ár gcion féin le deireadh a chur leis an tearcrochtain sláinteachais
Donate to The Hygiene Hub at the SU Office upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn 10am-5pm on the following dates:
- September: Friday 29th September 2023
- October: Friday 27th October 2023
- November: Friday 24th November 2023 *CHRISTMAS APPEAL!
What to donate:
We are looking for new, unused, in-date personal care and household cleaning essentials – including deodorant, shower gel, shampoo, make-up, nappies, toilet roll, laundry detergent and surface cleaner. If you use a particular item, chances are someone else needs it too. Donation FAQ’s here.
Where will your donations go:
Your donations will go to The Hygiene Hub’s community partners in Galway who include COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community, Galway Traveller Movement and Saint Vincent de Paul among others.
What is Hygiene Poverty?
Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming products most of us take for granted. The reality of low income is that it restricts people’s options, leaving us caught between being able to heat our homes, pay the rent, eat or be clean. Learn more HERE.
Can’t Donate but want to Help?
- Volunteer with The Hygiene Hub in Galway. More info HERE
- Spread the word about our University of Galway donation drives!
Get Involved!
Here’s just some of the ways you can get involved with your Students’ Union this year:
- Class Reps
Can you lead the way and be the voice of your class this year? Nominations for Class Rep positions for returning students open Mon 4th of Sept and close Fri 15th Sept on YourSpace. It’s a great way to gain experience, make friends, get training and get your Class Rep Hoodie! More information HERE.
- Welfare Crew
Are you passionate about student welfare issues? Join the Welfare Crew! Help plan and run campaigns on student welfare issues such as: Mental Health, Sexual Consent, Equality Issues, Sexual Health, Disability Rights and Period Poverty. What’s in it for me? Maken new friends, learn new skills, get your ALIVE Cert and get some freebies! Contact Izzy on su.welfare@universityofgalway.ie
- Events Crew
Help plan and run events for University of Galway students such as: Music Gigs, Charity Events, Quiz Nights, Speed Friending, Sult Takeovers and Raise and Give (RAG) Week! What’s in it for me? Make new friends, learn new skills, get your ALIVE Cert and get some freebies. Contact Dean on su.president@universityofgalway.ie for more information
- Coiste Gaeilge
Bíodh guth agat ar shaincheisteanna a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge sa Chomhaltas, san ollscoil agus níos faide ó bhaile!
Have your voice heard on Gaeilge issues within the Union, University and beyond!
Déan teagmháil le Faye | Contact Faye su.gaeilge@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie
- SU Elections
Could you be an SU Officer for 2024/25? Election nominations will open in February 2024 with elections taking place in March 2024. More information HERE.
We are hiring: SIN EDITOR
Sin is the official student news outlet of the University of Galway Students’ Union. Produced by the Students’ Union, Sin includes a mix of campus news, features, sport and reviews.
The Editor will be responsible for producing three issues of Sin each Semester which will be published online. In addition to the published issues, the Editor will collate content for Sin.ie which will include up to date news and features. The online resource will be a comprehensive information and resource centre for University of Galway students with a focus on local and campus issues.
The Sin Editor will be a self starter who works well with others and has particular strengths in working with, and motivating, a team of volunteers.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
· Recruit, direct and motivate a team of voluntary sub editors and writers.
· Overall responsibility for sourcing content, including content as Gaeilge.
· Maintain a high standard of writing all Sin content.
· Edit 6 issues of Sin Newspaper in conjunction with the Students’ Union
· Update Sin.ie website and social media platforms regularly with news, features etc
· Develop links with other student publications to facilitate sharing of information and resources.
· Any other duties which may be assigned from time to time.
Remuneration
Thirteen weeks per semester, €275 (gross) per week.
Applications
Please include the following:
· Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
· CV
· A proposal outlining a plan of action of how you would manage Sin over the next academic year. This should include your plans for writer recruitment and retention, format of Sin, general promotion of Sin, and any other ideas you have.
Applications by email only to: chris.newell@universityofgalway.ie
Closing date: 5:00pm Tuesday 5th September 2023
Early Bird Ents | Imeachtaí Luatha Siamsaíochta
FREE Events to welcome all our early arrivals to University of Galway
- Irish Movie Night 7pm Sunday 27th August in The View upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn. Free popcorn! BOOK HERE
- Games Night 6pm Monday 28th August in the Hub, Áras na Mac Léinn BOOK HERE
- Pub Quiz 6.30pm Tuesday 29th August in the Corrib Room at Sult BOOK HERE
- Traditional Irish Music with the Luke O’Malley Trad Band 8pm-10pm Wednesday 30th August at Sult. No need to book just turn up!
- Arriba Night 8.30pm Thursday 31st August at Sult. Latin mix + Reggaeton music to get you dancing! No need to book just turn up!
- Speed Friending 5pm-7pm Friday 1st September in the Corrib Room at Sult BOOK HERE
- Karaoke Night 8.30pm-11pm Friday 1st September at Sult BOOK HERE
- Scavenger Hunt Saturday 2nd September BOOK HERE
- Diamond Hill Hike in Connemara 9am Sunday 3rd September with the University of Galway Mountaineering Club. Return bus provided. BOOK HERE
- Campus Tours 11am + 2pm Tuesday 29th August – Friday 8th September. BOOK HERE.
All events are FREE but spaces are limited on some events and there’s a €2 refundable deposit for the hike.
Please make sure to book your place via the links above.
