“PASS IT on” is the name of a new student card issued by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) this week as part of a health support initiative.
The card is due to be publicised at Mind your Head, a mental health awareness fair hosted tomorrow by GMIT's student health unit. It carries key contact details for GMIT student services, counselling, the health unit and college chaplaincy, and is designed to be passed on to students by fellow students.
GMIT health unit nurse Deirdre Cody said the “Pass it on” card was an important initiative: “It means if students are in trouble, they can use the numbers listed on the back for counselling, health, chaplaincy, etc.”
GMIT fitness centre manager Éimear Glennon will provide information on exercise, nutrition, and mental health and wellbeing through exercise, while the GMIT Hotel School will host a stand manned by bar management students.
Lecturer Colin Gilligan will demonstrate how to make non-alcoholic cocktails.
Several films will be played throughout the day including Who, Me?, a 10-minute documentary which focuses on students’ attitudes to alcohol.
Other organisations at the fair include Jigsaw Galway (incorporating Headstrong), positivementalhealth.ie, Aidswest, Console, Aware, Bodywhys, Integrating Ireland, Shine (formerly Schizophrenia Ireland), spunout.ie, Spirit Centre Galway, and Grow.
Admission to Mind your Headis free and all are welcome between 10.30am and 3.30pm tomorrow.