Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources at UCC

Posted on May 28, 2021

At UCC, we want our students to do well, be well and to keep well. A key strategic priority for UCC is student success. Supporting student wellbeing and resilience is fundamental to maximising the opportunity for our students to excel, particularly in a rapidly evolving world. In order to be effective learners, students need a stable and supportive environment, with easy access to appropriate sources of advice and guidance including student health and welfare and mental health services.

Here are some of the initiatives in place to support our students’ and staff’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the Leaving Certificate about to start in the next few weeks, you may find some of the open access resources of benefit to both you and your students.

Keep Well

The Keep Well website is a one-stop-shop for wellbeing resources to support mental, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing and this initiative is a collaboration between colleagues in UCC Sport, UCC Health, the Mardyke Arena, the Students’ Union as well as Cork Sports Partnerships. It is a fantastic repository of live webinars, information and tools and resources to stay physical active, minding your mental health and wellbeing. This platform has been built to support not only UCC students and staff but also the wider community. According to Morgan Buckley, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at UCC: “Physical health is the most important foundation for overall health & wellbeing and for keeping stress regulated and manageable. Engaging in regular physical activity/exercise, eating healthily and getting good sleep are the foundation to good physical health. It may not always be possible to optimise these but they should be at the forefront of your mind every day.”

As the Leaving Certificate looms large, this website may have some useful suggestions, including tools and resources with advice on study skills, studying at home and study break success, and may offer some helpful supports for your students and for you and your colleagues.

Everyday Matters Video Series

What we say and do everyday matters. Based on the Everyday Matters Digital Badge, designed and developed by Dr. Eithne Hunt, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, the Everyday Matters video series explores practical everyday things, based on the latest scientific research, that students can say and do to support themselves as much as possible during times of change. It also provides advice and information on how to establish healthy habits and routines to enhance the successful transition into and through higher education.

Tips for Minding Your Mental Health animated video

The Graduate Attributes Programme, in close collaboration with colleagues in the Student Counselling and Development and Dr. Eithne Hunt, has created a video with tips on how to mind your mental health. Watch the video here.

SilverCloud

SilverCloud is a virtual mental health platform, available to all registered UCC students which provides self-directed courses on mental health and well-being. The courses use Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), which are designed to “help you improve and maintain your wellbeing” by learning and practicing for one hour per week. The programmes cover a vast array of issues and concerns, including: money worries, positive body image, resilience, Covid-19, sleep, panic, stress and mindfulness. Check out Royanne’s feedback on the Space from Covid module here.