Today in Ireland 10% of the population between the ages of 16-25 suffer from mental health issues. Such issues affect people’s frame of mind, thinking and behaviour. The statistics show that more people commit suicide than die on our roads.

A series of events will take place throughout the week on campus. During the week stands dealing with different issues will be on campus. On Monday a jobs fair will take place in the Bailey Allen hall which will see a varied range of companies on the search for graduates. Always one to put a smile on your face, Neil Delamare will be live in the O’Flaherty hall on Monday night and tickets are available in the SU. The launch of the Wellness Centre will be done by Heath promotion officer Cindy Dring. Also the clubs and societies will be launching sports and fun and games. A 5km and 10km run will also take place. The filmsoc will be previewing films dealing with mental health issues.

There are a number of volunteers working alongside the Students Union and the health promotion department in NUIG. Anyone can volunteer for mental health week and help make a difference to your peers and colleagues. Brian Grant who is welfare officer with the Students Union said “I would be delighted to have anyone else on board”. He can be contacted at su.welfare@nuigalway.ie

For those suffering from mental health conditions there is help to be got. Throughout the year in NUIG students can drop by the Student Health Unit and counsellors and the chaplain are all available. There is always a friendly face in the Students Union there to listen. The welfare officer in any third level institution is there to lend a helping hand.

If you know someone who is suffering with mental health issues and you want to help them, listen patiently and encourage them to keep talking, let them open their heart to you. Brian says “the most important thing of all is just being there to listen”.

And remember, your health is your wealth and talking is a sign of strength, not of weakness.