[…]of STI services is currently under way, this needs to be sped-up, as access to important sexual health services cannot continue to be denied. At present, GMHS is Ireland’s only dedicated statutory sexual health and wellbeing service for gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men and the trans population. USI Vice President for Equality and Citizenship, Marie Lyons said: “Today marks 386 days that the Gay Men’s’ Health Service has been closed. That’s 386 days with no access to STI testing, 386 days of no access to PEP and PrEP, 386 days of no access to HIV Prevention, 386 days of […]
[…]Government should produce a detailed, time-lined Action Plan to continue the reform of mental health supports and improve the mental health of the whole population, ensuring that adequate funding and the structures for good governance and oversight of the plan are in place. “We are urging the government to increase funding given specifically for the provision of adequate counselling services to all third level students either through the direct employment of more counsellors or in purchasing external counselling session hours.” Donoghue said, “The next government should deliver more funding to Higher Education Institutions, specifically allocated for counselling staff and mental health […]
[…]students, who have been shown time and time again to be, as Minister Harris says “facing mental health challenges like no other” generation. The €5 million funding announced is expected to keep student mental health services at their current level. Colleges and universities in Ireland currently have just one counsellor for every 2,240 students, even though it is recommended by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services that there should be one counsellor for every 1,000 to 1,500 students. USI Vice President for Welfare, Colette Murphy said: “We had been in touch with Students’ Unions and student counselling services across the country in relation […]
[…]days easier. We’re also encouraging students who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health to avail of college support services. We are delighted to partner with mental health organisations that will help spread the message of this campaign across Ireland.” Collette Ryan, of HeadsUp said: “HeadsUp is delighted to be a partner once again in the development of the USI Mental Health pack. The theme ‘What Makes You Smile?’ fits perfectly with HeadsUp’s activities, in particular our ‘Online Skills’ and ‘Acts of Random Kindness’ available on www.headsup.ie. Sometimes it’s the little things in life that can have such a positive […]
[…]they’re doing.” Sarah Surgenor, Communications Manager at St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services said: “Mental health issues are experienced by every family in Ireland. It’s something we all know about. ‘Chats for Change’ encourages students to begin this conversation and we’re delighted to be on hand to give mental health advice to students at various colleges throughout the country this week.” For more information contact USI Communications & Research Executive Grainne O’Reilly on 087-6776636 or 01-9052100 or Denise McCarthy 087-2991265 or […]
