Press Release
Today (Monday 11th November) the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) launch ‘More Talk, More Action’ a national campaign to get Irish students talking about mental health with the help of former rugby star and mental health advocate Alan Quinlan in the National College of Ireland (NCI) at 11am.
In partnership with Lyons Tea, See Change and St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, thousands of ‘Chats for Change’ packs will be distributed across college campuses nationwide. The ‘Chats for Change’ packs include two teabags and an innovative banner pen with tips on how to spark the conversation around mental health and contacts for useful support services. The pack encourages students to make time and space to chat about their mental health while enjoying a cup of Lyons tea.
The ‘More Talk, More Action‘ Campus Tour will roll into college campuses nationwide with a message for students to talk more about mental health and take more action for their wellbeing. This USI campus tour will include interactive/educational information stands and expert advice from See Change, Mental Health Reform, Headsup, Headstrong, Grow, Reachout, Turn2me, PleaseTalk.org and Mental Health Ireland. One to one consultations are being provided by St Patrick’s Mental Health Services.
More Talk More Action, mental health campus tour:
• Monday, November 11th – NCI, Dublin
• Tuesday, November 12th – Cork IT, Cork
• Wednesday, November 13th – NUI Maynooth, Maynooth
• Thursday, November 14th – AIT, Athlone
Denise McCarthy, USI VP for Welfare said: “Mental health is part of all of our stories and we want to encourage people to start the conversation and take the time to talk to friends, classmates or family about mental health. The theme of ‘More Talk, More Action’ is to talk more and take action for your wellbeing. ‘Chats for Change’ is the perfect way to enjoy a cup of tea while reaching out and talking to someone. We are delighted to partner with mental health organisations that will help spread the message across Ireland and are very grateful for the support of Lyons.”
Liz Finlay, Lyons Brand Manager said: “Here at Lyons Tea, it’s all about putting the talk into tea and that is why we are fully supportive of ‘Chats for Change’. So enjoy a cuppa on us and get talking”.
See Change’s Kahlil Thompson-Coyle said: “We’re a nation of talkers and tea drinkers so why keep silent on the mental health problems that we all can go through? We’re encouraging students to make time to share a cuppa today and really ask someone how 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 01-9052098