Archive

Celebrating Workplace Well-being Week in TU Dublin (April 2023)

Workplace Wellbeing Day is Friday 28th April and to celebrate People Development, Sport, Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service, Sustainability, Healthy TU Dublin and Employee Engagement are providing a range of activities and services across TU Dublin for staff for Workplace Wellbeing Week 24th - 28th.

The full list of activities and services for TU Dublin Staff are listed below, starting Monday, 24th  April, and running for the week.  

For any questions on the activities and services offered, please email: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie

Monday 24th April 

Activity	Provider	Description	Location/Time/Duration	How to Book
Growing Food Nourishes Mind, Body and Soul	Rachel Freeman, Lecturer in Horticulture, TU Dublin & Lee Geoghan, TU Dublin Alumni and Horticulturalist with Global Action Plan	The climate crisis threatens our future and growing sustainably is the way forward. You are invited to the Community Garden for a demonstration on creating raised beds using natural materials, a seed sowing demonstration and Q&A on sustainable growing techniques.	Community Garden, Blanchardstown Campus  12pm – 2pm   (In the case of wet weather make your way to the Horticulture Complex).	Open to all – No Booking required
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions. Mindfulness can enhance physical/mental health and well-being, boost the immune system and restore a sense of balance in your life.	Quiet Room, 1st Floor, Croi Building, Blanchardstown   10.30am	Open to all – No Booking required
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions. Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can help us to feel more alive and happy in our lives! Who wouldn’t want that! So why not give it a go?	Room 380 (Opposite Staff Common Room), Bolton Street  1:25pm	Open to all – No Booking required
Write Yourself Right: An Introduction to Narrative Therapy	Anima Ganguly, People Development	We tend to frame our life through the stories that we tell ourselves. However, these stories might not always be helpful or true. This practical session introduces a method we can use to reframe our life stories.	Greenway Hub Room 302, Grangegorman  2-4pm  Limited Numbers (20 places)	Click here to register
Free Gym Access and Fitness Classes	TU Dublin Sport	A variety of classes is offered throughout the day for all fitness levels. Everything from Spin, HIIT and Stretch & Flow classes. Free access to the gym in Glassmanogue for the week is available. Intro to the gym sessions offered twice daily, so a trainer is on hand to assist.	Lower House, Grangegorman (Fitness Studios)  Glassmanogue, Grangegorman (Gym)	TU Dublin Sport APP    Staff - Free Credit Pack

 

Tuesday 25th April 

Activity	Provider	Description	Location/Time/Duration	How to Book
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions. Mindfulness can enhance physical/mental health and well-being, boost the immune system and restore a sense of balance in your life.	St Laurence’s, Grangegorman 1:05pm	Open to all – No Booking required
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions.  Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can help us to feel more alive and happy in our lives! Who wouldn’t want that! So why not give it a go?	Black Box, Aungier Street   1:10pm	Open to all – No Booking required
Free Gym Access and Fitness Classes	TU Dublin Sport	A variety of classes is offered throughout the day for all fitness levels. Everything from Spin, HIIT and Stretch & Flow classes. Free access to the gym in Glassmanogue for the week is available. Intro to the gym sessions offered twice daily, so a trainer is on hand to assist.	Lower House, Grangegorman (Fitness Studios)  Glassmanogue, Grangegorman (Gym)	TU Dublin Sport APP    Staff - Free Credit Pack
Carer’s Coffee Morning	Family Carer’s Ireland	An informal virtual coffee and chat with information for Carers about resources	Online, via Microsoft Teams  12-1pm	Click here to attend the session

 

Wednesday 26th April 

Activity	Provider	Description	Location/Time/Duration	How to Book
Coffee and Connect	Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Service	Connect with Colleagues over tea, coffee and a sweet treat.	Canteen, 6th Floor, Park House,   Grangegorman  11am - 12pm	Click here to register
Walking Tour of Grangegorman Campus	Healthy TU Dublin – Aoife Fogarty & Lauren Lenihan	Learn about the heritage of Grangegorman and view the new campus while getting some exercise on this 1 hour walking tour.	Grangegorman  - Meet at St Laurence’s Church 1pm	Meet at St Laurence's Church 1pm
Free Gym Access and Fitness Classes	TU Dublin Sport	A variety of classes is offered throughout the day for all fitness levels. Everything from Spin, HIIT and Stretch & Flow classes. Free access to the gym in Glassmanogue for the week is available. Intro to the gym sessions offered twice daily, so a trainer is on hand to assist.	Lower House, Grangegorman (Fitness Studios)  Glassmanogue, Grangegorman (Gym)	TU Dublin Sport APP    Staff - Free Credit Pack
Optimising Your Work/Life Balance	Spectrum Health	Learn how to balance your work and home life for greater wellbeing	Online Webinar available all day Wed 26th April	Optimising your Work Life Balance — Spectrum.Life

 

Thursday 27th April 

Activity	Provider	Description	Location/Time/Duration	How to Book
Eating for Health	Healthy TU Dublin - Aoife Fogarty, Lauren Lenihan	This 30-minute presentation by final year Public Health & Nutrition students, interning with Healthy TU Dublin provides tips and advice on Healthy Eating.	30 minute Online Presentation  at 1pm, just click the link to attend.	Click here to join the meeting
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions. Mindfulness can enhance physical/mental health and well-being, boost the immune system and restore a sense of balance in your life.	Quiet Room, Tallaght  1.05pm	Open to all – No Booking required
The Body/Mind Wellbeing Connection	Joanne Kearney, Systemic Psychotherapist	This hour long session will give information and allow discussion on the body/mind  connection to wellbeing from a Systemic Psychology perspective.	12.30-1.30 Venture Room, Synergy Centre, Tallaght  Max 30 participants	Click here to register
Mindfulness	Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy Service	Take time to catch your breath and try out our free mindfulness meditation sessions. Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can help us to feel more alive and happy in our lives! Who wouldn’t want that! So why not give it a go?	Online  5pm	Click here to register
Couch to 5K	TU Dublin Sport	Start or improve your 5K walk/Run. Ali and Olivia (PT’s) will take you through a training programme, mobility and warmups for achieving your goals.	Glassmanogue Grangegorman  1-1.45pm	TU Dublin Sport APP
Free Gym Access and Fitness Classes	TU Dublin Sport	A variety of classes is offered throughout the day for all fitness levels. Everything from Spin, HIIT and Stretch & Flow classes. Free access to the gym in Glassmanogue for the week is available. Intro to the gym sessions offered twice daily, so a trainer is on hand to assist.	Lower House, Grangegorman (Fitness Studios)  Glassmanogue, Grangegorman (Gym)	TU Dublin Sport APP    Staff - Free Credit Pack

Friday 28th April: National Workplace Wellbeing Day 

Activity	Provider	Description	Location/Time/Duration	How to Book
Stretch & Flow Class	TU Dublin Sport	A 30 minute light stretching class. Finish off your week with light movements, ease the body aches and pains of a busy week. Helps improve posture.	Online  12.30-1pm	TU Dublin Sport APP
Happy Places	Healthy TU Dublin & Sustainability – Dr Loraine Darcy & Prof Kevin Leyden	Learn how places and active commuting can impact your happiness in this evidenced based seminar.	40-minute online presentation at 12 noon, just click the link to attend.	Click here to join the meeting
Free Gym Access and Fitness Classes	TU Dublin Sport	A variety of classes is offered throughout the day for all fitness levels. Everything from Spin, HIIT and Stretch & Flow classes. Free access to the gym in Glassmanogue for the week is available. Intro to the gym sessions offered twice daily, so a trainer is on hand to assist.	Lower House, Grangegorman (Fitness Studios)  Glassmanogue, Grangegorman (Gym)	TU Dublin Sport APP    Staff - Free Credit Pack

The libraries in TU Dublin will also display a sample of the wonderful resources we have on Wellbeing across all the campuses.   

February Workplace Wellbeing: Aging Well

 

The estimated population of Ireland includes more than one million people aged 60 or older. Although growing older is a unique experience for each of us, by adopting the right mindset and lifestyle practices aging can be a very positive experience for us all.

We can impact how we age by making simple changes for long term health, better quality of life and happiness. From the foods you include in your diet to the types of exercise you engage in, to friendships and even retirement goals, it all influences how fast or slow your body ages.

Check out some tips to keep your heart healthy as you age (for the day that's in it) or have a look below at some webinars and resources to find out more about how you can age well. Growing older is linear, but aging doesn't have to be! 

Positive aging & living well as we age

Living well through perimenopause and menopause

Retiring Well Webinar

Information on Blue Zones: Live better, longer

Embracing aging as an adventure

How I became an entrepreneur at 66

The formula for successful aging

Thriving longer 

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Aging Well

We have created a Linkedin Learning Wellbeing collection to support you in aging well, which you can access by clicking on the image below.

TU Dublin Sport 

February FREE Fitness Classes  

All fitness classes are FREE this February. This is your chance to try a Spin or HIIT class. Are you looking to improve your posture and fitness? Why don’t you try the new Stretch and Flow classes.

Classes are catered for all fitness levels. Everyone is welcome. Come along to your class in Lower House, Grangegorman. 

To BOOK your class, download the TU Dublin Sport app or book via the WEBSITE.

 

Shrove Tuesday

Don't forget that 21st February is Shrove Tuesday!  Why not try some healthy alternatives to your usual toppings! 

Top 20 healthy pancake recipes 

Did you know? 

You can now join the workplace wellbeing conversation and find out about the latest workplace wellbeing initiatives and supports by joining our dedicated Yammer Community, just for TU Dublin colleagues. Click here to join us!

Contact: 

E: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie

 

January Workplace Wellbeing: Minding Your Mood

It can be notoriously difficult to get motivated during the winter months, with many suffering from low mood around this time.  It's the time of year we often embark on (sometimes unrealistic) regimes to become more mentally and physically healthy following the festive season - beating ourselves up if our busy lives get in the way and we fail to stick to them!

However, a few simple steps can set you up for success. Before committing to a new health plan, it is worth taking the time to identify one or two areas you'd like to improve on - think about how you might incorporate any changes into your lifestyle and give yourself a time frame in which you'd like to see positive outcomes. This will help you make a lasting change. 

Below are some small changes that you can be easily embedded into your lifestyle without any major disruption and that can boost your mood immediately. You can also take a look at this article to help you achieve your health goals.

Get moving: General exercise guidelines recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days during the week but even short bouts of activity can provide an immediate elevation of mood. This could be simply getting off the bus a stop or two before your usual stop and walking briskly or why not see the classes offered by TU Dublin Sport that might inspire you to get active. 

Spend time in nature: Intentionally spending time in nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood and increases empathy.

Try something novel: It's human nature to want to do things as we have always done them however, the more we complete tasks on automatic pilot, the less work the brain has to do. By breaking our routines and trying something new we confront the brain with new information and build new neural connections. This could include something as simple as taking a new route on your walk or run. This kind of mental workout boosts confidence and mood.

Sleep hygiene:  Reduce exposure to blue light from laptops and smartphones at lease an hour prior to sleep. This will increase the secretion of melatonin, which helps you get to sleep and improve sleep quality thereby boosting mood. 

Mental Health webinars and events

First Fortnight is a charity that challenges mental health prejudice through arts and cultural action inspiring us to talk about mental health issues. The First Fortnight Mental Health Art & Culture Festival 2023 has just kicked off running until 15th January. Here is a list of events.

Aware Webinar

Aware also offer a range of supports, with an upcoming online webinar on mental health and eating disorders taking place on 11th Jan. Click here to register for this free webinar. 

Suicide or Survive Webinar:

Join facilitator Bev Webster of Suicide or Survive to learn more about emotional literacy, identifying different emotions that show up in our bodies, our minds and our behaviours and learn how to describe them so that you can become more self-aware and able to answer that question “How am I feeling? January 17th 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Register here for this free webinar. 

Please remember that if you are struggling, help is available to you and you need not suffer alone. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the Staff Mental Health Supports that are available to you every day of the year.  

TU Dublin Sport 

 

The Gym in Grangegorman is located in the Glassmanogue building and all fitness classes are delivered in Lower House with state-of-the-art fitness studios.  

Membership and pay as you go options for staff are available. Membership includes full access to the gym, fitness classes and a personalised fitness programme. You can access a free trial to sample a class or gym first.  Simply download the app TU Dublin Sport. Register with your staff email and you can try a FREE Trial or purchase one of our memberships.  

There are lots of courses, new fitness class timetable and fun exiting programmes coming in 2023. For further information check out their website or email: fitness@tudublin.ie  

Wellbeing & Health LibGuides 

Check back soon to access a comprehensive collection of resources provided by TU Dublin Library to support our January theme of Mind your mood.  

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Minding your mood 

We have created a Linkedin Learning Wellbeing collection to support you in minding your mental wellbeing, which you can access by clicking on the image below.

Did you know? 

You can now join the workplace wellbeing conversation and find out about the latest workplace wellbeing initiatives and supports by joining our dedicated Yammer Community, just for TU Dublin colleagues. Click here to join us!

Contact: 

E: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie

 

December Workplace Wellbeing: Positive Relationships

The connections we have with others in terms of building positive relationships are fundamentally important to our mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that social support and positive relationships are the highest predictors of happiness and impact us on both a psychological and physiological level. 

Strong social connection:

•    Leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity
•    Strengthens your immune system, decreases inflammation
•    Helps you recover from disease faster 

Not only is our mental health dependent on the support we get but also the support we give. Here are some tips to cultivating and nurturing our relationships:

1.    Take stock of and prioritise the relationships you already have 
2.    Set your own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others
3.    Talk and Listen and give those important to you, your undivided attention
4.    Reflect and learn and don’t let conflict fester 
5.    Notice and acknowledge yourself and others strengths
6.    Get to know yourself. Take time to find ways to express yourself clearly and more effectively
7.    Be open to new connections and friendships
8.    Ask for help, if it’s needed. 

For more information, click on the image below to watch this short video on fostering positive relationships: 

 

Mind your Mental Health and Wellbeing during the festive season

Christmas can also be a difficult time for some for a variety of different reasons. Here are some useful tips for coping with some of the challenges that we can face over the festive season such as family conflict, coping with loss and family dynamics.

Please remember that if you are struggling, help is available to you and you need not suffer alone. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the Staff Mental Health Supports that are available to you over the Christmas period and indeed every day of the year.  

Take a look at the calendar below provided by the HSE to get ideas on how to look after your health and wellbeing on the countdown to Christmas or click here to access the interactive version. 

 

Wellbeing & Health LibGuides 

You can also access a comprehensive collection of resources provided by TU Dublin Library to support our December theme of Positive Relationships. 

 

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Positive Relationships

We have created a Linkedin Learning Wellbeing collection to support you in improving your relationships, which you can access by clicking on the image below.

Ted Talks: 

You can access a Ted Talk Collection on Sustaining Meaningful Relationships below also:

Climate Awareness Photo Competition

There is still time to enter the Sustainability Climate Awareness Photo Competition. This is a wonderful opportunity for staff and students to get creative. 

There are six categories: Energy, Transport, Water, Food, Nature and Community. The closing date for entries is Tuesday, 13 December, at 5pm. There are eight cash prizes to be won worth a total value of €1,000.

Did you know? 

You can now join the workplace wellbeing conversation and find out about the latest workplace wellbeing initiatives and supports by joining our dedicated Yammer Community, just for TU Dublin colleagues. Click here to join us!

Finally, we would like to wish all of our colleagues a healthy, happy and restful Christmas and New Year and we look forward to continuing to support your health and wellbeing in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

November Workplace Wellbeing: Winter Wellness

This month we turn our focus to keeping well this Winter.  You don't have to make major changes to your diet and lifestyle to support your immune system. Small changes can help optimise your health and wellbeing throughout the winter months. 

A few changes can go a long way...

Did you know that adding some extra veggies such as leafy greens, ginger and spices such as turmeric to your meals can really help to support your Immune health? Eating fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C can help reduce the length of a cold and make sure to up your fiber intake too, as a robust gut microbiome can improve your immunity and help keep harmful pathogens from entering your body via your digestive tract.

A great way to pack all those those veggies and spices in is by putting soup on your winter menu. An interesting recent study showed that comforting food such as soup really is good for the soul as it increases feelings of belonging! Why not try out this carrot & ginger Immune boosting soup or this winter veg & lentil soup to get you started.

It can be hard to keep up your exercise regime in the cold, darker months but it's important to try and get in the recommended 150 minutes per week to keep healthy.  Trying to get out in daylight hours too, like meeting a friend for a lunchtime walk, not only helps you get that much needed vitamin D boost, but keeps you connected with friends also! Making it a standing commitment can also help motivate us to keep up the routine and create a healthy habit. 

Sports Ireland have just launched their Winter Initiative 2022 with over 700 Events and Activities To Help Keep People Active and Fit Over The Winter Months. Check out the full list of events by clicking here. 

Wellbeing & Health LibGuides 

You can also access a comprehensive collection of resources provided by TU Dublin Library to support our November theme of Winter Wellness. 

Wellbeing & Health LibGuides 

You can also access a comprehensive collection of resources provided by TU Dublin Library to support our November theme of Winter Wellness. 

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Winter Wellness

If you struggle to make healthy habits stick, check out our Creating Habits LinkedIn Learning Collection. 

Nov 13th - World Kindness Day

November 13th is World Kindness Day, an international observance that was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, a coalition of nations' kindness NGOs. On this day, participants attempt to make the world a better place by celebrating and promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness, either as individuals or as organisations. Have a look at the kindness calendar below for some ideas to spread kindness:

Nov 19th - International Men's Day

November 19th is International Men's Day. International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The aim is to highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. The theme for 2022 is “Helping Men and Boys”. To coincide with International Men's Day a major report exploring how Irish males feel about themselves, their place in society, gender, masculinities and more. You can read the interim report from the Men's Development Network here: MAN Survey Interim Report

 

Did you know? 

You can now join the workplace wellbeing conversation and find out about the latest workplace wellbeing initiatives and supports by joining our dedicated Yammer Community, just for TU Dublin colleagues. Click here to join us!

 

Contact: 

E: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie

T: 01-220 6879

 

 

 

 

 

October Workplace Wellbeing: Money Matters

With the cost of living increasing significantly in recent times, we are focusing on Money Matters for your Workplace Wellbeing theme this October. You will find on this page lots of information, resources and webinars on a range of different aspects related to Money Matters such as Financial Wellbeing, Money Management and Coping with Debt. 

You can also find information below on other health & wellbeing campaigns taking place this month such as World Sight Day, Menopause Month, Mental Health Month and Breast Cancer Awareness.

Financial Wellbeing Webinars

There's still time to join us for these webinars to help you gain control of your relationship with money. Click on the poster below to sign up today. 

Managing your Money

Keeping the costs down when it comes to our energy bills is certainly a hot topic at the moment (no pun intended!). The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provide some good tips to help us keep our bills down this winter and information on grants that may be available to you. You also may consider switching providers to reduce costs.

Becoming more aware of how to reduce food waste helps us reduce costs and live more sustainably. 

You can find a number of comparison and calculator tools on the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) website to get you started and help you manage your money. You can also use this spending calculator to keep track of your spending habits.

Coping with Money Worries and Debt

Research shows that finances are one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety, impacting many areas of your life including your health & relationships. There are lots of tools available to help us manage this stress, gain control of our finances and get back on track such as this HSE Guide to Coping with Money Worries.

The Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) also offer some great tips and advice if you are coping with financial stress and their services are free of charge. 

TU Dublin's Counselling Service provides access to SilverCloud an online support Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme for both students and staff. This support offers modules on many aspects of wellbeing including coping with financial worries. You can access this confidential resource here. You can also contact the Employee Assistance Service 24/7 365 days a year who will provide ongoing support to help you through coping with money worries. 

CIPD also offers a comprehensive guide on supporting team members around Financial Stress. Financial Well being Practical Guidance Report

Libguides

For our Money Matters Theme, TU Dublin Library are curating relevant resources, which will be available soon. Why not look back on previous themes in the meantime, which you can access  HERE. 

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Financial Wellbeing

World Sight Day 2022 - 13th October 2022

World Sight Day is an International Day of Awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October and acts as a reminder to you, to love your eyes. Don't forget that you can check out the National Optometry Centre website to find out lots of information on services for staff and students or check out this presentation on the People Development Website where Patrick Moore gives us tips to avoid Digital Eye Strain. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year in Ireland, 3,704 people are diagnosed with breast cancer. There are lots of resources available to help you become more breast aware or support you through a breast cancer diagnosis. This wonderful podcast More than a Lump,  offers unique stories from breast cancer survivors. hosted by the CEO of Breast Cancer Ireland, Aisling Hurley. You can listen back on our own People Development Breast Cancer Awareness Session recorded last year also or watch this short video on 8 signs and symptoms to watch out for. 

The College of Business will be holding a coffee morning in support of Breast Cancer Awareness on 19th Oct at 11am in the Staff Room, 2nd Floor, Aungier Street. Do come along and support the cause if you can, try your hand at some baking and don't forget to wear something pink on the day! 

 

Check back soon for resources and information on Menopause Month and Mental Health Awareness for October

 

 

 

September 2022 Wellbeing

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September 20-26 is Ireland's First Sustainable Development Goals Week! Our focus is on SDG 3, Good health and wellbeing for all ages. An important target of SDG3 is to promote mental health and wellbeing and reduce deaths by suicide. With that in mind, have a look below at some campaigns, supports and resources to help us as individuals and as an organisation to do our part in achieving this goal. 

World Suicide Prevention Day

Sat 10th September is International Suicide Prevention Day.

You can find out more about how to support friends and colleagues who may be struggling and have a look at, and share, our list of internal and external Staff Mental Health Supports . For more information on suicide prevention and mental health visit the website of the National Office for Suicide Prevention where you will find lots of resources.

Do you have an interest in gaining knowledge and skills to support those at risk of suicide? The TU Dublin Counselling Service will deliver SafeTalk Suicide Awareness Training in November 2022 and March 2023, please keep an eye out for our advertisements coming soon! 

Supporting Students at Risk Workshops, also provided by the TU Dublin Counselling Service, are advertised regularly. The next workshop, taking place on 15th September 2022, is now at capacity, but more dates will be available shortly. 

See Change Green Ribbon Campaign

In 2021, TU Dublin was proud to become an official See Change Organisation. We are committed to the aims of See Change, Ireland’s organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma. 

• Reduce stigma associated with mental health problems and challenge discrimination;
• Create an environment where people are more open and positive in their attitudes and behaviour towards mental health;
• Promote greater understanding and acceptance of, and support for people with mental health problems and;
• Create an environment where people with experience of mental health problems are empowered to gain equality, respect and rights.

You too can do your part to help us achieve these aims and make TU Dublin a safe environment free of stigma and discrimination for those struggling with mental health difficulties.

Take Action:

• Please click below to download and read the guidelines to see how you can offer support in your role as a manager or if you yourself are coping with mental health difficulties.

Guidelines for Managers

Guidelines for Employees

• Pick up a Green Ribbon and wear it to start the conversation about mental health. Ribbons are available nationwide and some will also be available throughout the campuses in the coming weeks.
• Familiarise yourself with the supports that are available to all TU Dublin colleagues both inside and outside the organisation and make sure the team you work in is aware that help is always there in many forms. 

Libguides

For Ireland's first Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week, TU Dublin Library have curated resources to promote Mental Health and Wellbeing, in line with Global Goal 3.4. You can access these resources HERE. 

 

Webinars 

Aware Webinar on Alcohol and Mental Health - 14th September

Mental Health Ireland Webinars

Green Ribbon Feelings of Shame Event

 

LinkedIn Learning Wellbeing Collection: Mental Health

Did you know? 

You can now join the workplace wellbeing conversation and find out about the latest workplace wellbeing initiatives and supports by joining our dedicated Yammer Community, just for TU Dublin colleagues. Click here to join us!

National Walking Day 2022 & Walk21 Conference

The 22nd International Walk21 Conference: The Decade to Change, hosted by TU Dublin, will explore how supporting and encouraging walking and walking communities can help deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. With a jam packed week of conference activities there are many chances to get involved.

September 22nd is  National Fitness Day with a whole host of initiatives going on around the country.  To support National Fitness Day, TU Dublin Sport will be running a Spin Class for LGBTQ+ community members and allies in collaboration with Sporting Pride. Click here for your ticket:  Eventbrite.

National Walking Day also takes place on September 25th, encouraging us to #WalkHikeRunPushRoll. so plenty of opportunities to get out and get active this week

Download this PDF National Walking Day 2022 to find out more about these campaigns and initiatives and how you can be inspired to get involved this week! 

• If you can, take the stairs at every opportunity
• Take the scenic route
• Park a distance away from your destination
• Opt for public transport when you can
• Take an active lunch break
• Get an active group together or find a local group to motivate you
• Make being active a habit

 

World Heart Day

On World Heart Day, 29 September, join the Irish Heart Foundation and a panel of experts for a free webinar. Sign up here. 

Her Heart Matters: Let’s Talk About Menopause will bring together a panel of experts for a conversation on women’s real experiences of menopause, its impact on heart health and lots of practical information to help women. 

 

Contact: 

E: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie

T: 01-220 6879

 

 

May Workplace Wellbeing

This month we are looking at personal health and how we can mind our mental, physical and emotional health.

The change to milder weather gives us lots of reason to focus in on our health and well-being and makes it all the more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, whether it be for a walk, run or a cycle. If you're looking for some inspiration Bike Week, a celebration of the benefits of cycling, takes place from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st May 2023. You can find out more here about the events taking place across Ireland. 

The benefits of sunlight exposure are acknowledged by many researchers and include:

• Decreased inflammation 
• Improved mood
• Promotion of relaxation 
• Improved sleep
• Many benefits that come from increased Vitamin D levels

It's important that we remember to be sun smart while we are reaping the benefits of being out in the sun however. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the HSE's SunSmart campaign aims to increase awareness of the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer. See below for some simple pointers to remember when out and about in the sun this summertime. You can find out more about the campaign here. 

Introducing TU Dublin Wellbeing Book Club- the last Wednesday of the month. Starting Wednesday 31st May Online at 1-1.45pm: 

 Book: Ikigai, The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life 

We all have an ikigai . It's the Japanese word for 'a reason to live' or 'a reason to jump out of bed in the morning'. It's the place where your needs, desires, ambitions, and satisfaction meet. A place of balance. Small wonder that finding your ikigai is closely linked to living longer. Finding your ikigai is easier than you might think. This book will help you work out what your own ikigai really is, and equip you to change your life. You have a purpose in this world: your skills, your interests, your desires and your history have made you the perfect candidate for something. All you have to do is find it. Do that, and you can make every single day of your life joyful and meaningful. 

To register your interest, email healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie 

European Mental Health Week  22-28 May 2023

 

European Mental Health Week takes place between 22nd and 28th May 2023, reminding us to pay attention to our mental health.

The goal of this year’s Awareness Week is to increase understanding and learning about mental health in our communities, schools, workplaces, and at home so that everyone can thrive and flourish at every stage of life. 

 Check out some related online learning here:

Why we all need to practice emotional first aid 

We'll go to the doctor when we feel flu-ish or a nagging pain. So why don't we see a health professional when we feel emotional pain: guilt, loss, loneliness? Too many of us deal with common psychological-health issues on our own, says Guy Winch. But we don't have to. He makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, our minds, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies.

 The brain-changing benefits of exercise 

What's the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain today? Exercise! says neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki. Get inspired to go to the gym as Suzuki discusses the science of how working out boosts your mood and memory -- and protects your brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. 

Stress Control Course with the HSE

The HSE is delivering a series of live webinars for people seeking to reduce stress and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing, provided by Dr Aisling Sheehan Head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme HSE.

The next course will be live streamed on the Stresscontrol.ie YouTube channel during May on set days, the timetable is set out on the stresscontrol.ie website. Each session is available for 3 days before the next session goes live. 

LinkedIn Learning Collection 

Mental Health and Psychological Safety 

 

'How to Spend Less Time on Email, with Moira Dunne, productivity coach

Friday 26th May 10-10.45 Work Smart in 2023 (May Webinar) 

Most people  feel they spend too much time on their email each day. In this session Moira will share ideas and practical tips on: 

1. The Impact of Distractions & Interruptions
2. How to Spend Less Time on Email
3. How to Break the ‘Always On’ Habit

To book click here

 

Mindfulness Sessions 

 

Remember Mindfulness sessions take place weekly in the following locations: 

 

Aungier Street : Tuesday @ 1:10pm in the Black Box (downstairs, below ground level)  

Blanchardstown : Monday @ 10:30am in the Quiet Room, 1st floor, Croí Building  

Bolton Street : Monday @ 1:25pm in Room 380 (opposite the staff common room)   

Grangegorman : Tuesday @ 1:05pm in St. Laurence's Church  

Tallaght : Thursday @1:05 in the Quiet Room  

Online : Thursday @ 5:00pm (Register to join online)  

 

TU Dublin Sport  

Check out the fitness classes available on the link below. 

May Fitness Classes 

Classes are catered for all fitness levels. Everyone is welcome. Come along to your class in Lower House, Grangegorman.  

To BOOK your class, download the TU Dublin Sport app or book via the WEBSITE. 

 

Contact: 

E: healthandwellbeing@tudublin.ie 

 

Please remember that if you are struggling with your mental health, help is available to you and you need not suffer alone. Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the Employee Mental Health Supports that are on offer to you all year round.