St Angela’s College, a college of NUI Galway, recently launched their Promoting Positive Mental Health policy, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a positive attitude towards mental health in the work place. This policy was a collaborative endeavour between the Department of Nursing & Health Studies and the college’s Human Resources department. The impetus for such a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace was as a direct result of the Nursing & Health Studies department’s development of a post-graduate module titled “Promoting Positive Mental Health & Wellbeing” by Mr Tom O’Grady & Mr Mike Rainsford,  HSE. Which ahs been well received by students.

Dr Anne Taheny, President of St Angela’s College, officially launched the policy to college staff. They were joined by Mr Pat Benson, Director of Nursing, Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Services and Mr Mike Rainsford, Mental Health Promotions Officer and Suicide Prevention Officer HSE.

Dr Taheny informed the gathering, that all of us are living in times, where the pace of life seems to be getting faster and faster.  Dr Taheny reiterated a clear message that all of us need to mind our own mental health, and also be vigilant for warning signs that the mental health of our colleagues and friends maybe compromised.  Dr. Taheny informed the group that “The key ingredient for everyone in getting through life was by actively seeking positive mental health in our every day life, and by launching this Policy Promoting Positive Mental Health here today, we are creating a culture where staff are cared for and where there are the necessary systems and supports to assist with difficult situations”.

The College has always demonstrated a clear commitment to Mental Health initiatives by offering staff and students training and guidance in relation to suicide prevention and suicide awareness.  The ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and the Safe Talk (Suicide Awareness for Everyday) programmes are currently offered to all undergraduate students and staff attending or working within the college. The nursing graduates of the college are the only nursing graduates nationwide who receive the ASIST training prior to graduation.

The policy is an extension of the mission of the college. St Angela’s college prides itself, in offering a working environment demonstrating dignity, respect, equity, diversity and support to all staff members by offering a positive work life balance. St Angela’s truly represents “University Learning in a Unique College Environment”.