Manifesto
Welfare
Mental health
10% of people aged 16-25 suffer from mental health issues – you may not realise it, but this will include several people you know and it affects us all. To assist students going through this, I have several solutions to combat this problem, such as:
- If elected, I will set up a new society to raise awareness in the area of mental health and wellbeing in the college. This society, The FeelGd Society, will deal with the areas of:
- Depression
- Breaking the stigma of mental health issues and suicide
- Eating Disorders
- Drug and Alcohol addiction
- Domestic Abuse
- General Wellbeing
The main aim of this society will be to promote the services that are already available in the college for free.
- I will hold monthly events to raise awareness of mental health, such as:
- Master classes with guest speakers talking about awareness and prevention
- Workshops
Because at the end of the day, mental issues do not last for just one day or week; they are year long issues.
- I will provide a support system for people who have witnessed people going through mental health issues and show these people how to deal with these and help them gain a better understanding of what they have witnessed.
Health Screenings
Research shows that type 2 diabetes is on the increase in Ireland. Many students have probably never been tested for diabetes and this is a major concern. In an aim to combat this, I propose to create awareness by providing information and organise a screening service within the college.
Cervical and Testicular cancer is another growing concern amongst Irish women and men. I propose to liaise with the NCSS (National Cancer Screening Service) in raising awareness and promoting the importance of this issue while also securing regular screening within the college in conjunction with the Health Unit.
FINANCES
Reduction of Rent Costs
We are at the worst point in a recession. Some of the rent paid by students is unacceptable. The average student should be paying between 50-60 euro per week. The grant has been cut, the minimum wage has been cut – the rent has to be cut. I will be fighting for this as an important saving to students spending.
Entertainment
Events
Regular outings to sporting and entertainment events outside DKIT such as up to world cup qualifiers and gigs In the O2.
If we cannot bring Florence and the Machine to DKIT let’s bring DKIT to Florence.
Over the years I have made great contacts with Student Unions in various colleges around Ireland, such as, Athlone and UCD. I will organise intercollege events with these in order to achieve a better variety of events throughout the college.
Daytime events
I will put on more daytime events and not just focus on night-time events, because a high percentage of students are commuting and are not able to attend the night-time events.
In the college bar I have noticed that there is a lack of representation from the Music Department; I will incorporate their bands into the bar to get their names out there and to get the vital exposure that original bands need these days.
Sports and Societies
Participating in sports and societies is a great way to socialise and get active outside of typical drink-related events. With over 60 well-established sports and societies, I believe that it is important for students to make the most of this vital part of college life.
I will give a week for each sport and society to enable them to hold tournaments, competitions and events, so that the students can get more involved and interact in the societies around the college. I will use my contacts in the before mentioned colleges to hold tournaments and competitions with these colleges.
Use Your Head – Vote Niamh for Vice
