It is the ambition of UL to be a leading university in the promotion of Health and Wellbeing, supporting our 16,000 students and staff. Healthy UL focuses on six themes to promote the wellbeing of the university community. There is lots of information on this page to help you to take small (and not so small) steps to improve your overall wellbeing.
COVID-19 Information
If you are here because you are looking for information about COVID 19, check out the next 3 tabs.
If you are looking for more tips on how to promote your health and wellbeing, check out our 6 Wellbeing Suggestions. These are updated periodically, so come back and visit to get recommendations throughout the semester.
More detailed information on the work of Healthy UL is available under the Framework download button and from the themed buttons below.
If you want to introduce small changes to improve things, take some time to consider our Six Wellbeing Suggestions below. These are updated regularly, so come back and visit to get more recommendations throughout the semester.
Student Life has established a site specifically where students can unwind and get away from all the messages about the coronavirus.
Human Resources has initiated a series of wellness seminars for staff. These provide opportunities to link in real time with colleagues and receive expert advice and suggestions for how to keep well.
6 Wellbeing suggestions
Healthy Environments
Are you looking for ways to contribute to saving the planet?
UL has published its first Sustainability Report. The report can be viewed and downloaded online, and you can see which SDG you could focus on.
Addictive Behaviour
Excessive Drinking and Drugging is really dangerous. There are always risks when taking drugs. Please follow harm reduction messages to reduce your risk of harm. Check out the advice from the HSE HERE
You can never be fully sure of the contents of drugs. Sometimes the person selling might not know all of the contents themselves. There is no way to know just by looking at it. Drugs could look the same and contain different contents. Drugs from the same batch can also vary. Don’t assume you know the content based on what you are sold.
Don’t be afraid to get help. If you or a friend become unwell of feel suicidal after taking drugs you should get help immediately. Call 112 or text 50808
Sexual Health and Wellbeing
Because of the Covid 19 situation there has been significant restrictions to public STI services. If you think you have an STI it is important to be tested. Some STIs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Find out more about what services are available HERE.
Healthy Eating
Fuelling performance is a key objective in sports nutrition. Optimal nutrition not only improves physical performance but also cognition, concentration and coordination. Optimise your performance with food.
Check out the GAA Recipes for Success resources HERE. Go n-éirí libh!
Mental Health & Physical Activity
We would like to bring to your attention the following service funded by the Health Service Executive.
50808 provides everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through an emotional or mental health crisis. This is a text based service which uses Artificial Intelligence to analyse a texter’s initial message, scanning keywords, phrases and even emojis.
50808 is free, anonymous and inclusive. If picking up the phone and asking for help is difficult, texting 50808 will connect you to a trained Crisis Volunteer if need be. Reach out, there is help there.
Health and the environment are inextricably linked and approaches to improve both are deeply complementary
Ensuring UL develops and implements supports and protocols that reduce the stigma of addiction
Learn more about the supports and resources available to UL staff and students mental health and wellbeing
Good sexual health means making sure you have the knowledge, skills and ability to make informed sexual choices and act responsibly to protect your health and the health of others.
The promotion of the health and wellbeing of the university community (staff, students and visitors) supported by the development of sustainable research programmes in nutrition and health.
What are the recommended levels of physical activity to maintain and improve health?