Beat the Blues Week organised by UCD Science
By Eithne Dodd | Jan 23 2017
THERE will be a “Beat the Blues Week” during week one available to all UCD Science students and staff. The week was organised by UCD Student Advisor for Science; Paola Carrettoni.“We’re trialling it in Science” said Carrettoni “if it goes well who knows... I’d hope that other college might adopt it but it’s their choice.”Some of the events taking place this week are mental health lunchtime talks given by representative from charities such as Pieta House and Mental Health Ireland. “I originally wanted to do a mental health week only but then I thought about those with friends or family members who have mental health” says Carrettoni.The talks are for anyone who has a mental health issue or knows some that does. Carrettoni gives the example of a lab technician perhaps being able to learn something from the talk that may help someone they are teaching who struggles with anxiety.“It’s just little tips” says Carretoni “someone may be doing something that isn’t helping their friend or they may be doing something that is helping their friend but it is effecting them”.Other events during the week include Yoga and Pilates classes, ‘Writing for University’ workshops, a photography competition, and a welcome centre with the Students’ Union and Science Societies.When asked why she had organised the Beat the Blues Week for week one of term Carrettoni said “Students are back and everybody hates January”. Hopefully this week will help science staff and students to hate it a little less.