Recent analysis of Queen’s University Student Wellbeing Service data highlighted that just 33 per cent of students who contact University Wellbeing define as men.

This mirrors a wider problem in society where men are less likely to engage in preventive and early-intervention support services yet are more likely to be represented in crisis intervention and suicide statistics.

To tackle the issue, Queen’s University has launched the ‘Charge Up Get Connected’ campaign, supported by funding from the Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland (PHA).

This week the University has been running events designed for all students, particularly men, to encourage them to re-charge, refresh and connect with others.

The events include:

• Free Barber Haircuts to encourage students to connect with others
• Yoga workshops to encourage students to be active
• Community outreach to encourage Wellbeing Conversations. Student Ambassadors and Wellbeing Advisers will be engaging with students in the university area and providing wellbeing packs
• A talk from Antrim Hurler Domhnall Nugent, who has overcome a battle with addiction and homelessness, to inspire students to reach out for help when they need it
• Look After Your Mate Training, delivered by a university Mental Health Adviser, in partnership with Student Minds, to encourage students to keep learning

Launching the campaign, Carl Frampton said: “It’s just as important to look after our mental fitness as it is our physicaL fitness. There is still a real stigma around mental health issues and campaigns like this are important in breaking these stigmas down.

“A lot of men bottle up issues and sometimes don’t prioritise their mental health – I hope this campaign encourages students – particularly male students – to get involved in some of the wellbeing events and think about things a bit differently. It’s really important for us all to look after our mental health, physical health and general wellbeing.”

Professor David Jones commented: “As a University, we offer students a network of support services that are dedicated to helping them get the most from their time at Queen’s.

“We hope that this campaign – and the week of wellbeing activities – encourages more students to get involved and find out what we can do to support them.”

Katie Ní Chléire, President of Queen’s Students’ Union said: “As a Students’ Union, we are glad to see the University take steps forward on tackling the stigma surrounding student mental health, particularly for our male-identifying students who sometimes feel the impact of this more than others.

“We are encouraging students to get involved with Charge Up, Get Connected. This is a great opportunity to re-charge, refresh, and connect with others.”

The week of activities will run until 25 March. Register to attend the events here.

A Student Wellbeing drop-in service also runs Monday to Friday, 11am – 3pm and can be accessed by phone or in person in the One Elmwood Student Centre. This is a safe place for students to come to receive advice and guidance.

Alternatively, students can fill out an online form on to receive one-to-one support from one of our Wellbeing Advisers.

More information on the services available and upcoming events can be found here.

Media

Media enquiries to comms.office@qub.ac.uk