Volunteer

Description

Welcome to the Be MindfUL programme, a unique peer awareness initiative designed to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and connection among young adults. This programme is specifically tailored to address crucial topics that impact our daily lives and relationships.

Led by the UL Student Engagement and Support Office, Student Affairs Divison in partnership with:

• UL Chaplaincy
• UL Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service
• UL EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)
• Healthy UL 
• UL Student Life
• NiteLine
• NOSP
   

Programme Overview
The Be MindfUL programme offers a series of four captivating weekly workshops designed to introduce you to various topics that can impact your time as a student and beyond while also enhancing your knowledge and skills.

Expertly crafted and delivered by leading specialists, the programme’s content promises to be both insightful and engaging.

Participants will be provided with a meal each evening.

Workshop Schedule:

Duration: 2.5 Hours per evening
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

• Tuesday 8th October
• Tuesday 15th October
• Tuesday 22nd October
• Tuesday 29th October
   

Programme Structure:

Building Empathy and Understanding
Programme Introduction: Get an overview of the programme and understand its objectives.
Session 1 | How to Support a Friend
Session 2 | Bystander Intervention: Understand your role as a bystander and how you can intervene effectively in difficult situations.

Addressing Bullying and Substance Use
Session 3 | Bullying & Harassment Awareness: Gain insights into the dynamics of bullying and harassment and learn strategies to address and prevent them.
Session 4 | Substance Use and Gambling: Discuss common substances and gambling, address risk factors and peer pressure, and highlight supports.

Cultural Competencies and Mental Health
Session 5 | Understanding Cultural Differences: Enhance your cultural competencies and learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences.
Session 6 | Mental Health Awareness & Resilience: Understand the importance of mental health, learn about common mental health issues, and build resilience.

Suicide Prevention
Session 7 | Suicide Prevention Strategies: Learn about suicide prevention strategies and how to support someone in crisis.
Review & Closing of the programme: Review the key learnings from the programme and celebrate the completion of the journey.

Join us on this transformative journey and empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to impact your community positively. Be aware, be understanding, be empathetic. Be part of the change. Be MindfUL.

Key Features

• Engaging Content: Each workshop is designed to be interactive and thought-provoking.
• Expert Instructors: Learn from specialists with extensive knowledge and experience.
• Supportive Environment: Connect with like-minded individuals in a supportive and encouraging setting.
   

What do I get for participation?
On full completion (attendance for all sessions is required), participants will receive:

• A certificate of participation
• Hours towards a President's Volunteer Award
• Gain new skills, knowledge, and the opportunity to grow your network
• Participants will be presented with a Be MindfUL crew neck sweatshirt and water bottle upon completing the programme.
   

Who can apply?
The programme is open to all current students of the University of Limerick who can commit to attending all sessions.

Spaces will be limited, so early registration is key.

What is expected of participants?
Full participation, respect and confidentiality.
Instructions for attendance must be followed as the presenters have limited time, these details will be shared with those who are accepted to the programme.

Is training provided?: Yes

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Participants will be requested to complete surveys/questionnaires before the programme begins and again after the programme is completed. The time to complete the surveys is built into the overall hours associated with this volunteering opportunity. 

Engage with each workshop, speaker and other participants on the programme.

Skills required for this role:

• Active Listening
• Communication Skills
• Empathy & Compassion
• A desire to help others

Details of time commitment needed for role:
- Completion of surveys/questionnaires (max 2 hours in total) - Attend all 4 workshops on Tuesday evenings (approx. 2.5 hours each) A total of 12 volunteering hours.

Minimum time commitment per week:
3 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Sensitive Content Notice Some content in this programme may be challenging for you. Anyone who has been recently bereaved by suicide should consider whether this is the best time to engage with this type of content. It is recommended that anyone recently bereaved wait 12 months before engaging in this type of programme. We encourage you to share any concerns you might have with us. Your well-being is our priority.