Vision
The Healthy Campus initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to fostering a learning and working environment in which health, wellbeing, and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing. In line with the principles of the HEA Healthy Campus Framework, the initiative adopts a whole campus, whole system perspective, recognising that wellbeing is shaped not only by individual supports but also by institutional culture, policy coherence, and the broader campus environment. This approach aligns closely with UCC’s strategic priorities, particularly Goal Two: Student Success, which emphasises the centrality of wellbeing in enabling students to engage fully, achieve their potential, and thrive during their time at the University.
Structure
The Healthy UCC Team
The Healthy UCC Co-Ordinator is responsible for leading and working together with the university community to develop and implement the Healthy Campus framework across the university. The Healthy UCC team is responsible for supporting day to day operations of the initiative and delivery of actions in partnership with key stakeholders
Healthy UCC Action Groups
Mental Health; Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco | Physical Activity | Sexual Health | Food and Nutrition | Infection Prevention and Detection
The Action Groups of Healthy UCC each align to six key action areas for health and well-being with appointment of Chairs and Deputy Chairs (Mental Health, Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco; Physical Activity; Nutrition; Sexual Health; Infection Prevention and Detection).
| Action Group | Description | Chair |
|---|---|---|
Mental Health; Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco |
The Mental Health, Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Action Group is responsible for promoting and supporting health and wellbeing across the UCC community through a coordinated approach to mental health promotion and the prevention of alcohol, drug and tobacco related harms. The group works to develop, implement and review policies, programmes, awareness campaigns and evidence-based initiatives that encourage positive health behaviours and foster a supportive campus environment. In doing so, it supports students, staff and the wider university community, contributing to UCC's commitment to creating a healthy, inclusive and sustainable university where wellbeing is a core component of the student and staff experience. | Chair: Prof Ciara Heavin (C.Heavin@ucc.ie) Co-Chair: Dr Sharon Lambert (sharon.lambert@ucc.ie) |
Physical Activity |
The Physical Activity Action Group is responsible for physical activity promotion across the University community. The committee works to embed physical activity as a core component of campus culture, supporting both students and staff and contributing to health, wellbeing, engagement, and performance through inclusive, evidence informed, and sustainable approaches. Members interested in physical activity are encouraged to get involved. |
Chair: Dr Wesley O’Brien (wesley.obrien@ucc.ie) Co-Chair: Dr Conor Philpott (conorphilpott@ucc.ie) |
Sexual Health |
The Sexual Health Action Group is responsible for promoting sexual health and wellbeing amongst our students, staff and the wider university community. The Action Group works with university partners to increase awareness of sexual health services; to reduce the stigma of accessing sexual health services; to promote healthy, respectful and consent-based sexual behaviour and relationships; and to reduce and prevent gender based sexual violence. |
Chair: Dr Catherine O’Sullivan (catherine.osullivan@ucc.ie) Co-Chair: Dr Fiachra Ó'Súilleabháin (fiachra.osuilleabhain@ucc.ie) |
Food and Nutrition |
The Food and Nutrition Action Group is responsible for Diet, Nutrition and Health. The committee is working to develop a whole campus Food and Nutrition Policy for Health, Sustainability & Equity, which will be integrated across the campus food environment, supporting students, staff, and campus users to achieve healthy sustainable diets. Members interested in food and nutrition are encouraged to get involved. |
Chair: Prof Máiread Kiely (m.kiely@ucc.ie) Co-Chair: Dr Miriam Clegg (MClegg@ucc.ie)
|
Infection Prevention and Detection |
The Infection Prevention and Detection Group works to disseminate evidence-based information on health, infection awareness, and everyday illnesses to the UCC community. Members interested in Infection Prevention and Detection are encouraged to get involved. |
Chair: Dr John MacSharry (j.macsharry@ucc.ie) Co-Chair: Dr Jerry Reen (J.Reen@ucc.ie)
|
Healthy UCC
UCC Sláintiúil
Contact us
School of Public Health, Western Gate Building , 4th Floor, Western Road, Cork,