“We anticipate that this programme will increase the retention rate of students with mental health difficulties in higher education and enable them to enjoy a rich and fulfilling college experience”, said Mary O’Grady, Disability Support Officer.

Mental health professionals, UCC student peer mentors, service users, staff, and community representatives were present to celebrate the launch of this positive support programme for UCC students with mental health difficulties.

The Aims of the Project are to:

• Design a peer mentoring demonstration project
• Implement a peer mentoring program by training mentors in their support of mentees
• Evaluate and document the outcomes and effectiveness of the project
• Facilitate students engagement with community mental health services to encourage mutual integration

The UCC Genio programme is funded by the Genio Trust, a non-profit organisation rooted in the belief that by valuing diversity both the individual and society can benefit from the unique contribution of all citizens. Genio aims to accelerate the availability of proven, cost-effective, personalised supports, enabling people with disabilities and mental health difficulties at risk of social exclusion to lead full lives.

The Peer Mentor programme is run through the Disability Support Service (DSS) in UCC, a service committed to increasing access to higher education for people with disabilities.

Picture L-R: Diarmuid Ring, Mental Health Advocate and Chair of Irish Advocacy Network, Aimee Brennan, PhD Sociology, Con O’Brien, Vice-President for the Student Experience, Claire Dunne, ULink Co-ordinator, Mary O’Grady, Disability Support Officer.

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