Maynooth University values its employees and is committed to maintaining and enhancing a good working environment.
Self-care and wellbeing needs will be different for each person. The University has in place a number of practices which aim to support ongoing self-care and wellbeing.
Contacts for Support Services
| Inspire Employee Assistance Programme for MU Staff Phone: 1800 201 346 |
Niteline https://niteline.ie/useful-links/ |
| Pieta House (suicidality) Phone: 1800 247 247 |
Women's Aid (female domestic abuse) Phone: 1800 341 900 www.womensaid.ie www.toointoyou.ie |
| Samaritans Ireland (crisis) Phone: 116 123 or text 087 260 9090 |
Bodywhys (disordered eating) Phone: 1890 622212 |
| Aware (depression) Phone: 1890 303 302 |
LGBT Helpline Phone: 1800 929 539 www.lgbt.ie |
| Rape Crisis Network Ireland Phone: 1800 778888 |
Alcoholics Anonymous Phone: 01 4538 998 |
| Amen (male domestic abuse) Phone: 046 9023 718 Men's Development Network |
Narcotics Anonymous Phone: 01 672 8000 |
| Mental Health First Aid https://www.mhfaireland.ie |
Family Carers Ireland https://www.familycarers.ie/ Phone: 1800 240 724 |
| Alzheimer's Society of Ireland https://Alzheimer.ie Phone: 1800 341 341 |
MU Security Phone: 01 708 3929 |
Inspire Employee Assistance
Inspire is a support service provided by the University for employees. The programme provides a confidential counselling service, designed to assist employees in dealing with any issue that adversely affects their health, wellbeing, personal or professional life and an online Support and Information Hub.
If you have a problem that is troubling you, you can get help and support by contacting Inspire on free phone number 1800 201 346, by clicking on the MU Inspire Support Hub or emailing workandstudy@inspirewellbeing.ie
Please note that when you call the telephone number above, you may be asked some questions (name, company you work for to ensure we are an Inspire member) and placed on hold for a few moments. This is a fully confidential service and any questions are only to ensure that you are connected with the correct person.
This service offers 24/7/365 Helpline Support, including:
Immediate Telephone Support (1800 201 346) for the following,
Inspire Hub and Resources
If it is your first time using the Hub you will need to register.
The online Hub includes guides, cost of living supports, a resource library and online self-help courses.
Once you login to the Inspire Support Hub, you can access the resource library and download information and resources on the following themes:
E-learning courses are available on topics such as;
A wellbeing Toolkit;
Maynooth University held our third annual Employee Wellbeing Month in May 2023.
A series of workshops took place throughout the month. The VHI Health Station was introduced on campus this year. We also suggested some wellbeing initiatives and challenges for people to undertake during the month to put what they learned at the workshops into practice.
Access to booking details for each of the workshops were outlined on the Employee Wellbeing Month Guide.
This guide included a virtual exhibition, which brought together a selection of MU library resources relating to wellbeing.
We concluded our wellbeing month events by offering all those that attended a workshop (online or on campus) the opportunity to win a €50 One4All Voucher. There were two vouchers to be won and the winners were Bridget Gormley, Access Office & Pamela Lucas, Campus Services.
The wellbeing themes covered this year included exercise, healthcare, stress management, pet welfare, information on wellbeing supports, financial management and reducing energy.
Here is what staff who attended said:
Melodies at Lunchtime - “It was one of the most enjoyable events I have been at during my time with MU”
Yoga - "I thought the session was fantastic"
Chair Yoga - "Gentle stretches clearly demonstrated"
Dementia Awareness - "There were so many helpful tips and strategies, I have a greater understanding of Dementia and how to support someone, Great seminar, very positive"
Your Precious Life: How to Live it Well - "All of the session made me realise the importance of living our best life"
Raising Resilient Children - "Great tips and insights"
Supporting Your Childs Mental Health - "Catherine was extremely professional"
Menopause & Physiology - "Great facilitator"
Learning & Development, HR provide seminars on a range of wellbeing topics. Details of seminars and dates can be viewed on the Learning & Development Course Directory under the category of Employee Wellbeing
As part of our self-care and wellbeing supports we run 'Time to Talk' an informal coffee morning to meet colleagues across campus.
Join us for a tea/coffee/pastry and chat.
These run in March, September and December. For dates and venues view the Learning & Development Directory.
See Change Workplace Pledge - Maynooth University has signed up to the See Change Workplace Pledge as part of our on-going commitment to support awareness of Mental Health.
See Change have developed a number of supportive guides;
Challenging Mental Health Stigma Presentation and Lived Experience Talk on Thursday, 19th October 2023 (09:30 – 11:00) online. Book through ESS or email learning.development@mu.ie for further information.
Mental Health Awareness workshop for Heads/Managers on Wednesday, 11th October (09:30 -13:00) online. Book through ESS or email learning.development@mu.ie for further information.
A list of National Wellbeing supports may be found here.
The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) offer a range of supports on addressing work related stress, including a work related stress worksheet for employees
The HSE offer mental health supports and online courses including a video-based wellbeing programme. This evidence-based programme provides a unique opportunity for people to learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience. Minding Your Wellbeing aims to provide simple tools and guidance to develop and maintain a positive outlook by looking after our mental health and wellbeing.
The 'In this Together' campaign offers guidance on minding one's mental health, coping at home, eating healthy and tips on staying active.
Mental Health Ireland also offer a range of supports in the form posters, tips, videos, podcasts and articles - no login/account required, as well their Supports & Resources Directory.
Government Keep Well Supports
National Office for Suicide Prevention
HSE Healthy Ireland
Menopause information and supports
Benefits and Schemes that can help with healthcare costs Schemes and Allowances
Understanding Together Campaign – This is a public support, awareness and information campaign led by the HSE, working with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) and Genio campaign.
Marie Keating Foundation Survive and Thrive - Free workshops and seminars to help cancer survivors adapt to the “new normal".
MU Workplace Wellbeing Statement (August 2021)
The University is committed to providing a healthy working environment and improving the quality of working lives for all its employees. This wellbeing statement aims to support the University’s mission and core values of freedom of thought and expression, freedom from discrimination, collegiality, transparency, trust, dignity, respect, and to recognise that employees are its greatest asset.
HR Policies (A-Z) - deal with areas of employee wellbeing
Work-life balance
Equality & Diversity