TU Dublin Launches “Elephant in the Room” Campaign and Student Mental Health Policy for World Mental Health Day
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) celebrated World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2025 with the launch of its “Elephant in the Room” and the introduction of a new Student Mental Health Policy. These initiatives form part of TU Dublin Mental Health Week (7–10 October) and reflect the university’s commitment to supporting wellbeing across its community.
The “Elephant in the Room” movement, sponsored by Cornmarket, centres around a striking dazzle-patterned elephant sculpture that will travel across TU Dublin’s five campuses to spark conversations about mental health. Inspired by WWI camouflage that disrupted perception, the bold design symbolises how mental health challenges can often be hidden in plain sight, misunderstood, or overlooked.
Dr Deirdre Lillis, President of TU Dublin, explained:
"At TU Dublin, we recognise that mental health is an integral part of our university community’s wellbeing. The launch of the ‘Elephant in the Room’ campaign and our new Student Mental Health Policy reflect our commitment to fostering a culture where people feel able to speak openly, seek support early and look out for one another. Through these initiatives, we aim to build understanding and strengthen the sense of care that defines our university.”
Alongside the campaign, TU Dublin will officially launch a new Student Mental Health Policy, a structure and set of tools designed to empower our community to seek help, provide support, and signpost support services.
Jennifer Farrell, Head of Student Services and Wellbeing at TU Dublin, added:
“Since the policy’s approval, we have been delivering ‘Lite Bite’ training sessions to ensure it becomes a lived document, embedded in the culture of our University. These sessions help grow our shared knowledge and skills so that every member of the TU Dublin community can play a role in supporting mental health and wellbeing.”
The launch event took place on Wednesday, 8 October, on the University’s Grangegorman Campus, with the programme featuring a series of short addresses, followed by the opening of a marketplace showcasing wellbeing supports. Attendees were also invited to participate in Mental Health Cafés, which provide a welcoming space for open conversations and highlight the range of services available to students and staff.
The initiative highlights TU Dublin’s whole-university approach to health and wellbeing, positioning the institution as a leader in student support and community care.