Community
University of Limerick helps address the Elephant in the Room
Pictured at the launch of the Elephant in the Room initiative, donated by Cornmarket to the University of Limerick through the UL HR Department’s [email protected] campiagn were, Clodagh Ruddy, Director of Partnerships, Cornmarket, Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President UL, Brent Pope, Elephant in the Room and Luan Lyons, UL. Picture: Alan Place
University of Limerick (UL) is addressing the “Elephant in the Room” by unveiling a new art installation as part of an initiative aimed at destigmatising mental health issues and starting conversations
As part of an amazing initiative aimed at destigmatising mental health issues and starting conversations, University of Limerick is addressing the “Elephant in the Room” by unveiling a new art installation supported by Cornmarket.
The Elephant in the Room initiative, founded by rugby analyst Brent Pope, aims to give people everywhere permission to talk about their mental health as openly as they would discuss a physical ailment, without judgment or discrimination, for the better well-being of the individual, family, workplace and society.
As part of the organisation’s mission, Pope has called on every organisation, business, and person to help raise awareness about mental health while supporting charities which help save many lives.
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The Elephant in the Room Movement is a social enterprise which started in Ireland and brings business, art and community together to help change the narrative around mental well-being all over the world, using the visual medium of art sculptures to challenge stigma of all kinds, promote a message of hope and kindness, and encourage open conversation about mental health in the workplace and everywhere.
The group has unveiled its latest sculpture at University of Limerick and has a history of working with local artists in decorating the sculptures. In 2023, Elephant in the Room and Limerick Strand Hotel unveiled a sculpture by Una Heaton, entitled ‘Stand up and Fight’, which depicts some of Munster Rugby’s greats and greatest achievements, serving as a poignant symbol of hope and understanding.
The University of Limerick sculpture was designed by Luan Lyons, Administrator in Health and Safety at UL.
Speaking about the initiative, Pope says, “I believe that all of us have been touched by mental health issues at some stage during our lives. It may be our own personal journey, a partner, sibling or even a friend, but we all know of people who have suffered or are still suffering.”
He adds, “This is a national effort to get everyone talking about the elephant in the room: mental health. Let’s try and start the conversation around mental health issues, from the schoolyard to the boardroom. Because regardless of age, sex and status, we all need to feel more comfortable about discussing our vulnerabilities. It is no longer acceptable to just ‘suck it up,’ ‘get on with life’ or to ‘deal with it’, clichés I was often told.”
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