September Shannon College of Hotel Management unveils 'Elephant for Sarah' to champion student mental health

An artist-designed elephant sculpture has been installed at Shannon College of Hotel Management as part of the international mental health initiative, Elephant in the Room.

The ‘Elephant for Sarah’ was officially launched in the atrium of Shannon College by Brent Pope, co-founder of the Elephant in the Room initiative, a social movement using public art to spark open, honest conversations about mental health. He addressed the college students about the importance of normalising discussions around mental wellbeing and seeking support.

Shannon College of Hotel Management alumna, Maeve O’Keeffe’s niece Sarah died by suicide following a struggle with her mental health. Maeve’s family has donated the ‘Elephant for Sarah’ to the college in her memory.

Sarah’s sister, Anna O’Farrell, is channelling her grief into a powerful force for good, raising funds to create a small herd of Elephant in the Room sculptures in memory of her beloved sister. To date, Anna has raised over €86,000 as part of this collaboration with the movement and Shannon College is honoured to receive an elephant in Sarah’s memory.

Anna O’Farrell said: "We chose Shannon College because we want every student there to know that they can come and ask for help, and to be open about how they're feeling rather than hide it. That's exactly what Sarah would have wanted for others, because she felt she couldn't do that herself."

Brent Pope, Co-founder of Elephant in the Room, said: “Everyone has an ‘Elephant in the Room’, and this initiative is about starting conversations early before they develop into larger issues impacting students’ wellbeing. It’s also about encouraging kindness - we never know what someone else might be going through in their day or life. Many young people only seek mental wellbeing support at a crisis stage, so early intervention is vital. We need to normalise discussions around mental wellbeing and make it a daily priority, just like physical health.

“This initiative aims to give young people better tools to navigate life’s challenges, particularly within the learning environment, while fostering a culture of inclusion and care.

“We are very grateful to Anna O'Farrell for donating this elephant sculpture to the college in memory of her beloved sister Sarah, through the Elephant for Sarah initiative.”

Orla Cullinane, Associate Head of Student Welfare in Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “Shannon College of Hotel Management is delighted and very honoured to be involved in the Elephant in the Room initiative.

“The elephant who will have pride of place in our college atrium will serve as a visible reminder that conversations about mental health should never be hidden or avoided. As a college community, we recognise and sadly have experience of the profound impact of suicide and loss, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, compassionate environment where every student feels they belong, are supported, and can speak openly without fear of judgement. We hope this initiative encourages our students and staff to check in with one another, seek support when needed, and keep the conversation going.”

Founded by Brent Pope and Eoin Byrne in 2021, Elephant in the Room has grown from a grassroots idea into an international initiative. Brightly painted, artist-designed baby elephant sculptures are placed in prominent locations as visible symbols of hope, permission, and care, letting people know they are in a place that supports mental wellbeing and a reminder that it’s okay to talk.

Maeve O’Keeffe graduated in 1991 and her daughter Molly Wallace has just started her 4^th year at Shannon College of Hotel Management.  

Read more about the 'Elephant for Sarah' here:  www.universityofgalway.ie/shannoncollege/student-life/.

For more about Elephant in the Room visit: www.elephantintheroom.ie.

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