Supports for Students and Staff

Sexual Violence & Harassment Prevention and Response Coordinator

Rebecca Connolly  | rebecca.connolly@universityofgalway.ie

If you would like more information or guidance on the supports available in incidences of sexual violence and harassment, for Staff & Students, please email Rebecca in confidence.

Student Counselling

091 492484 | counselling@universityofgalway.ie

Student Counselling provides a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. We also provide group counselling and workshops. Seeking counselling is normal here and is not a sign that you are unable to cope, but of strength and resourcefulness. We support about 10% of the student population each year. Any problem, large or small, is welcomed here. Our main office is 5 Distillery Road (H91 TKW3). Our opening hours are 9am–1pm and 2–5pm Monday to Friday. During term time, we also offer appointments on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings. 

Chaplaincy

091 495055 | chaplains@universityofgalway.ie

The Chaplaincy at university of Galway is here to help students navigate the challenges associated with university life. Don't know who you need to speak to? That's where Chaplaincy comes in. we are available on campus for a chat from Monday - Friday and are here to listen. The Chaplaincy team is made up of 3 support staff; Ben, Kim and Jimmy and our administrator Dolores. Chaplaincy is for students of all faiths and no faith. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where students from all walks of life feel valued and respected.

Student Health Unit

091 492604 | healthunit@universityofgalway.ie

The Student Health Unit provides on-campus medical care to full-time registered students in a confidential, professional and courteous manner.

Students Union

091 524810 | studentsunion@universityofgalway.ie

The Students' Union are here to represent you, support you, and work with you to improve the student experience at University of Galway. Whilst they are independent of the University we also work in partnership to ensure you get the support and academic experience you need to achieve your goals.

The Union Welfare Officer can help you with problems about accommodation, childcare, study, health, finances and social welfare, free condoms and re-usable sanitary products, a hate crime reporting service and information about other support services / resources.

Staff : Employee Assistance Service

Information available here: link

The EAS is a free and confidential professional counselling and information service that provides support to University of Galway employees, their partners and dependents over the age of 18 and residing at the family home to resolve personal and work related concerns. EAS is available 24/7, 365 days a year covering numerous topics such as:

•    Counselling
•    Mental health support for worries around COVID-19
•    Infertility & pregnancy loss
•    Elder care support
•    Parent coaching
•    International employee support
•    Legal information
•    Financial information and more.

Speak Out

https://unigalway.speakout.ie

Speak Out is an online anonymous reporting tool available to all students and staff to disclose incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour / control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape.

The information you provide using this tool is valuable as the data collated will help inform initiatives aimed at addressing bullying, harassment and ending sexual violence and harassment at the University of Galway. It is important to remember that as the Speak Out reporting tool is completely anonymous, there is no way of identifying or contacting any member of the university community who uses the tool. 

A comprehensive list of internal and external supports can also be found on the Speak Out page by clicking here: Supports. 

Student Supports Map

Links to various support options on campus

SafeZone App

The safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our top priority at the University of Galway. We have introduced a new free smartphone app that promotes staff and student safety across all of our campuses. SafeZone enables users to call for help and assistance when they need it most, giving you fast access to security whenever and wherever you are on campus, and allows the University to send notifications to users, e.g. in the event of severe weather or building closure.

SafeZone also allows you to easily check in and share your location on campus – helping with any contact tracing efforts on campus.

The main features of the app are:

• Emergency alert – if you, or another person nearby, find themselves in a situation where their personal safety is threatened.
• First Aid alert – if you or another person nearby needs medical assistance.

The app is now available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

External Supports

50808

Text 'Galway' to 50808

It is a free, anonymous, 24/7 messaging service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for mental health and wellbeing. 50808 provides a safe space where you’re listened to by a trained volunteer. You’ll message back and forth, only sharing what you feel comfortable with. By asking questions, listening to you and responding with support, they will help you sort through your feelings until you both feel you are now in a calm, safe place.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre

1800 355 355 | helpline@grcc.ie

GRCC is dedicated to providing a professional, caring and confidential counselling and support service for those in our community affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence.

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit

091 765751 | https://www2.hse.ie/services/satu/contact/ 

A Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) is a safe place to go if you have been raped or sexually assaulted. We look after all genders and gender identities, aged 14 years and over. If you're under 14, you can get help at Child and Adolescent Forensic Medical Assessment Services.

We can help if you have experienced unwanted sexual contact of any kind. We can also help if you cannot remember what happened but think you may have been sexually assaulted. You can bring a friend or family member with you if you want to. All SATU care is free.

Hotline.ie

You can securely, confidentially and anonymously report suspected illegal content encountered online to Hotline.ie.

Finding Your Way After sexual Violence

https://www.drcc.ie/fyw | 1800 77 8888

What you do next is your choice. You can come back to the guide at any time. A guide to options and supports after rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence in Ireland