DkIT recognised as a JED campus for fostering positive mental health

Following on from the Institute’s 2024 partnership with the JED Foundation to develop an advanced Mental Health Campus Strategy, DkIT is proud to now be recognised as a JED Campus member. 

The JED foundation is an internationally recognised non-profit organisation which helps students navigate the emotional challenges of college, prepare for adulthood, and thrive. It supports the Higher Education Authority's (HEA) Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, and this badge connects DKIT’s students with over 5.6 million students across the globe.

DkIT’s involvement reflects the Institute’s ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Through this partnership, DkIT has worked to enhance and further develop a range of student wellbeing supports, with a focus on early intervention, prevention, and joined up approaches to care. This work supports efforts to reduce risk factors such as substance misuse while promoting resilience and positive mental health across the student community.

A huge aspect of the JED Campus mission is about embedding wellbeing into the curriculum.  DkIT is very proud to have been the first college in the sector to introduce a ‘Wellbeing & Resilience’ module into the curriculum in 2015, as a credit bearing, standalone module.  Following a recent programmatic review, this module is now offered to students on over 20 programmes across the college.  

DkIT’s commitment continues beyond the formal programme. As a JED Campus member, the Institute remains dedicated to building on this foundation, with an ongoing focus on delivering meaningful and sustainable improvements that prioritise student mental health and wellbeing.

Mark Finnegan, DkIT’s Mental Health Nurse Advisor and JED Campus Lead said:
 “Leading our work with JED Campus has been both a privilege and a purpose, creating spaces where student mental health is not just supported, but truly valued. Through the strength of the JED alumni community, this commitment continues to grow, grounded in connection, compassion, and lasting change.”