ɫƵ has unveiled a sculpture on campus that aims to break down stigma, encourage openness, and promote mental wellbeing.
‘Elephant in the room’, a nationwide initiative led by broadcaster, former rugby player and mental health advocate Brent Pope, and supported by Cornmarket, has seen hand painted elephant sculptures placed in universities, schools, workplaces and public spaces around Ireland.
Each elephant sculpture is intended to serve as a reminder that mental health is something we all carry, and that speaking up can make a difference.
The idea is that the elephant, as a strong yet gentle creature, represents the silent presence of mental health struggles, often invisible, but sometimes too big to ignore.
At the launch this week in the Glucksman Library, Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins said the initiative was aligned with the institution’s commitment to the wellbeing of its own community.
“Being part of this initiative reminds us that no one in our UL community should ever feel they are alone. Students and staff alike go through periods of vulnerability, and projects like this help normalise conversations that can so often feel difficult to start,” explained Professor Kilcommins.
“The elephant challenges us to be open, to listen, and to support one another with empathy. At UL, we are proud of the work being done across the university, from student services to HR, to make sure people feel supported when they need it most. It’s okay not to feel okay sometimes, and it’s absolutely okay to talk about it and ask for help.
“What this installation says, very simply but very powerfully, is that every person here matters. A university is about so much more than education and research; it’s about community, compassion and care. That’s the message we want our elephant to carry.”
Brent Pope gave a very moving and personal address, saying the initiative is about sparking conversations that might not happen otherwise.
“Everybody has an elephant. We all carry something, and what I hope this initiative brings to UL is a gentle reminder that none of us are alone in that. Just seeing the elephant on campus can spark a conversation that might change a life.”
He pointed out that these “elephants” take many forms, not just those most often spoken about.
“When I talk about elephants, I don’t just mean anxiety or depression. It could be loneliness, homesickness, the weight of expectation, or anything that chips away at your wellbeing. We all have something, and by normalising these conversations, we make it easier to share and support one another.”
The well-known broadcaster finished off by reflecting on the power of kindness.
“The words ‘It’ll be ok, friend’ once changed the course of my life. They reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures of kindness can make the biggest difference.
“That’s what this initiative is about; reminding people that it’s ok not to feel ok, and that it’s more than ok to reach out and talk.”
Dr Ann-Marie Creaven, Associate Professor in Psychology ɫƵ, said the initiative highlighted an important distinction.
“It is important in our discussions of mental health to be mindful of the distinction between everyday stressors that we all experience, and the serious mental health issues that people can experience over the lifespan. Opening the conversation about significant mental health challenges might make a real difference for people living with those challenges, as well as those supporting them.”
Also speaking at the event were Clodagh Ruddy from Cornmarket, graduate and Paralympian Tiarnán O’Donnell, Director of HR Bobby O’Connor, Health and Safety Officer Rob Hickey, and Luan Lyons from HR, who designed the UL elephant.
Each spoke about the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged to talk openly.
The UL elephant will remain in the Glucksman Library over the next few weeks as part of the BeWell@UL programme.
It will then move to different locations across campus, ensuring it is seen by as many people as possible.
Each move will serve as a reminder that the UL community, students, staff and visitors alike, is encouraged to talk, to listen, and to support one another.