Currently in Ireland we do not have good data on some things that impact hugely on the student experience. The most recent data we have on student drug use is from 2021, which means data was collected during lockdown and so might be impacted by that. The most recent data we have on student mental health is from 2019, which being from before COVID cannot be considered comparable, and there has never been data collected on student gambling behaviours.
As a result, AMLÉ is working with Ulster University and the Gambling Regulatory Authority to gather new data.
Why is it important to have this data?
As an organisation AMLÉ are constantly working with organisations and government, as well as lobbying government, to improve services and supports for students. Our arguments are stronger when we have data to back us up. It also helps us to better understand student need so we can make sure we organise and run the most relevant campaigns throughout the year.
What do we need you to do?
If you are a student, please take part in the survey. It’s anonymous, and takes no more than 20 minutes to complete. At the end, there’s an option to be entered into a draw to win a voucher to say thanks for your time. The survey is open to all students on the Island of Ireland who are over the age of 18 – including postgrads, part-time students, and students on placement. You don’t need to be currently, or have ever used drugs or taken part in gambling to take part – your views are important either way!
If you are not a student, please share the information about the survey with any students you think might be interested. We have social media posts on our instagram (@amle_mentalhealth) that you can reshare, or contact Sarah for more information to share.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Hughes, Mental Health Programme Manager with Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinnn and PhD student at Uster University at mentalhealth@amle.ie, or Dr Elaine Murray, Senior Lecturer in Personalised Medicine at e.murray@ulster.ac.uk.
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