Michael Byrne (Head of Student Health, UCC)

1. The University as a Setting for Health Promotion Initiatives – a case study of the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Working Group of UCC Health Matters Michael Byrne (Head of Student Health, UCC) Mary Cronin (Dept of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCC ) Martin Davoren (Dept of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCC ) Verdi Ahern (Academic Year Manager, Campus Accommodation [UCC] Ltd)

2. Presentation Overview • What is a Health Promoting University (HPU)? • Outline of ‘UCC Health Matters’: UCC’s HPU Initiative • The Role of the 8 Working Groups • Exemplar: The Alcohol & Substance Abuse Working Group • Who, How and What? • Consider the 5 Strategy Areas and 20Action Points • Monitoring & Evaluation: Key Performance Indicators • Recognising and Addressing Challenges

3. What is a Health Promoting University? • One that integrates health into the culture, processes, and policiesof the University. • The success of the HPU depends on • a whole university approach • commitment from the most senior level • partnership working among all sectors

4. Health Promoting University Initiative • Based on the Settings Approach- focus on whole community policies and environment, rather than individual problem health behaviours. • Significant advantage of working through this approach is that it provides a more cohesive mechanism for addressing multiple health issues

5. HPU- Health Promoting University • WHO defines a health Promoting University, as “…one that is conscious of health and striving to improve it.” (1998) • UCC HPU Initiative: “Provides a framework for co-ordinating health related activities on campus, and identifying areas for action that will potentially enhance the health of the University population”

6. Towards becoming a Health Promoting University • In 2012 UCC commenced a process towards becoming a HSE recognised HPU. • Support & guidance from HSE South Health Promotion Dept. • All UCC students and staff invited to get involved in an effort to create an empowering and participatory initiative • University level Steering Group estab’d • In 2012 University ratified Action Plan • 1 Health Promotion Project Worker employed 2 days / week

7. The HPU Process

8. Action Plan • One of the core processes of the HPU Initiative • Challenge is to create an action plan that aspires to develop a Health Promoting University rather than an action plan that involves doing health promotion in the University.

9. Building an Action Plan Levels of action to be considered when Building An Action Plan • Build Healthy Public Policy • Create Supportive Environments • Strengthen Community Actions • Reorient Health Services • Develop Personal Skills (Ottawa Charter, 1986)

10. 8 Action Areas identified leading to 8 Working/Network Groups • Food & Nutrition • Mental Health & Wellbeing • Physical Activity and Active Transport • Alcohol & Substance Abuse • Sexual Health • The Built Environment • Sustainable Development • Safety

11. Working Groups/Network Groups Objectives • Short Term – Map existing work using Case Study Reporting methodology (using specific template)

12. Case Study Reporting Template

14. Working Group Objectives • Long Term- Build, Implement and evaluate an Action Plan in each Action Area, With a view to:

15. Action Plan • Develop Personal Skills • Reorient Health Services • Create Supportive Environments • Strengthen Community Actions • Build Healthy Public Policy

16. The Alcohol & Substance Abuse Working Group • Working Group established in 2012 • Building on work already underway since 2010 • Co-convenors Dr Michael Byrne & Martin Davoren(PhD student in Public Health) • Members include representatives of student organisations, staff working in student services & academics with an interest in Health Promotion • Working Group’s main focus to date has been Alcohol but recently commenced work on Smoking

17. Alcohol Action Plan

18. Alcohol Action Plan

19. Alcohol Action Plan (continued)

22. AP 3.6 Explore possibility of provision of Alcohol / Substance Free Housing In 2013 the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Working Group in conjunction with UCC Campus Accommodation Ltd, developed the Alcohol-Free Accommodation Initiative • Began in 2013 • National Coverage: numbers small • Expanding for 2014 • Setting the agenda for other institutions?

23. Working Group Monitoring and Evaluation • The ‘Dashboard’ of action points, key performance indicators & status updates provides a clear reference for monitoring & evaluation by working group members • In 2014 the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Working Group commenced a monitoring & revision exercise of its action plan • Some action points completed & new ones included

24. Monitoring & Evaluation of UCC Health Matters • An additional part-time worker employed to support all Working Groups to engage in monitoring, evaluation & reporting of case studies • Working towards gaining recognition by HSE South as a Health Promoting University in late 2014

25. The HPU Process

26. Challenges of HPU • Project-ism: Focussing on “Doing Health Promotion” • Politeness: not pushing boundaries, which need to be pushed e.g. sexual/mental health • Playing Safe: not rocking any boats • Power Relations: combining senior management commitment and staff & student ownership can be difficult.

27. Presentation Summary • What is a Health Promoting University (HPU)? • Outline of the ‘UCC Health Matters’ –UCC’s HPU • The 8 Working Groups • Focus on the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Group • Who, How and What? • Examples of SA’s, AP’s & KPI’s • Monitoring & Evaluation: Case Studies: KPIs • Recognising Challenges

28. Any Questions?