Civic Starter
The winner of the inaugural Civic Starter Award for 2025 is Zachary Chambers from the Security team in the Trinity Estates and Facilities Division, in a project with Student Counselling Services and Trinity Students Union.
Because Trinity security personnel are frequently the first point of contact for students in crisis, particularly outside of regular support service hours, this project aims to assist security in being a supportive, crisis-response resource for students through a bespoke training package.
'Enhancing Mental Health Support: Student Counselling and Security Initiative at Trinity College Dublin' will implement specialised training for campus security, equipping them with skills in mental health crisis response. Developed with Student Counselling Services, the training will focus on empathetic engagement, on de-escalation techniques and on appropriate referral processes. It will lead to an increased likelihood that security personnel can provide meaningful support to students in distress.
Security will also work with Trinity Students Union on a campaign to highlight the initiative and to reassure students that, in times of distress or times of crisis, there is always someone to turn to.
This approach aligns with Trinity’s commitment to student well-being, addressing both physical and mental health through a cohesive support system.