1. Best Mental Health Event Award 2016 Sponsored by

2. Student-led, Student-focussed  Ireland’s student focused and student led mental health campaign  Launched in 2007 by UCD students  Not just a campaign but a social movement owned by all activists

3. Please Talk Aims  To connect third level students to support services available in the college setting  To empower students to deal with tough times through open conversation and understanding.

4. Why Focus on Talking? Stigma = Silence Stigma = Silence  Stops people seeking help  Stops others being supportive “What do I say?” Everyone has a role to play in creating an open campus culture

7. Rules  The event must be organised by at least one society in a member college.  The event may be open to the public  There are no restrictions on the number of events per college which are submitted Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

8. Rules  The event must empower students to reduce the stigma around mental health and open the conversation about mental health and well-being.  Check out some ideas on our sponsors website pleasetalk.org and on yourmentalhealth.ie the #littlethings campaign Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

9. Rules  A short application form must be completed by March 14th 2016 at 3pm.  The event must take place between March 15th 2015 and March 13th 2016. Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

10. The winning entry will be chosen as follows:  Each member college will have 3 votes.  One vote per person  The 2 BICS Reps (one staff and one student) and one networking rep will have one vote  No college can vote for its own event. Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

11. The winning entry will be chosen as follows:  Voting will take place between March 21st & March 29 th  Shortlisted events will be notified by e-mail April 1st Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

12. The winning entry will be chosen as follows:  The 3 events with the most votes will be short-listed and receive 2 tickets to the BICS Awards and accommodation for one night for 2 in Limerick on April 14th. (you must arrange your own transport) Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

13. The winning entry will be chosen as follows:  The winning entry will be chosen by appointed adjudicators, their decision is final. There is no interview.  The winning entry will be announced at the BICS Awards. Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

14. To enter for the award event  Add your event to the BICS calendar at http://bics.ie/event-submission- page/http://bics.ie/event-submission- page/  Choose the ‘mental health promotion’ category. Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

15. After your event 1. Fill in the Application Form by 3pm March 14th 2016. (Note events since March 15th 2015 can be included) 2. E-mail to info@bics.ie The background Information (page 2) is to be included in the body of the e- mail.info@bics.ie Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

17. After your event 3. Answer the questions in the application. (Max 2 pages) Add a copy of your poster and brochure/ timetable plus at least 6 photos from your event and links to any videos and websites. Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

18. After your event 4. Save as 1 PDF file. Just from page 3 on-wards and this will be up loaded onto your calendar event for adjudication. 5. Adjudication will take place between 21 st March – 31st March 2016 Talking is a sign of STRENGTH, not a weakness!

19. National Please Talk Officer Treasa Hanniffy Tel.086 173 1281 Email: treasa@pleasetalk.ie treasa@pleasetalk.ie