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What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone gives another person drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent.
Anyone can be a target of spiking.
Spiking is a serious crime regardless of why someone does it.
By someone putting something into your drink
By someone secretly using a needle to inject you with something - usually in a crowded place
By someone offering you substances disguised as other drugs
By someone purposely giving you more of a substance than you intended to have or knew you were taking
It is extremely important that you seek medical attention and that you report the incident to the Guards.
There is complete discretion when disclosing; the victim is in full control and can withdraw at any time
When reporting, YOU are in control and YOUR voice will be heard and taken seriously when you report
You can request a female or male guard to speak to, whichever makes you feel more comfortable
You can bring a friend with you to disclose
The Counselling Service can be contacted by email on;
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The MIC Counselling service is a free, professional, and confidential service for MIC students.
We at MISU, are also here to help and support you. You can contact Caitlin (MISU Vice-President Student Experience & Wellbeing) on;
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you wish to come in and meet with Caitlin or chat with her via Teams
Anything discussed with us is strictly confidential.
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Remember, you can always talk to someone if you are struggling.
MISU is committed to helping students through all aspects of their college life - this includes highlighting the importance of student wellbeing and minding your mental health.
Positive mental health is of utmost importance and making sure you are feeling good is key to a great college experience.
Taking care of your mental health can be difficult and there is no quick fix when you don’t feel 100%. It is important to talk to someone if you feel troubled in anyway.
The college collaborates on mental health awareness weeks with MISU and there are established services to help you anyway they can.
Now more than ever, it is important to stay connected and look after our mental health. If you are experiencing mental health or wellbeing difficulties, make sure you get advice or support as soon as possible. There are MISU and college supports, as well as a wealth of online resources listed below.
If you would like to talk to someone in MISU, Caitlin (MISU VP Student Expereince & Wellbeing) is here for you and can guide you towards supports available. Her contact information is available here or you can book an appointment with Caitlin here.
MIC students can avail of college counselling services, as well as Chaplaincy and Access Office. If you need these supports, or any other college supports, full details on how to make contact can be found here. These services support students through emotional distress, bereavements, stress as well as a range of everyday concerns.
There are many different resources online that provide help and information. In September 2020, the government and Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI) launched a 24/7 text service which provides mental health support for 3rd level students - text HELLO to 50808 if you need support.
Others include Samaritans Ireland, with their 24 hour free phone service (call 116 123), Pieta House which also has a 24 hour phone support service (call 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444), www.mentalhealthireland.ie , https://jigsaw.ie/ and on www.spunout.ie .
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Unplanned and Crisis Pregnancy
SEX!
Sex might be a two way operation but it really calls for each individual to make their own decisions before getting under the covers. No one can tell you what to do; you are the only one that can decide what is right for you. Whatever you decide, stick to your guns and respect the decisions others make too.
If you are having sex, be smart about it, protect yourself. You wouldn’t go out in the rain without a coat so why have sex without protection - and by the sounds of it having a head cold beats having chlamydia.
There are many forms of contraception but like any form of medical intake, everyone is different so just because your friend uses one form it doesn’t mean it will suit you.
There’s a lot of choices out there for you, just talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Information is available from the medical centre or online at www.thinkcontraception.ie
It is important to remember that while many of the above prevent pregnancy, only condoms prevent STIs. That’s why you should always use a condom, even while using alternative forms of contraception.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)
Sexually Transmitted Infections are on the increase each year. Student populations are particularly prone to STI’s.
We aren’t doctors by any means so if you even think you might have an STI then go to the doctor or to the STI Clinic (also known as GUM Clinics). The most common signs that you might have an STI are:
- Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
- Pain when peeing
- Unusual sores or blisters in the genital area
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Pain during sex
Remember that some STIs show no visible symptoms. You won’t always know if you need a check-up so you should get yourself checked regularly.
If you are sexually active and you or your partner might be having sex with someone else you should plan to have a check up every 6-12 months. If you’re going to an STI/GUM Clinic here’s a heads up on what to expect:
- Guys - You will be asked not to urinate for at least two hours before your appointment and may have a throat swab, penis swab and anal swab. You may have a blood test also.
- Girls - You may have a throat swab, vaginal swab and a cervical swab or a blood test.
Here are your local STI/GUM Clinics:
Don’t worry these services are free and 100% confidential.
Limerick: University Hospital, Limerick (Phone: 061-482382).
Thurles: South Tipperary General Hospital, Nenagh (Phone: 061-482382)
P.S. Embarrassment is for the embarrassed, not for the person who chooses to be smart about looking after themselves in terms of sexual activity. NEVER be embarrassed about getting checked – EVER!
At the end of the day, you have to look after yourself because no-body else will do it for ya!
Useful Websites:
- For a more comprehensive guide to STI's: www.sexualwellbeing.ie
- Order free at-home STI testing kits from the HSE: sh24.ie
- Order free at-home HIV self testing kits: MPOWER
- Order Free Condoms: GOSHH
Unplanned and Crisis Pregnancy
If you are experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy, there are supports available.
| MyOptions is a freephone helpline that provides confidential advice and support. They offer judgement-free counselling services (M-F: 9am-8pm, Sat: 10am-2pm) and medical advice 24/7.
Contact MyOptions on 1800 828 010 or via Webchat. To access the service using sign language, book an appointment through the Irish Remote Interpreting Service here. |
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Contact the MIC Medical Centre - T: 061 204343 or E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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Contact the MIC Counselling Service - T: 061 204948 or E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Limerick) / T: 0504 32033 or E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Thurles) |
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Contact Caitlin (MISU VP Student Experience & Wellbeing) - T: 061 400013 or E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phone/Text/Whatsapp: 086-1654726 |
MISU Services:
Did you know that you can get free condoms, lubricant and pregnancy tests from MISU?
Free condoms and lubricant are available from the MISU Offices on both the Limerick and Thurles Campuses. We normally have them in packets sitting out in a little grey basket. If the basket is empty, just ask for more!
MISU operates a discreet and confidential pregnancy test delivery service that you can access when needed. Simply fill out the form and we will post a pregnancy test to you at your desired address. Tests are sent in plain An Post envelopes with only the relevant postal address noted on the front. No indication will be given to the contents of the package. Any details provided are erased from our systems immediately once packages have been dispatched.
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Here you will find all the information you need to look after yourself while at Mary I
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Now that you’re in college, your lifestyle is bound to change. Of course, you have more freedom and independence now but that does not mean you can do as you please. As human beings, we are still bound by the rules and regulations of society!
Really, it’s about using common sense and thinking before acting because there’s nothing cool or fun about being arrested. If you get arrested, you could end up not being allowed to graduate which is technically what you are here for in the first place...
A criminal record can affect everything from your employment prospects, travel plans to your credit rating.
Here are a few things you can quite easily be arrested for:
- Being intoxicated in a public place
- Excessive noise
- Unreasonable behaviour
- Possession of illegal substances
Most importantly, if you get a criminal record you cannot be a teacher or take up other public jobs.
That’s the law bit over with but what is REALLY important to remember is that although the craic is ninety when everyone is out mid-week, there are still tons of people living in the city and surrounding areas who have a real job to get up to in the morning. To disturb them or their property is not only unacceptable on a legal level (they have every right to call the guards) but it’s not ok on a social level. College may be a laugh but remember, you are also deemed a responsible adult by society at this point so act like one.
Our neighbours here are pretty cool. You have to hand it to them, we are not mice and they are usually much more accepting of our boisterous antics than they have to be, so appreciate that.
If you are reported for unruly behaviour outside of the college grounds, it CAN still affect your degree. Fact! It is considered as bringing the college into disrepute. So the next time in the wee hours of the morning when you’re walking home (even though the SU have told you to get a taxi) and one of your buddies looks at you with that look of devilment and says “Will we…for the laugh?” … just think about it.
Finally, the SU has a Personal Accident Insurance policy. It covers all full time students 24/7 so if you ever need to avail of it just call into the office!
You can read about the Garda Campus Watch Programme HERE!
Contacts & Advice