Puppies, hot chocolate and food for the soul

Mary Hartnett reviews the first day of TCDSU Welfare’s Body and Soul week

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Monday saw the kick-off of the SU Welfare’s first campaign week of the year, Body and Soul. A week with over 20 events and activities planned, this campaign is all about being “confident and comfortable in your body”. Free hot chocolate, a public speaking workshop, yoga as Gaeilge and a sports conditioning class were on the agenda for the first day, however without doubt it was the ‘Puppy Room’ that stole the show.

Free hot chocolate, as well as teas and coffees, were served all day from stands in both the Arts Block and the Hamilton. On a Baltic cold morning these were more than welcomed by students as they arrived into college and set the tone for what was a very successful start to the week. Up next was a free event, a Total Body Conditioning class which took place in the sports centre.

The headline attraction of the day took place in the SU kitchen in House 6. A queue had formed over half an hour prior to the 1 o’clock start, with students eagerly waiting to pet the puppies who came to visit. These dogs, and their owners, are part of the voluntary association Peata who aim to ‘provide a pet therapy service to caring institutions.’ Over 150 students came to visit Buttons, Buddy, Mia and many others. If you missed a chance to meet these gorgeous pups, check out TCDSU Welfare’s Facebook page for your photo fill of dogs for the day!

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‘The Phil: Public Speaking Workshop’, in Áras an Phiarsaigh, was presented by Phil members Sheila and Mike.  An interactive and lively workshop, it was made up of various activities which gave students in attendance the chance to practice public speaking. It also provided them with the tools to improve speeches as well as building confidence when speaking in front of other people. The event was interactive and practical, and gave participants skills to build on when speaking in public in the future.

Overall, the first day of Body and Soul week seemed to have been a great success, if the numbers in attendance at events and students feedback are anything to go by. To find out what else is going on this week check out TCDSU Welfare’s Facebook page, or their event ‘Body & Soul Week 2016’.

Mary Hartnett

Mary Hartnett is the current Managing Editor of Trinity News. She is a Senior Sophister BESS student, and a former Trinity Life Editor.