University of Limerick unveils 'elephant in the room' sculpture as part of mental health campaign

UL graduate and Paralympian Tiarnán O'Donnell and Brent Pope with the elephant sculpture in the university's Glucksman Library. Picture: Alan Place

The University of Limerick has unveiled a sculpture on campus that aims to break down stigma, encourage openness, and promote mental wellbeing among its staff and students.

As part of the nationwide “elephant in the room” initiative, UL has become the latest organisation to  unveil a hand painted elephant sculpture. A number of such sculptures are already in universities, schools, workplaces and public spaces around Ireland.

Each elephant sculpture is intended to serve as a reminder that mental health is something we all carry, and that speaking up can make a difference.

The idea is that the elephant, as a strong yet gentle creature, represents the silent presence of mental health struggles, often invisible, but sometimes too big to ignore.

At the launch in the Glucksman Library, former rugby player and mental health advocate Brent Pope said the initiative is about sparking conversations that might not happen otherwise.

“Everybody has an elephant. We all carry something, and what I hope this initiative brings to UL is a gentle reminder that none of us are alone in that. Just seeing the elephant on campus can spark a conversation that might change a life.

When I talk about elephants, I don’t just mean anxiety or depression. It could be loneliness, homesickness, the weight of expectation, or anything that chips away at your wellbeing. We all have something, and by normalising these conversations, we make it easier to share and support one another.

Mr Pope reflected on the words “It’ll be ok, friend” — words that once changed “the course of my life”.

“They reminded me that sometimes the smallest gestures of kindness can make the biggest difference.

“That’s what this initiative is about; reminding people that it’s ok not to feel ok, and that it’s more than ok to reach out and talk.” 

Acting UL president, Professor Shane Kilcommins, said the initiative was aligned with the institution’s commitment to the wellbeing of its own community.

“Being part of this initiative reminds us that no one in our UL community should ever feel they are alone. Students and staff alike go through periods of vulnerability, and projects like this help normalise conversations that can so often feel difficult to start,” he said.

The elephant challenges us to be open, to listen, and to support one another with empathy. 

"At UL, we are proud of the work being done across the university, from student services to HR, to make sure people feel supported when they need it most. It’s okay not to feel okay sometimes, and it’s absolutely okay to talk about it and ask for help.” 

The UL elephant will remain in the Glucksman Library over the next few weeks as part of the BeWell@UL programme.

It will then move to different locations across campus, ensuring it is “seen by as many people as possible”.