Meet James O’Dowd - Welfare Officer 2025/2026

My name is James and I’m the JCR Welfare Officer for 2025/2026. I’m in my second year of law and I hail from the amazing County Galway, where, at any given moment, you can find cows, buskers, and tonnes of artsy fartsy people (if you’re thinking of visiting, contact me for some recommendations). 

 

So, you may be asking yourself: Who is this dude, and what even is a Welfare Officer? My job is to support you through your first year at university. At the end of my first year in Halls, I was elected to the position of JCR Welfare Officer. In this role, I assembled a 13-person team whose sole mission is to have your back! This incredible bunch of second years is called the welfare team. Together, your welfare team and I will care for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

 

Moving out of home for the first time is undoubtedly challenging, both on your mental and physical health. It'll take a little time to adjust to your new lifestyle. That’s why I provide two hours of peer-to-peer support per week, which you can access through the Welfare Instagram account (@trinityhalljcr.welfare) or by emailing welfare@trinityhalljcr.com. These hours are flexible to suit your busy schedule, so if you need support at any time, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Alternatively, you can seek support from a member of the welfare team through their social media accounts or their email addresses. Every house in Halls has a member of the welfare team assigned to it, so assistance is just a text or email away. We also have specific representatives on the welfare team (Men’s Mental Health Liaison, International Liaison, Ethnic Minorities Liaison, Oifigeach na Scéime Cónaithe, Disability Liaison, and LGBTQ+ Liaisons) to cater to everyone’s needs and ensure Halls remains an inclusive and supportive community.

 

As JCR Welfare Officer, I understand the importance of forming meaningful relationships for your mental health. That’s why your welfare team and I will be organising some fun social activities for you throughout the year. We have some fantastic events planned for you, so stay up to date with everything welfare-related by following the Welfare Instagram account.

 

At Halls, we care for your welfare (and you should too)!