Anne Farrell, graduate of the MA in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Health and Well-Being programme, credits skills learned at SETU for helping employees feel empowered in her workplace.
Early career
Anne began her career as a nurse in the UK. In the early nineties, she moved back to Dublin, where she studied health and safety at work in UCD while working in occupational health. Since then, Anne has worked in health promotion roles at several multinational companies, which included Hewlett-Packard, Intel and IBM.
Becoming health promotion officer
In 2002, Anne joined Irish Rail and the Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) group as Health Promotion Officer, a role which she works with a team of well-being managers to promote employee’s health within the workplace.
Anne commented: “I am in my role for the last 22 years and still really enjoy working in the well-being space. I am a qualified life and health coach, in which staff can either self-refer, or I get referrals from our occupational health doctors and managers.”
Motivation
Anne decided to study on SETU’s MA in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Health and Well Being because: “From my experience as a learner on the Engage Training men’s health facilitator programme, I discovered I loved the facilitative way of learning.”
“It is dynamic, inclusive, and helps participants optimise their learning and interest in the topic. This inspired me to study this Master’s programme at SETU, and I was grateful to get a place on the course,” Anne continued.
Utilising skills
Anne used her skills learned on SETU’s Master’s programme to facilitate workshops for CIE staff. “Since graduating, I have been able to utilise my facilitation skills in numerous workshops on topics like men's health and menopause. We recently responded to a hunger from staff for more information about menopause. I have initiated a ‘Menopause: Start the conversation’ workshop that has been positively received as a result,” said Anne.
Creating connections
Anne is also involved programmes with night workers. “I am using skills learned at university to help move staff through the behavioural model of the cycle of change. This supports staff to feel more empowered and focused on ways to improve their wellbeing. I enjoy the great connection I make with the participants of these programmes.”
Favourite module
Anne found the personal development module was excellent and helped her gain personal insights into how she relate to others. “This has benefitted me because I utilise the skills at work, but also in my home life and my personal relationships,” Anne added.
Anne’s advice
To those considering studying the programme, in Anne’s words: “Go for it! It is a challenge but is very worthwhile. You are pushed outside your comfort zone, but Mairead the course leader guides you very well through the process. Overall, great lectures and well organised programme.”
