Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the end of a busy and positive autumn term, we wanted to share an update from the Safeguarding and Well-being Team here at York College. This newsletter highlights some of the key activities that have taken place this term, along with a look ahead at what’s planned for next term. We hope this gives you reassurance about the support in place for your young person and the wider college community.
This term we have delivered a range of safety and awareness events designed to help students stay safe both in and out of college.
In September we hosted a multi-agency safety event focusing on:
• Road safety
• Safety at night
• Water safety
• Safe travel on trains and public transport (British Transport Police)
We also welcomed Adam from “The Long Game”, who shared his lived experience of criminal exploitation.
His session had a strong impact on students and encouraged open conversations about risk and asking for help early.
As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, North Yorkshire Police visited college to speak with students about recognising and reporting hate crime and hate incidents. We also shared online training with parents and carers to help build awareness of exploitation and early warning signs.
Our Well-being Advisors have been available every day for ‘Open Door’ between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, booked appointments and referrals. They have supported students with:
• Anxiety and low mood
• Exam stress
• Friendship or relationship issues
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Sleep difficulties
• Eating and body image concerns
We welcomed York CVS to deliver Five Pillars of Well-being workshops, and our partnership with Mind continues to provide counselling on-site throughout the week.
Ahead of mock exams, our stress awareness sessions were well received, and students particularly enjoyed a visit from Ted the therapy dog, who brought plenty of smiles!
As we enter the final week of term, there are several positive and supportive activities taking place in college:
Following on from our ‘Just One Thing’ pledge the Well-being and Safeguarding Team are very excited to launch the York College Community Choir!
The Well-being and Enrichment Team will be holding our ‘Festive Period’ Event throughout the last week of term – providing free period products to all students.
These will be available from the atrium from our ‘Festive Period’ stall for students to come and take what you need.
We recognise that the Christmas period can be a stressful or difficult time for some young people. All York College students and apprentices have access to free 24/7 support via the Spectrum Life app, including self-help tools and wellbeing resources. This month focuses on gratitude and self-care. Students and apprentices can register using their college email address and the code York. Just scan the QR code.
Mind has some helpful information about keeping well over the Christmas period, including information on why it can be a difficult time for some, and offers some useful tips on how to cope Christmas and mental health.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mentalhealth/christmas-and-mental-health/
We have an exciting programme of safeguarding and wellbeing activities planned for the spring term, including:
• Mental Health Awareness activities
• Online Safety sessions
• Drop-in sessions with York Young Carers, IDAS, Reflect
• Continued wellbeing sessions with York CVS
• Awareness activities linked to national safeguarding and wellbeing campaigns
Thank you for your continued support this term.
Working together helps us create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where every student and apprentice can thrive.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Safeguarding or Well-being Teams.
Email: safeguarding@yorkcollege.ac.uk or wellbeing@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Visit: www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/student-life/student-support
If students do not want to raise a safeguarding concern with a member of staff they can complete an online safeguarding form by clicking the following link: www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/ safeguarding and clicking on record a concern.
We wish you and your family a restful and peaceful holiday season.
The Safeguarding & Well-being Team
