Posted: January 19, 2021
Six North Lindsey College students are being trained-up to support others as part of a bigger health drive with the Association of Colleges (AoC) in support of positive mental health.
The College was approached by the AoC to get involved in a student peer mentoring scheme to help support students with their mental health. It has been recognised that students may go to their friends or peers before seeking professional help and this programme will provide the six selected students with the knowledge to direct those in need to the right people and to also become Mental First Aiders.
The programme was open to all students across the campus in a bid to help others who may need advice and support. Three of these students have also been assigned particular roles working with Inclusion students, students with disabilities and SEND students. This could be setting up physical activities with the College’s Sport England team or helping with other factors which could involve communication barriers. Each student will have to undertake a vast amount of training as part of this.
Josh Willis,17, (Animal Management student) has received his Mental Health Ambassador certificate from UK Coaching and said, “I have always wanted to try and help people emotionally and mentally and this is a good starting point. It is good that we can get involved with this and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
Ian Hamilton (Curriculum Leader at North Lindsey College) said, “The students will be trained in mental health and first aid and promote the benefits of physical activity to improve mental well-being and its importance. We are really proud of our students for getting involved in this and supporting their peers.”
The College provides a number of services that students can already access including a dedicated safeguarding team who are based on the College campus to offer any safeguarding support. In addition, they also offer confidential appointments with counsellors. Students also have use of Kooth and Togetherall which are online resources which can be accessed 24 hours a day as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting mental health and overall wellbeing.
Alan Rayment will be supervising the programme and will help direct and supporting the students. Alan is not only the Kingsway Fitness Suite Manager, he is also trained as a Student Counsellor and a Mental First Aider. Alan said, “We need these students to get on board and be our eyes and ears and to ensure our students are safe and know where they can seek help from the teams around them.”