Wellbeing
Our Student Wellbeing Team is here to support all aspects of your wellbeing during your time at college. There may be times when you need advice or extra support to address a persistent problem or to get guidance on making the best decisions for yourself. We are dedicated to providing you with the resources and assistance you need to thrive both academically and personally.
To ensure you have access to the help you need, students across all campuses can make an appointment or drop in to meet with a Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead every day between 12pm and 2pm in the Wellbeing Hubs. These hubs are safe, welcoming spaces where you can discuss your concerns, seek advice, and find support for any issues affecting your well-being.
Our team is committed to helping you navigate challenges and make informed choices, promoting a healthy and balanced college experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you need assistance; we are here to support you every step of the way.
The College has a Designated Person who provides support to:
- Veterans of the armed forces
- Students with serving families
- Care experienced young people
- Students with caring responsibilities
- students with refugee status (including UASCS)
Contacting the Student Wellbeing Team
| Student Wellbeing Team | Email: wellbeing@bridgend.ac.uk Telephone: 01656 302 302 Ext 488 |
| Senior Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead | Karen Phillips: 07800 598 090 |
| Wellbeing and Safeguarding Leads | Cat Sutherland: 07973 716 794 Mandy Shepherd: 07971 670 504 Kris Davies: 07938 600 483 |
| Wellbeing and Safeguarding Manager (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Person) | Siôn Douglas-Myre: 07979176337 |
We are committed to keeping our students safe from harm, which may include abuse, online danger, neglect, or radicalisation. Our role involves protecting you from accidents, crime, and bullying, and actively promoting your welfare and positive life experiences in a healthy, safe, diverse, and welcoming environment. We understand that a secure and supportive atmosphere is essential for academic success and personal development.
To ensure your safety and wellbeing, we provide comprehensive support services and resources and we have partnered with ARC, Barod, Lads and Dads and NHS sexual health services. Our proactive approach to safeguarding includes educational programs and initiatives designed to raise awareness about potential risks and how to avoid them. We also foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that every student feels valued and protected.
The Wellbeing Team operates under the guidelines of the College Safeguarding Policy and adheres to relevant legislation concerning safeguarding policies and procedures.
A team of trained staff is available to provide immediate support to students in crisis across the College. While disclosures are kept confidential, safeguards are in place to work with staff, Counsellors, Progression Coaches, GPs, Police, and Social Workers when there is a risk of harm to ensure all students remain safe. Our safeguarding team members are easily identifiable by their purple lanyards, so students can quickly recognise and seek their assistance if needed.
If you have any concerns, worries, or queries about your safety or wellbeing, please contact the Student Wellbeing Team on 01656 302 302 ext. 488 or via email at wellbeing@bridgend.ac.uk. Additional information about our safeguarding approach can be found on our Safeguarding page. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Supporting the mental health and well-being of learners is a top priority for Bridgend College. Our goal is to empower both learners and staff to recognize and address their own and others’ well-being and mental health issues. We aim to establish an open and inclusive college culture that respects mental health concerns. To promote self-awareness and proactive management of well-being, we provide learners with access to well-being courses and self-directed learning resources.
We offer staff training through the Mental Health First Aid course, providing staff with the information and skills needed to recognize and support young people’s mental health needs. We want staff to demonstrate to young people that mental health challenges are a normal part of life, just like physical health issues. It’s important to show that it’s okay to talk about mental health and to seek help when needed. By equipping staff with the tools to have these conversations, we hope to empower them to create mentally healthy, supportive environments within Bridgend College. The team is trained in Mental Health First Aid for children and adults, and they continue to train college staff to ensure a widespread understanding and support network for mental health within the college community.
The team is trained in Mental Health First Aid for children and adults, and they continue to train college staff to ensure a widespread understanding and support network for mental health within the college community.
The college has partnered with Health Assured and the Wisdom App in order to support students. At Wisdom, we are dedicated to supporting students whenever they need it. Whether you are facing tough lifestyle changes like moving across the country and settling into a new environment, transitioning to university or school, or dealing with the pressure of upcoming exams and coursework deadlines, Wisdom is here to help. Whatever the mental health challenge, wherever you are, Wisdom is committed to providing the support you need.
Students have access to trained counsellors via phone calls, with face-to-face counselling available starting in September 2024. This service has proven very popular among students, with a high interaction rate, demonstrating its effectiveness and the critical need for mental health support. If you would like further information please contact the Student Wellbeing Team.
The College has a dedicated team of Wellbeing and Safeguarding Leads available to assist students who require additional support outside of their studies. They can help with various issues that may arise during the academic year, including:
- Homelessness
- Financial hardship
- Anxiety
- Poor attendance
- Struggles with course material or motivation
- Bullying
- Domestic problems
- Sexual Health
- Anger management difficulties
- Child Looked After/Looked After Children (CLA/LAC) and Care Leavers (CL)
- Young Carers (YC)
- Adult Carers (AC)
- Experiencing abuse
- Transitioning into higher-level courses, higher education, or employment
The role of the Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead is to provide one-on-one support and guidance, helping learners overcome any difficulties they encounter. If necessary, they can also refer students to other services for additional support.
Bridgend College has a dedicated Active Wellbeing Lead. There are numerous opportunities to enjoy physical activity at the college, including table tennis, football, basketball, boxercise, rugby, yoga, and rounders, among others. These activities provide a fun and engaging way to stay fit, relieve stress, and build a sense of community. Regular physical exercise is crucial not only for maintaining physical health but also for enhancing mental well-being, improving concentration, and boosting overall academic performance.
Recognising the importance of physical exercise and well-being in education, the college is committed to providing a variety of activities that promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to better sleep, increased energy levels, and a more positive outlook, all of which contribute to a more successful and fulfilling educational experience.
If you are passionate about staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle, consider applying to become an Active Ambassador. As an Active Ambassador, you can inspire and motivate others to embrace physical activity and wellness. You can learn more about this role and how to apply on our Student Voice page.
Young adult carers and looked after young people
If you have responsibilities at home, or there is a change in where you live (such as a change of placement or a move into independent living) and you need advice or guidance, please contact the Student Wellbeing Team for support.
