Bridgend College recognised for outstanding student mental health initiative
30/01/2025Bridgend College was announced as the winner of the ‘Safeguarding Initiative’ award at the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association Awards recently. This prestigious award recognises exceptional efforts in safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people.
The College’s Student Wellbeing Team has been praised for its innovative mental health safety plan. This student-centred approach addresses the mental health challenges faced by many young people today, which can significantly impact their studies and overall wellbeing at college. The plan empowers students to take ownership of their mental health and provides them with the tools and support to assess their mental health, develop personalised strategies, and access appropriate resources when needed.
Key features of the plan include:
- Student-led assessment: Students actively participate in assessing their mental health and create tailored safety plans
- Empowerment and control: Students have autonomy over their care and can decide when to adjust or discontinue their safety plan
- Collaborative approach: Regular check-ins involve students, tutors, parents/carers, and social workers to ensure ongoing support and safety
- Focus on prevention: The plan aligns with the Suicide and Self-Harm Strategy 2024-34, emphasising early intervention and collaborative support
The College’s commitment to student wellbeing is deeply rooted in its student citizenship code and it believes that every student deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive. Bridgend College is dedicated to continuously improving its support services for students. The team actively seeks innovative approaches to address mental health concerns and ensure that all students have access to the necessary resources to succeed.
“Winning this award is a proud moment for Bridgend College and reflects our commitment to student wellbeing. At the heart of this is our belief in ‘being all that you can be’, empowering students to reach their full academic and personal potential. This achievement showcases the Wellbeing Team’s innovative, student-centred approach and inspires us to keep improving, reinforcing our dedication to safeguarding the mental health of our students.”
Sion Whitehouse, Wellbeing and Safeguarding Manager
