Our student support doesn’t stop at helping you with coursework or applying for childcare places. Your mental health and well-being are vitally important to your time at college, so we’re committed to giving you the support structures you need to succeed during your studies, and beyond.
We have various initiatives in place to support you, no matter what issues you might be facing either at home or at college.
The Barclays Life Skills Academy creates a safe space for all our students to access information and training about finances, mental health and well-being.
The free training and advice available throughout the duration of your studies is available both online and through some in-person sessions, and can be accessed unlimited times.
Our Students’ Union and Safeguarding teams come together regularly to host our well-being cafes.
These drop-in sessions are a brilliant opportunity to find some peace and quiet in amongst the hustle and bustle of college.
You can also:
The Students’ Union are employed to represent every student at The Sheffield College through a group of elected representatives and the SU President. If there are issues that you feel are negatively affecting your studies or your experience at college you can raise it with the Students’ Union. The SU also run various groups, such as the LGBTQ+ Society, that bring together students facing similar experiences so that they can find solidarity and friendship to support them during their college careers. The Student Voice project also allows you to give your feedback on a huge range of issues facing students at the college and affect positive change for you and your fellow students.
We have a team of staff members based across all of our main campuses who are specially trained to offer emergency support if you find yourself in mental health crisis. Whilst they are not trained counsellors, these Mental Health First Aiders can provide a safe space to talk without fear of judgement and signpost you to some longer-term support systems if you feel you need them.
If you broke your leg whilst on campus, you'd call a first aider - but what do you do if your mental health is in need of urgent attention? Call on a Mental Health First Aider!
If you feel like you need some one-to-one support at any point during your time at college you can speak to our professional counsellors through the Listening Service.
Available for students of any level and on any course, the Listening Service is there to provide pastoral care and a listening ear for anyone in need. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, problems at home, in your relationships or just worried about college work, the Listening Service will give you a safe space to talk.
As part of our Barclays Life Skills Employer Skills Academy, we have a team of Well-being Ambassadors (previously known as Mental Health Ambassadors) that promote positive and healthy life choices through various activities within the college. The ambassadors hold social events for our students monthly and also take part in fundraising projects, supporting local Sheffield charities throughout the year.
Any student can become a Wellbeing Ambassador and should contact an Industry Placement Coach for more information.
