Wellbeing

A wellbeing offer in KITE College is necessary to create a supportive environment that promotes students’ overall health and success. Here’s why:

1. Mental Health Support:

College life can be stressful due to academic pressures, social adjustments, and personal challenges. A structured wellbeing offer, including counselling and mental health resources, helps learners cope with anxiety, depression, and stress, ensuring they remain emotionally resilient.

2. Improved Academic Performance:

When learners’ physical and mental health needs are addressed, they are more focused, motivated, and capable of performing well academically. Supporting their wellbeing reduces absenteeism, enhances concentration, and leads to better grades and academic outcomes.

3. Retention and Graduation Rates:

Colleges with strong wellbeing programs tend to have higher retention rates. Learners who feel supported are less likely to drop out due to stress, burnout, or personal struggles, leading to improved graduation rates.

4. Balanced Life Skills:

Wellbeing programs teach learners important life skills such as stress management, emotional regulation, time management, and self-care. These skills are not only useful in college but are also critical for success in future careers and personal life.

5. Community and Belonging:

A comprehensive wellbeing offer foster a sense of community and belonging, as it promotes social connections, inclusivity, and support networks. Feeling connected reduces loneliness and isolation, enhancing overall satisfaction with the College experience.

6. Physical Health:

Encouraging healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep through fitness programs and health services contributes to learners’ physical wellbeing, which is essential for maintaining energy and focus during their studies.
By addressing the full spectrum of learner wellbeing, KITE College creates an environment where learners can thrive both academically and personally.

KITE College offers a comprehensive wellbeing programme designed to support learners’ mental and emotional health through various services and activities.

Here is an overview:

Wellbeing Services:

1. Counselling:

◦ Individual Support: Learners can access one-on-one counselling sessions to address personal, academic, or emotional issues in a confidential and supportive environment.

2. Speech and Language Therapy:

◦ Communication Support: Learners with speech and language difficulties can receive specialized therapy to improve their communication skills, aiding in both academic performance and social interactions.

3. OHT (Occupational Health Therapy):

◦ Holistic Support: OHT services focus on improving learners’ overall well-being by helping them develop healthy routines, manage stress, and balance academic and personal life.

4. Walk and Talk with Bella the Therapy Dog:

◦ Therapeutic Walks: Learners have the opportunity to participate in “walk and talk” sessions with Bella, the College’s therapy dog. These sessions offer a relaxed, informal setting to discuss feelings and reduce stress. Read more about Bella here.

5. Outreach Youth Mentor:

A dedicated individual who provides guidance, support, and encouragement to learners, particularly focusing on helping them navigate the challenges and anxieties associated with attending college.

6. Organised Group Activities:

◦ Social and Recreational Events: Regular group activities are organised to encourage social interaction, build community, and provide a break from academic pressures. These might include sports, creative workshops, mindfulness sessions, and more.

Wellbeing Week:

• Event Overview: In May, the College will host a Wellbeing Week, a dedicated time to focus on learners’ mental health and overall well-being.
• Activities and Workshops: The week will feature a variety of activities, including mental health workshops, stress-relief exercises, and guest speakers discussing topics related to well-being.
• Engagement Opportunities: Learners will have the chance to engage in activities that promote self-care, resilience, and community building, with a focus on long-term mental health strategies.

Ongoing Mental Health and Wellbeing Support:

• Workshops and Seminars: Regular workshops will be held throughout the year on topics like stress management, mindfulness, and building healthy relationships.

• Peer Mentoring: The College encourages peer-to-peer support through learner-led groups, fostering a supportive community environment.

• Access to Resources: Learners have access to a wide range of resources, including mental health apps, online self-help materials, and external support services.

KITE College offers a wellbeing hub where learners can drop in for a chat, enjoy some quiet time, and access a clothes and food bank.

This wellbeing offer ensures that learners at the College have access to diverse and holistic support options tailored to their individual needs, promoting a healthy and balanced student life.ore.

Our learners have access to onsite mentoring and advice to suport them with their emotional wellbeing.

This can be in one to one or group sessions, whatever suits our learners needs best.  We will take the time to listen to any concerns you have, as well as celebrating all the amazing things you are achieving. And if there is something you really want to achieve whilst at college, we will support you and help you get there.

USEFUL LINKS

If you are feeling worried these are some useful links to organisations that may be able to help.

 

How to support a child with depression or anxiety | NSPCC

 

Anxiety UK

Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
03444 775 775 (helpline)
07537 416 905 (text)

Autism Education Trust

 KITE college is committed to understanding the needs of all individual learners. We recognise many of our learners have a diagnosis of Autism. We work closely with AET to ensure our knowledge and skills are current and well informed.

Childline

Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free 24-hour helpline.
Contact number 0800 1111

Kooth

Counsellors available until 10pm every day. Free, safe and anonymous online counselling for young people. Check whether this is offered in your area.

NSPCC

Support for children and anyone worried about a child.
Contact number: 0800 800 5000 or 0800 1111 (for age 18 or under)

Beat

Under 18s helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)

Samaritans

24-hour emotional support for anyone who needs to talk.
Contact number:115 123
Email contact: jo@samaritans.org

Young Minds

Provides information on medication for young people.
Parent helpline: 0808 802 5544
Crisis 85258 (crisis messenger service, text YM)

Youth Access

Advice and counselling network for young people, including details of free local services.

Place2Be

Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity with over 25 years’ experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools.
Contact number: 020 7923 5500
Email contact: enquiries@place2be.org.uk

Shout 85258

The UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258

Strutsafe

Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you’re walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Call: 0333 335 0026

Get in Touch

Phone

01795 476450

Email

info@kite-college.org

Address

Unit 1 Bonham Drive, Eurolink Business Park, Sittingbourne, ME10 3RY