COLEG CAMBRIA is doing more than ever to promote and prioritise the health and wellbeing of students, staff and its communities.
Since Monday – in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and Colegau Cymru – the college has been hosting informative sessions and fun activities for students and staff across its sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Including partner organisations and student support, the programme complements a year-round service by the college offering guidance, counselling and signposting for learners.
Bethan Williams, Cambria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, said: “This campaign gives us a platform to demonstrate the work that takes place every week at Coleg Cambria, aligned to the warm, welcoming environment we have at the college.
“From one-to-one support with wellbeing advisors, coaches and counsellors, to the activities held on our sites in north east Wales, the impact has been very positive and had a knock-on effect for learner retention, and most importantly, health and happiness.”
Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Levi Jamieson added: “We have also held training workshops for staff and made resources available to them, which in turn makes them feel more confident and valued.”
Lizzie Stevens, Cambria’s Director of Inclusion and Progress, said the college prides itself on putting people first.
She added: “The team and I have given talks, workshops and presentations across all our sites throughout the year and there is a lot of buy-in for our ‘culture of kindness’, people are behind us and want to create the best possible setting.
“The world is a challenging place, especially for young people; we are aware of that and take our responsibility seriously not only as an educator, but in upholding social values, all of which will have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.”
In addition to a raft of sports, health and exercise classes held by the Wellbeing team and Active Cambria – notably Sleep Yoga, an Inclusive Duathlon, the DofE and promotion of physical activity amongst young females – there have been wellness days and events on themes including exam stress, relationships, and ‘sleep hygiene’.
Partner organisations and charities such as Youth Cymru, Mind, WCD Young Carers, Advance Brighter Futures, the Samaritans, Papyrus, Stepping Stones, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and Therapy Dogs have also attended the college sites, the latter especially popular with learners struggling with anxiety and low confidence.
The annual Cambriafest of diversity and inclusion organised by the Student Voice team was a huge hit once again, with up to 1,000 people enjoying live music and entertainment in Deeside and Yale, Wrexham.
A survey of attendees found 50% said it had a positive impact on their mental health and 75% felt it raised their spirits after the exam period, which can be stressful for many.
Running until Sunday (May 18), Mental Health Awareness Week was launched by the Foundation in 2001 and will this year “celebrate the power and importance of community”.
“Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing,” said the charity.
“We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.”
Activities during the week have included bracelet making, silent discos, craft and sustainability, painting, song writing, treasure hunts, willow basket making, mindful walks, stone decoration, gardening and more.