It is very important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing. John Ruskin College is committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and to ensure that action is taken to support our students. |
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Welcome to the Welbeing Hub where you'll find details of College support services.
To support your mental health and wellbeing, scroll down to find useful links to external support resources and useful self-help tips, videos and more!
College Support Services
We understand that at times you may experience pressures and challenges in life. Our Safeguarding Team can provide individual support through any aspect of your time at College and ensure you get the help you need.
If you need individual support you can talk to your Tutor or a member of our Safeguarding Team by phone: 020 8651 1131 Ext 7105, or email: safeguardingofficer@johnruskin.ac.uk
You can also speak to the Wellbeing & Inclusion Team who are here to foster a positive cultural environment and help you to flourish and feel comfortable in being your authentic self. If you are feeling worried, stressed or just want to talk, please email: clientservices@johnruskin.ac.uk.
We are very saddened by the conflict going on in the world right now between Russia and Ukraine. We recognise that this may affect many students in our community in different ways. We would like to assure you we will continue to support you at this difficult time. Please email: safeguardingofficer@johnruskin.ac.uk who can refer you to the relevant services available.
There is also a range of support services that you may find useful:
- Ukrainian Youth Association in Great Britain
- British-Ukrainian Aid
- Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal
- Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain
- Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Great Britain
- Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom
- Together South
- Refugee Council offers information, advice and guidance service supporting refugees living in London including training and employment opportunities.
Phone: 0207 346 1047.
Email: rij@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Sexual assault and abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their age, sexual orientation or gender identity. Please click on the links below for further support and information.
- Support victims of sexual abuse and rape - Women
- Support victims of sexual abuse and rape - Men
- Support victims of sexual abuse and rape - LGBT+
If you would like to speak to someone or report sexual abuse please speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team.
Support for Mental Health, Counselling and Wellbeing
Active Minds in partnership with Croydon NHS Talking Therapies will be providing support for learners 17+ as well as offering wellbeing sessions through the academic year.
Confidential counselling is available to East Surrey students through the YMCA Heads Together Counselling. Sessions run on: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during term time.
To book a confidential session, please click here or email: ESCCounselling@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk
Warm Welcome Venues in Surrey
For two years, Surrey County Council has worked with partners across the county to run the Warm Welcome scheme – these are local venues that residents can access for a free hot drink and other support services between November and March.
In essence, a Warm Welcome space is a physical space run by a community group, charity, organisation, or business, where people can come to; warm up, get a hot drink for free, get energy advice, debt support and enjoy some social interaction.
You can find your local venue via this link: Warm Welcome Venues in Surrey - Surrey County Council
Men's Mental Health
November was men’s mental health awareness month. Click the links below for further information and advice.
- Men's mental health - Mental Health UK
- Movember - About Us - Our Cause & What We Stand For
- Mental health awareness days - Mental Health UK
Support organisations:
- Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club
- Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
- Home - Waythrough
Seasonal Vulnerabilities
The winter holiday period can be a lovely time, but for some people it can be difficult, and they may be more vulnerable for different reasons, for example:
- Feeling lonely
- Winter weather
- More time spent with family
- Time away from friends or people who are important
- More time spent online
- Past traumas being revisited
- Financial pressure
If you have any concerns over the winter break and need to talk or contact someone, some useful links are below.
- Digital Mental Health Care - Kooth plc
- Childline - 0800 1111 Childline
- YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People
Excessive Partying - Be Alcohol Safe
Some people may drink too much alcohol and put themselves in danger. If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning and they are unresponsive, look for:
- Shallow breathing
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Widened pupils that react poorly to light
What you need to do: call the emergency services 999
Don’t forget, it’s against the law:
- For anyone to buy alcohol if they’re under 18 years old
- For an adult to buy or try to buy alcohol for anyone under 18 years old
- For someone to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years old
Driving Safely in Winter Weather - Top Tips
Be prepared before you travel
- Check the weather forecasts and traffic warnings.
- Plan your route - use major roads that are more likely to be cleared of ice or snow, allow extra time to get to your destination, factor in regular breaks if you have a long journey.
- Check your petrol and don't risk driving with a low amount, in case of delays.
- Clear snow from the car roof, so that it doesn't fall onto the windscreen.
- Ensure your windscreen is clear of snow, ice and is fully demisted.
- Don't drive if you're unwell or taking medicine that could make you drowsy.
- Don't drink alcohol and drive - be aware if you've been drinking the night before, you may not be sober enough to drive the next morning.
- Ensure the car lights are working.
- Check and top up anti-freeze.
- Check and top up your screenwash.
- Ensure you have the right essentials in your car.
You can read our Full December / Winter Safeguarding Newsletter here.
Enrichment
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Wellbeing is an essential part of Enrichment at John Ruskin College.Email enrichment@johnruskin.ac.uk for more information about activities or pop into Client Services.
Other Support Resources
Frank | www.talktofrank.com
For friendly, confidential drugs advice, talk to FRANK.
Catch 22 | www.catch-22.org.uk Catch22 are specialists at providing targeted substance misuse services for young people with a truly holistic approach, putting the young person at the centre of the treatment.
Cruse Coping with Grief at Christmas | www.cruse.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Support helps to support people who are grieving especially at Christmas.
GriefChat | www.griefchat.co.uk
GriefChat is a safe space for grieving or bereaved people to be able to share their stories, explore their feelings and be supported by a qualified bereavement counsellor. This service is suitable for mature students.
Child Bereavement UK | www.childbereavementuk.org
Providing help to children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
ww.thelucyraynerfoundation.com
The Lucy Rayner Foundation offers a number of different support services for people with mental health challenges including free counselling and practical support and advice for families bereaved by suicide.
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Mental Health Crisis Line | www.sabp.nhs.uk
24 hour support for people in Surrey and North East Hampshire experiencing a mental health crisis. You don’t need to book an appointment and calls are free of charge.
Samaritans | www.samaritans.org
If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won't judge or tell you what to do. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Off The Record | www.talkofftherecordonline.org
Off The Record is a charity supporting young people in tough times. Services include online counselling and online workshops for young people in Croydon, Sutton or Merton.
CDI Counselling | www.croydondropin.org.uk
Free support and counselling for 10-25 year olds who live, work or study in Croydon and need help navigating through challenges in life.
Childline | www.childline.org.uk
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
Metro Charity | www.metrocharity.org.uk
METRO provides health, community and youth services across London and the South East for anyone experiencing issues around sexuality, gender, equality, diversity or identity.
Getting It On | www.gettingiton.org.uk
Getting It On provides information and services for 13-19 year olds on sexual and mental health issues, drugs & alcohol and relationship problems.
YoungMinds | www.youngminds.org.uk 
Mind | www.mindincroydon.org.uk Mind are here for anyone that needs help with their mental health. They provide advice, support and training to empower individuals and organisations to help promote and manage good mental health and wellbeing for all.
Place2Be | www.place2be.org.uk
Kooth | www.kooth.com
An online mental wellbeing community.
CYP Haven | www.cyphaven.net
The CYP Haven is a drop-in and virtual emotional wellbeing and mental health service for children and young people age 10-18 living in Surrey. Click here for a useful guide on how to access virtual support from CYP Haven.
Papyrus | www.papyrus-uk.org
MindOut | www.mindout.org.uk
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people.
Hub of Hope | www.hubofhope.co.uk
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database.
Every Mind Matters | www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Brought to you by Public Health England; Your Mind Plan can help you to take simple steps to look after your mental health and find a good work-life balance.
Mindworks Surrey | www.mindworks-surrey.org
Emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children, young people and families in Surrey. Delivered by an alliance of NHS and voluntary organisations it gives young people a central voice in decisions about their care.
The Survivors Trust | www.thesurvivorstrust.org
The Survivors Trust provides specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Rape Crisis (England & Wales) | www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Rape Crisis England & Wales is a feminist organisation that supports the work of Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales.
Galop | www.galop.org.uk
Galop is the UK's LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. They work with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of interpersonal abuse and violence.
Being stalked or harassed? | www.victimandwitnessinformation.org.uk
If someone repeatedly behaves in a way that alarms or distresses you, that's harassment. Harassment and stalking are both criminal offences. If you call your local support team, they can assess the situation and see what help you need, even if you aren't ready to report the crime yet.
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The Hollie Guard App turns your phone into a personal safety device. Helping protect yourself from violence, accidents and records evidence and alerts emergency contacts of your whereabouts quickly and easily. Click here to visit the Hollie Guard website for more information and to download. |
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Smiling Mind is a FREE mindfulness meditation app developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. The programs are designed to assist people in dealing with the pressure, stress, and challenges of daily life. Click here to visit the Smiling Mind website for more information and to download. |
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Bright Sky is a FREE mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. Click here to visit the Smiling Mind website for more information and to download. |
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Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. Click here to visit the Stay Alive website for more information and to download. |
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Salm Harm is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity Stem4 using the basic principles of an evidence-based therapy called Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Calm Harm provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. Click here to visit the Calm Harm website for more information and to download. |
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ONRECORD have developed a range of resources and an app to help you gather evidence of domestic abuse. You can record what happens and use these records to help you prove you are being abused. Click here to visit the ONRECORD website for more information and to download. |
For more helpful wellbeing videos visit the NHS Every Mind Matters website.
Top Tips for good mental health
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Exercise Whether it’s a short walk or home workout, regular exercise will not only maintain your physical health, but also your mental health and wellbeing. |
Keep your mind active Whether it’s reading, writing, drawing, completing a jigsaw or an online quiz, find something that you enjoy and get stuck in! |
Eat well Making the right food choices will maintain and even improve your energy levels, awareness and focus. |
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Sleep Getting a good quality nights’ sleep is important to feel refreshed and recharged. You’ll wake up with a much more positive attitude ready to take on the day. |
Communicate The most important thing is to just stay connected and keep in touch with your family and friends. Having a chat makes you feel a whole lot better and does wonders for your mental wellbeing. |
Take time to reflect Now is the perfect opportunity to recognise your successes and the things you are grateful for, no matter how big or small they might be. |
Action for Happiness Calendar
These monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world.
Click here to view the full range of calendars on the Action for Happiness website.
Give us your Feedback!
We love to hear your feedback on our Wellbeing Hub...
Click here to complete a quick questionnaire.
Address: John Ruskin College, Selsdon Park Road, South Croydon, CR2 8JJ
Phone: 020 8651 1131 / Email: info@johnruskin.ac.uk
