The College aims to provide a supportive environment and equality of opportunity for learners facing
difficulties and those who may have experienced problems or concerns.
You may be a looked after child, care leaver, probationer, prison leaver, young parent, young carer or have
concerns in relation to your mental health.
The information below aims to help you identify services and people that could help you, but if you can’t
find what you’re looking for or would like some more information, we would always recommend that you come to
Learner Services to speak to a Client Adviser.
Counselling
Many of us, at some time in our lives, hit a difficult patch and feel as though we can’t cope. Sometimes
it is difficult to discuss the way we are feeling with family or friends and we need someone detached from
our private life to talk to. The Counselling Service offers you space to discuss whatever issues you choose
to raise, in an environment which is non-judgmental and which is based on a relationship of trust. Issues
may be related to your work at college, your relationships here or at home, or the way you are feeling
about yourself.
You can make an appointment to see one of our trained counsellors during college hours. If you wish to
make an appointment please call Learner Services or email:
safeguarding@southessex.ac.uk
Learners Who May Need Additional Support
The College aims to make your time here a pleasurable, successful experience and to help you overcome
any problems that may occur along the way. We understand that if you are a:
- Looked After Child
- Young Carer
- Probationer
- Prison Leaver
- Under 16 years of age
- Young Parent
or if you have:
- Been out of education
- Been studying abroad
- Been studying at home
- Experienced a mental health concern
- An eating disorder
- A drug or alcohol concern
- Suffered from bullying or harassment
or are:
- Working with a Youth Offending Team
you may require additional support from time to time. We know that sometimes life can be difficult,
complicated and frustrating, and that you may face many obstacles and challenges as a result of your
circumstances.
The Safeguarding Team and wider Learner Services Team have staff members who can work closely with you:
- Before you enrol we can start communication between outside agencies to ensure that you are provided with the
best support possible as soon as you start your course
- Provide support to meet your individual needs
- Assess and review your support needs
- Liaise with your personal tutor to ensure you are able to complete your course successfully and
provide advocacy where necessary
- Liaise closely with outside agencies such as Leaving Care team, foster carers, youth offending,
Connexions, supported housing officers, key workers, and health professionals
- Attend Looked After Children reviews and provide positive action
- Complete Personal Education Plans with you, your social worker, personal tutor and carer.
Child Protection/Vulnerable Adults
The College is committed to keeping you safe. If an allegation is made, or if there is a suspicion
that you or a child, young person or vulnerable adult known to you is at risk of harm, then we have
measures in place to help. If you are worried that a young person or vulnerable adult may need help,
or if you are in need of help yourself, you should speak directly and in person to one of our Designated
Child Protection Officers, who can offer advice, support and may refer to relevant agencies for their help.
Learner Services, who are based at each of our main campuses have designated staff members who can help
with child protection/vulnerable adult issues.
Please understand that although we offer a discreet and professional service, we can’t promise to keep
the information you share with us confidential and we may be required to discuss the things you tell us
with appropriate agencies and people. Where this is the case we will do our best to involve you in the
process.