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Education Mental Health Practitioners work with South Essex College
South Essex College has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Education Mental Health Practitioners, EHMPs, to support the mental health and well-being of students up to the age of 18 years old.
The joint initiative is part of the college’s mental health strategy for 2020 which will provide extra guidance and support to aid in positive mental well-being. The practitioners will support young people in a variety of ways through groupwork, workshops and guided self-help sessions.
EMHPs are part of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), a new government initiative that promotes good emotional well-being and mental health by helping children and their families through prevention, early intervention and education. MHSTs work across education and healthcare, with EMHPs based in colleges that are trained to deliver a range of evidence-based interventions for young people with mild to moderate mental health needs.
Jane Belcher, Head of Safeguarding at South Essex College, said: “Having the Mental Health Support Teams join us at the college is a huge boost to our ongoing work on young people’s mental health and well-being. The support and resources that the team will bring is invaluable and will complement the work already being done by the Safeguarding Team and across the college.
“The introduction of these services to our college show how much importance is being placed on mental health and well-being, ensuring that our young people have the support and guidance they need to thrive and achieve.”
Mark Tebbs, Director for Mental Health across Mid and South Essex Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to collectively build strong partnerships between mental health services and colleges and to expand resources so that we can support our young people to achieve their full potential. Half of all cases of diagnosable mental illness begin by age 14 and three-quarters by the age of 25.
“Early intervention is crucial to prevent problems escalating further into adulthood. The Mental Health Support Team will be provided by North East London Foundation Trust for students of South Essex College and we look forward to developing this service together with young people and partners going forward.”
For more information on well-being support, please visit: https://www.southessex.ac.uk/well-being-support
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
