NewVIc launches a silent Freshers Fair designed to support learners’ mental health and wellbeing.
NewVIc kicked off the academic year for their new students with a silent freshers fair, followed by their annual freshers fair aimed at helping students to get to know all activities, clubs, societies and services that are available to them at the college.
NewVIc kicked off the academic year for their new students with a silent freshers fair, followed by their annual freshers fair aimed at helping students to get to know all activities, clubs, societies and services that are available to them at the college.
Going the extra mile to support students’ mental health and wellbeing is a major focus for NewVIc. Whilst many young people have some of the best times of their life at college or university, it can also be an overwhelming and stressful experience.
A new college, new surroundings and new people puts a lot of pressure on young people and it is natural for them to feel apprehensive about things like meeting new people, juggling studying with a social life, adjusting to new routines and situations.
In 2022, statistics showed that worryingly, 22% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had experienced a mental health disorder. More recently the Mental Health Minister, Maria Caulfield stated that “there is a tsunami of children” with mental health issues. This is one of the reasons why the welfare and wellbeing is a priority for the college.
In its last Ofsted inspection, NewVIc was praised for delivering outstanding provision for personal development, behaviour and welfare of its students and it continued to do so, even with the nation going through two years of COVID-19.
Student Development Coordinator, Naomi Mullings who organised the event, said: “The student development team is focused and committed to ensuring our programmes and events are inclusive. We wanted to demonstrate the importance of making adjustments and ensuring the event was accessible. We had great feedback from students and staff and are dedicated to all students feeling welcome and included.”
Executive Director of Student Services & Wellbeing, David Francis, added: “We will continue to support the needs of all our learners and offer an inclusive, exciting and engaging post-16 education experience so students thrive and are a part of the whole educational experience offered at NewVIc.
We have a wealth of mental health and wellbeing experts who are ready to support our learners throughout their college life with us.”