A range of personal safety, health and wellbeing activities have been taking place for students across The Sheffield College as part of Safeguarding Awareness Week 2024.
The aim is to raise awareness of how students can keep themselves safe and to highlight the support available from the college and other organisations.
Organised by the college’s safeguarding and sports development teams and with support from The Sheffield College Students’ Union, students have participated in activities such as arts and crafts and sport.
Information has also been provided on mental health and wellbeing, substance misuse and other issues such as domestic violence.
External organisations that have taken part in the event include the Independent Domestic Abuse Service, Outreach 1625 and Sheffield Talking Therapies.
As a follow on from Safeguarding Awareness Week 2024, which runs from 18th November to 22nd November, further activities are also planned for the weeks ahead.
For example, over the next few weeks, the college will take part in metal detector screening and deliver tutorials on the dangers of knife crime as a proactive measure to raise awareness and continue to ensure the safety of the college community.
The screening, led by college staff, will involve the use of a walk-through or hand-held metal detector to scan for prohibited items and highlight the importance of campus safety.
James Smythe, Vice Principal, Student Experience, The Sheffield College, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our college community is a key priority. Raising awareness of the support available and where students can turn to for advice on enhancing their wellbeing as well as dealing with more challenging issues is vital.
“In order to continue the good work over Safeguarding Awareness Week 2024, we are looking at follow on activities for the remainder of the autumn term. These will include tutorial education about the potentially devastating impact of knife crime alongside screening at our campuses.”
The college’s safeguarding team provides advice and support on a range of issues. If you want information or to flag a concern, please email safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk.
