How a Hartlepool college is helping students cope with covid stress

The college in Blakelock Road, which is part of Education Partnership North East, has been closed to face-to-face learning since the March lockdown but is due to reopen fully in September.

During lockdown, the college’s Intensive Support Team has been there for students experiencing mental health or wellbeing issues.

It has been running daily live chat, Facebook Live sessions focusing on mental health and wellbeing, and virtual workshops on issues such as isolation, resilience and anxiety.

Across the college group, which also includes Sunderland College and Northumberland College, the team has undertaken over 3,000 welfare checks for vulnerable groups of students and 471 virtual counselling appointments, included 50 new referrals during the pandemic, and continued support for students already receiving counselling.

And it is offering additional support during the summer and start of term, for new and returning students, to reduce the impact of the pandemic on their progression.

Ruth Magnus, Director of Student Services at Hartlepool Sixth Form, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has created additional stress to everyone’s daily lives, especially for students with pre-existing mental health conditions.

"As we adapt to new circumstances, it’s essential that our students feel supported and nurtured and that we do everything we can to protect their mental health and wellbeing.

“Our dedicated Intensive Support Team ensures that there is always someone for students to turn to and provide them with the support they need.”

The team includes an Intensive Support Manager, Intensive Support Officers, designated safeguarding officers and counsellors.

One student said: “Just having someone to talk to and vent helped massively during this lockdown period.”

During the suspension of face-to-face teaching, the sixth form continued to accommodate vulnerable students and students of key workers by providing transport to Sunderland College’s Bede Campus.

Vikkie Morton, Vice Principal of Student Services and Registry across Education Partnership North East, added: “Our Intensive Support Team is an invaluable resource.”

Hartlepool Sixth Form is due to fully reopen in September with additional measures to keep students, staff and visitors safe.

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