Safeguarding

The safeguarding focus this month is self care during the summer break.

The summer holiday can be a great time to relax, unwind and spend time with family and friends but the absence of a routine and structure to the day can also be a difficult time for those who are struggling with their mental health, have experienced a loss or bereavement, or are facing other challenges. Transitioning from a busy college environment where you see your friends daily to weeks without a structured routine can be a difficult adjustment.

Some people may feel under pressure to enjoy themselves and look happy; the media, adverts, and representations of the ‘perfect summer’ are hard to avoid and may look and feel very different to your experience. Pictures your friends or family share via social media of sunny holidays abroad, festivals and days out may also make you feel isolated and sad.

If you feel like this, it’s important to practice self-care; the link below will take you to guidance from Young Minds:

Self-Care

The information below may also be of use and includes advice on how to:

• Stay connected
• Structure your days
• Keep active
• Rest

How to cope with loneliness during the summer holidays

Students: our Student Support section of the website provides details of organisations who can help when college is closed but, if you are worried about the holidays, struggling with your mental health or any other issue, your personal tutor, lead tutor, our medical welfare officer and our safeguarding leads are here to support you. Please don’t struggle alone.

Parents/guardians: if you are concerned about your child, please contact us via safegaurding@kedst.ac.uk or call the college and ask to speak to a safeguarding lead. We will do all we can to help.