Mental Health and Wellbeing

Angela works alongside the Personal Tutors and counselling team to provide support to any students.  This can be in the form of a regular meeting or just ad hoc and can work with you to produce a support plan tailored specifically for you.  To arrange a meeting please email Angela or speak to Beth in the nurture room.

"At a time where I lost everything you were right there behind me, and I can’t thank you enough."

"Thank you for your support and help.  You have been so accommodating and welcoming.  You helped me back safely and I appreciate it so much."

"Thank you for all the support you gave me over the past two years. In college and whilst in hospital and helping me with my application to Liverpool."

"I want to thank you for helping me obtain PIP, it has been exponential in helping me and I really appreciate your help.  I enjoyed our regular meetings, and it was nice to see and update you."

Beth the Nurture Room supervisor will help you familiarise yourself with the workings of the Nurture Room and how to use it, she can also sign post you to any suitable general support you may need.  Once you have been referred by your personal tutor or the Welfare and Progression Manager, you can use the room as a quiet study area.  The Nurture Room also runs activities through each term that will support your wellbeing.

“In my opinion the Nurture Room helps me to focus upon my work and communicate with others on a friendly basis.”

“The Nurture Room is one of the cosiest places in the college.  I love coming to the Nurture Room to do my work and to relax after a lesson.  It really helps my focus and mental health.”

“The Nurture Room is a great place to both study and relax whilst at college.”

Our furry friend Rocky and his owner Nicola are based in college three times a week.  Situated close to the Nurture Room in G17, 15 minute appointments can be booked to meet Rocky by emailing him directly at rocky@winstnaley.ac.uk.  Nicola is always with Rocky and will gently ease you into meeting him and chat with you to put you at ease.  Petting a dog has been shown to help boost your mood, relive stress, and reduce anxiety.  Spending some time with Rocky can provide comfort and his companionship may help brighten your day.

"Rocky, is an absolute angel! Fifteen minutes with him, will leave you feeling refreshed , more positive and possibly smeared with slobber. His calm demeanour is contagious and leaves you ready to face the impossible! He is a worthy companion!"

"I thoroughly enjoy my sessions with Nic and Rocky-it’s a breath of fresh air to be able to step away from any type of stress, exam related or in general and be able to just have a chat with Nicola. Rocky’s company is really calming and perfect to make a stressful day in college just that little bit better- Nicola has always been so lovely and welcoming"

Our team of professionally accredited counsellors are available to all students to discuss a range of issues they may be experiencing like anxiety, stress, low mood, exam stress, body image, identity and grief. Discussions with them are confidential and typically a course of counselling lasts for up to six sessions, each one lasting roughly an hour.  To request a referral for counselling please either email the counselling team counselling@winstanley.ac.uk, including a completed referral form (link) or speak to your Personal Tutor if you would like support to do this.

“Jenny really helped me understand what was concerning me and what I needed to address. which has been really great in changing how to approach challenging and stressful situations. They were very approachable, and the sessions didn’t make me feel as though was burdening them with my issues.”

“Loraine is wonderful! Counselling helped me action and rationalise bad situations and cope with them in a much healthier productive way. The consistency of knowing I had someone to come to and talk about what is on my mind really helped.”

“Tom was really lovely and helped me to improve my mood and confidence. I now feel much more motivated in myself and my college life/studies”

“Counselling was very helpful and useful when I needed someone to talk to. Helped me understand it's okay to make mistakes and that the pressure on me isn't as overwhelming as you think”

“Counselling meant being there for me during my lowest points and helping me get back on track. You always listened without judgement and helped me when I was overthinking and sent myself into a panic.”

“Counselling has helped me express myself more and figure out what I dislike so I can move forward. Counselling also gave the support without having expectations to improve or act a certain way”

The Education Mental Health Practitioners support young people with evidence-based interventions for worries, low mood, and some phobias.  Their work can be offered on a one -t o-one basis or as a group.  To obtain a referral to this service you need to speak to your Personal Tutor.