Health & Wellbeing
Student health, mental health & wellbeing
Support for your health, mental health and wellbeing is vital to us all. We have a team of staff available to offer guidance and support whenever you need them, and we’ll keep this page updated with hints, tips and information that we hope can support throughout your journey with us. Appointments with a Wellbeing Advisor can be booked online or by emailing wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
* BSL version to follow
Student health, mental health & wellbeing team
Kirsty MacEwan, Student Wellbeing Advisor
Clydebank campus
T. 07980 696 189
E. Kirsty.MacEwan@wcs.ac.uk / wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
Lynsey Weir, Student Wellbeing Advisor
Paisley campus
T. 07980 695 956
E. Lynsey.Weir@wcs.ac.uk / wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
Coming Soon*, Student Wellbeing Advisor
Greenock campuses
T. 07980 696 189 / 07980 695 956
E. wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
* Kirsty and Lynsey are available to support all students at all campuses
Click here to book an appointment at a time that suits you, or
Email: wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
Counsellors
- Annette Agnew, Counsellor based at the Paisley and Waterfront campuses
- Eamonn Pollock, Counsellor based at the Greenock and Waterfront campuses
- Geraldine Chambers, Counsellor based at Paisley campus
- Janis Thom, Counsellor based at Paisley campus
- Jean Mott, Counsellor based at Clydebank campus
- Kat Armit, Counsellor based at Clydebank campus
Support for students who have experience of being in care
- Rachel Church, Care Experienced Student Support Worker, Cross-campus
Use the tabs within the page to discover more about the range of services available to support you, or email wellbeing@wcs.ac.uk
Drop in to Chill Out
Drop in to Chill Out
Make some time for you!
Time to destress, relax and recharge.
Join Lecturer Sandra every Thursday and Friday from 12-1pm for a session on relaxation techniques.
Join the session via the links below:
- Thursday Session: DROP IN TO CHILL OUT Thursday lunch
- Friday Session: DROP IN TO CHILL OUT Friday Lunch
Support during college holidays
Below are some support services that can be accessed at times when the college is closed:
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Available to 24 hours a day, SilverCloud is an online support tool for students experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and more.
To access, you will need to use your student email address (studentNumber@live.wcs.ac.uk) |
Register at https://wcs.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
Login at https://wcs.silvercloudhealth.com/ |
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Free and confidential phone service for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed
Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am and Friday to Monday, 6pm to 6am |
📞 0800 83 85 87 |
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Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feeling | 📞 116 123 |
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Available 24 hours a day by SMS Text Message, Shout 85258 is a free, confidential text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. | Send an SMS Text Message with the word SHOUT to 85258 to access. The service is free of charge on most UK mobile networks. |
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You don’t have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be sleeping on a friend’s sofa, staying in a hostel, or living in overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation. | 📞 0800 027 1234 |
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The National Helpline is normally open from 6pm to midnight, 7 days a week, and offers free and confidential initial and crisis support and information.
The helpline can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for ongoing support. |
📞 0808 8 01 03 02 |
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If you feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, get in touch with Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline | 📞 0800 027 1234 |
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If you are concerned that you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol there is lots of help available. You can find some useful links and phone numbers by clicking on the links to the right. | https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/support-services/alcohol-support-services |
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https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/know-who-to-turn-to/alcohol-and-drug-recovery-services/
Inverclyde Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Service 01475 715353 Renfrewshire Drug Service 0141 618 2585 East Renfrewshire Community Addiction Services 0141 577 3368 Clydebank 0141 562 2311 Dumbarton Joint Hospital 01389 812 018 |
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National voluntary organisation, working with care experienced young people and care leavers across Scotland.
Helpline open Monday to Friday, 12noon to 4pm. |
📞 0330 107 7540 |
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For some, this year in particular, could be a time when loneliness is a real factor.
There is support over during the winter break from a number of organisations. |
Specialist services: |
- Helping Hand – appointments can be booked online with Kirsty MacEwan, Student Wellbeing Advisor
- TIME 4U – counselling service appointments can be booked by emailing counselling@wcs.ac.uk
Helping Hand
Unsure about how you are feeling about starting college? Would you like to talk over any concerns you may have about your Wellbeing & Studies? Then ‘Helping Hand’ could be just the thing you need.
I’m Kirsty MacEwan, the Student Wellbeing Advisor. Helping Hand is available every Wednesday during term weeks. It’s a one-to-one service that offers support, encouragement and reassurance when you need it. You can book the service as and when needed. Whether you need five minutes or the full hour, it’s up to you.
When you book your appointment, you can let me know if you would like to speak by telephone or through Microsoft Teams.
> Click here to book your appointment
You can find out more about the Health & Wellbeing Services I offer by clicking here.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Introduction to Mindfulness and the C.A.L.M. Curriculum
This guided introduction to Mindfulness is by Sandra Docherty. Sandra is not only a Beauty Lecturer at West College Scotland, but a mindfulness practitioner. We hope that this video provides a short insight into the benefits of mindfulness.
Mindfulness the Breath
Sandra Docherty once again provides an insightful guide to mindfulness meditation, visualisation and positive affirmations, which provide strength and calm.
Mindfulness Hand Focus
This is Sandra’s third mindfulness guided meditation which allows you to bring attention to a part of the body, so that you can concentrate and start to feel a sense of grounding and calm.
Shrinking Stress
This explores the differences between stress and distress and allows the viewer to lower their stress levels.
Colour Breathing
Session 5 – Colour Breathing – This session uses the visualisation of colour as a way to bring calm and inner peace
C.A.L.M. is a tool to help students and staff cope with the demands of online learning/teaching or any anxiety about being in the college environment. The technique can be used at the start, during or at the end of a lesson and encourages engagement with C.A.L.M.
CARE for yourself and others
ATTITUDE with positive focus
LISTEN without negative self-talk
MINDFULNESS practice to improve wellbeing
Further information will be available on how to book a C.A.L.M. session on conclusion of the pilot.
COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019.
We know that many of our students will be feeling anxious about the virus and you may be confused about hearing different advice. The college has useful advice and information here. The Health Protection Scotland (HPS) website is a useful resource.
Also go to NHS.UK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself.
Counselling Service
TIME4U
The counselling service for students is known as TIME4U. Staffed by a team of professional counsellors based in each of our campuses, we’re here when you need us. For more information or to book an appointment, click here.
If you need to access a service outside normal college hours, external services providers include:
- shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. To begin, text shout to 85258 or visit https://giveusashout.org/
- Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87 or visit https://breathingspace.scot/
- Samaritans – people contact us with all sorts of concerns and what might be a small issue to you may be huge to someone else. You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, we’re here if you feel you need some extra support. Call 116 123 for free or visit https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland
- It’s OK not be to OK – directory of useful support contacts and helpline numbers
Silvercloud
SilverCloud Online cCBT Resource
All West College Scotland students have access to SilverCloud. There are six modules to choose from:
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
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Register for SilverCloud | Log in to module |
If you have used SilverCloud before, click on the Log in to module from the list above.
If you have not used SilverCloud before, follow the four instructions below:
- Click on Register for SilverCloud then scroll down the page and select one of the six modules.
- Register with your student email account (studentNumber@live.wcs.ac.uk)
- When you have completed the registration process, you will need to verify by logging into your student email account in MyDay or at https://outlook.office.com and clicking on the verification link in the email from SilverCloud
- Click on the Log in to module from the list above
If you have any problems in accessing SilverCloud, email StudentServices@wcs.ac.uk with your Student ID Number.
Helpful Information
Helpful Information
It’s Ok not to be Ok
> Download our handy directory of services
A – Z directory
We are currently updating the section below
A
Alcohol:
Anxiety:
B
Bereavement:
Body Image:
Bullying:
C
Carers:
Care Experienced:
C.A.L.M. Curriculum:
Counselling:
COVID-19:
Cyber-bullying:
D
Depression:
Domestic Abuse:
Drug Addiction :
E
Eating Disorders:
Estranged from Family:
F
Financial Advice:
G
–
H
Health Worries:
I
Identity:
Illness:
J
–
K
–
L
LGBTQ+
M
Mental Health:
Mindfulness:
N
–
O
–
P
Physical Abuse:
Q
–
R
Relationship Issues:
S
Safeguarding:
Self-Harm:
Sexual Health:
Sexual Identity:
Social Media:
Sleep:
Stress:
Struggling to cope:
Suicidal thoughts:
T
–
U
–
V
Veterans:
W
Weight:
X
–
Y
–
Z
–
Some other helpful advice can be found in the documents below
West College Scotland – Student Wellbeing Policy
Mindfulness – a helpful guide to explain what mindfulness is and some breathing exercises that can help you find your inner calm.
How to work without face 2 face teaching – Hints and tips for studying at home during this unprecedented time.
Mobile Phone Apps for Mental Health – A list of useful apps that can help support your mental health during this time.
New Things to try during Isolation – ideas for new things to try while in isolation.
Social Media – A guide exploring how to keep yourself safe on social media during these times.
Things to do with Kids – ideas for entertaining the kids during isolation
Routine – Information on the importance of keeping a routine and the importance it has on your mental health and wellbeing.
Recipe websites – A guide to recipe websites
Fitness – Ways to Keep your fitness level up
Free Online Activities – Things to do that don’t involve a cost
Mental Health Support for Males– Some useful links and websites that specifically support men with their mental health.
Money Saving Tips During Covid-19 – Check out these money saving tips from Martin Lewis that could save you money during this difficult time.
Things You Can and Cannot Control During Isolation – During these difficult times it’s easy to worry and focus on the things that we can’t control during this crisis. We hope this diagram shows how to separate and differentiate between the things we can control and the things we can’t.
Togetherall is an online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.
Scottish Government Resource Pack on Improving Young People and Children’s Wellbeing – In this resource pack which was created by The Scottish Government and Children in Scotland, you can find a wealth of activities for young people and children that can develop their wellbeing.
Fraud Warning – The National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team has produced some helpful materials to help promote scams awareness around COVID-19 scams at this difficult time. Please click here to find out more.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse Information
Domestic Abuse and Gender based violence (GBV) is a major public health, equality and human rights issue. It covers a spectrum of violence and abuse, committed primarily but not exclusively against women by men. This includes, but is not limited to
- domestic abuse
- rape and sexual assault
- childhood sexual abuse
- stalking and harassment
- commercial sexual exploitation
- harmful practices – such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage and so-called ‘honour’ based violence.
Local organisations that can provide support if you are being subjected to Domestic Abuse
West Dunbartonshire
- Dumbarton District Woman’s Aid – 01389 751036
- Rape Crisis Glasgow and Clyde – 08088 00 00 14
Renfrewshire
- Renfrewshire Woman’s Aid – Tel: 0800 025 7603
- Rape Crisis Glasgow and Clyde – 08088 00 00 14
Inverclyde
- Inverclyde Woman’s Aid – Tel: 01475 888505
- Rape Crisis Glasgow and Clyde – 08088 00 00 14
Websites
- thehideout.org.uk (for children and young people)
- inverclyde.gov.uk
- scotland.gov.uk
- Police Scotland
Sexual Health
Sexual Health Information
NHS Inform
This video gives insight on how to access sexual health services and what type of help and support can be offered to you during this time. Remember, don’t be fearful or embarrassed to seek support!
Sexual Health Services in your Area – The link below will let you find what sexual health services are available in your area and where to go for information and support.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/ypsexualhealth
Sandyford – Free Condom Service
The Sandyford are offering a free online service where you can get condoms sent directly to you during the COVID-19 crisis. More information can be found by clicking on this link https://www.sandyford.scot/sexual-health-services/free-condoms/
Sex Social Distancing and Corona Virus
Concerned about sex and COVID-19, The Sandyford offers information about these and many other sexual health questions during this crisis https://www.sandyford.scot/covid-19-advice/
Concerned About your Sexual Health
If you are concerned about your sexual health, have a look at the information provided here by The Sandyford. The page provides detailed information about emergency contraception, testing and treatment of STD’s. https://www.sandyford.scot/sexual-health-services/
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
LGBT Health and Wellbeing are running a LGBT Helpline every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12-9pm. The helpline can provide information on anything from sexual health, support organisations, agency support and much, much more. They also run an e-mail and live chat service. Check out this link for details on how to get in touch https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/helpline/
Fitness
Fitness
Over the next few weeks we will be signposting resources to look after your physical fitness during the COVID-19 outbreak. This will include fitness classes online as well as links providing guidance and tips.
Couch to 5k – Check out the “Couch to 5k” podcasts here (remember your social distancing): Click HERE for details
The Green Goddess is back – catch up with Diana Moran’s daily exercise ideas aimed at the over 70s:
Click HERE or live every morning on the BBC Breakfast News
Virtual Walking Game – A free virtual walking game that is not only great exercise but also a way to stay connected. It open to all and is particularly suitable for the over 70s: Join them by signing up at: https://worldwalking.org/
Joe Wicks PE Lesson – A fun exercise routine at 9am every morning – for kids and adults alike!
You can find him on YouTube. Just type in Body Coach TV YouTube Chanel
Strictly’s Ian Waite – Join Strictly’s Ian for some fun / free fitsteps at 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings live from his living room. You can find him on Facebook Live
WCS Yoga Bodies – Every Tuesday at 12pm via Zoom
Local Authorities
Services for Inverclyde
https://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/covid-19/
Services for Renfrewshire
http://renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/
Services for East Renfrewshire
https://eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/
Services for West Dunbartonshire
Home Schooling Tips & Resources
Online Resources for Home Schooling
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize – Has lots of videos, quizzes and lessons for children and teenagers. Also broadcasts lessons for younger children. CBBC will also be broadcasting educational programmes for younger school age children.
BBB 2 will also be broadcasting from 9am until 12pm to support the GCSE curriculum.
Brain Pop
https://www.brainpop.com/ animated videos on topics in maths, science and English.
Creative Bug
https://www.creativebug.com/ Craft Lessons from jewellery making to origami. Lots of ideas for things to make and do.
Curriculum Based Learning
Remember there could be online services that your child’s school has access to. It’s worth contacting the school to see if access to these services can be made available to you and your children.
Oak Education
https://www.thenational.academy/ Provides 1000’s of free lessons and resources
Parent Kind
https://www.parentkind.org.uk/Parents/Free-learning-resources-for-children – Provides free learning resources for children, right up to secondary school age
Tynker
https://www.tynker.com/ – Free coding lessons for Kids.
Virtual COVID-19 Friendly Field Trips Around the World
Huge thanks to Ben, Claire and Jennifer for suggesting ‘virtual field trips‘ – a great way to explore a wide variety of land and aquatic animals, famous works of art and other museum favourites, help us learn and see amazing things in space, and so much more!
You tube Free School
https://www.youtube.com/user/watchfreeschool/playlists – Fabulous resource that has lots of educational programmes for children of all ages.
Home Schooling Tips and Resources for Parents
Teaching your kids at home can be challenging, however we hope the following tips will help you with your child’s learning.
- Stick to a routine
Keeping to a routine will prove invaluable over the next few weeks of uncertainty, including breaks where parents can plan fun things to do with their children.
Try and keep the structure of your days in-line with your children’s school timetable as much as possible. Even if you’re not using the time explicitly for academic studies.
- Let children learn at their own pace
A of benefit of home schooling (yes there are some!) is that children who grasp a concept quickly aren’t held back and those who need more time have a chance to fully understand their work. Allow your child to voice if they are handling the pace of study, as this will allow you to move at a pace that suits them. Rather than feeling that your child should be moving through certain subjects quickly which puts pressure on you and your child.
- Make your child the teacher
Letting children teach stops the learning process from becoming boring and helps keep them interested in studies.
One of the best ways to do this is use an online resource and go to a specific topic that your children need to study.
Then compile the resources that they need and ask them to go away for an hour and write notes and draw pictures related to the topic. Once your child has have done this, ask them to come back and present the information to you
Not only will your child get a sense of achievement, but it will also help them retain information without learning in a ‘traditional’ manner.
- Show an interest in your child’s work
Take an interest in what your child is studying. If parents engage with topics and tasks this will inspire children to work harder.
- Keep active
Making sure that both you and your kids spend some time exercising is a great way to keep you feeling motivated and productive!
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to an outside space – there are lots of exercises online which you can do indoors to get those endorphins pumping. Remember Joe Wicks is back with his daily PE classes! 😊
- Have an outside person to mark your child’s work
Ask someone who isn’t a family member to look over your child’s work. Ask your child’s teacher for feedback on their work to make sure you are on the right track!
- Limit screen time
It’s a good idea to set ground rules early on for children about how much time they’re allowed in front of a screen, no matter how hard it may seem.
Try and avoid letting your kids spend all day long on their phones or laptops, especially if they are looking at social media, as this can fuel feelings of isolation and anxiety.