Students at Newbury College showed their support for World Mental Health Day today by writing positive words of encouragement for each other on specially designed t-shirts. According to the NHS, as many as one in four people are affected by a mental illness in the UK. The positivi-T' t-shirts, which are on display at the College, are a thought-provoking way for the students to openly discuss and share issues surrounding mental health.
College Sport Maker, Louise Neil, said: We were delighted by the fact that so many students came forward and wanted to get involved, as it is not always easy for students to openly share their feelings on this subject. We also distributed the NHS's Little Book of Sunshine ' a book offering tips to help young people cope with stress.
Tutorial Programme Manager, Steve Greenwood, said: Working with the students on World Mental Health Day is the start of a concerted campaign to highlight and improve the wellbeing of our students. Here at the College we are fortunate enough to have our own counselling service and a highly experienced team of pastoral tutors. The event helps to raise the profile of mental health at College and highlights the hugely important role that students and education professionals have in providing support and solutions.
Local youth counselling service Time to Talk' was also present at the event and provided display materials. World Mental Health Day was promoted locally by West Berkshire Council and its Emotional Health Academy. The event was used to obtain feedback to improve services locally.
Dr Anne Murdoch, Principal and CEO of Newbury College, was a guest on The Breeze Radio station's Round at Sir John's programme on Sunday 8th October. Every Sunday morning at 10:30am, Sir John speaks to influential people in the Reading area. On the programme Anne discusses her life in education and talks about what Newbury College can offer students.
Are you looking for your next job or considering a change of career? Do you need help with interview techniques and updating your CV? Are you considering an apprenticeship?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then come along to the West Berkshire Work and Careers Fair to find out more. Hosted at Newbury College, Monks Lane on Wed 11 October between 1-6pm, the event can put you in touch with approximately 40 local companies looking for new employees to join their team. Exhibiting organisations include Amberjack, Bluegrasscoms, David Wilson Homes, Debenhams, Priors Court, Sovereign Housing, TK Maxx, West Berkshire Council and many more.
For those seeking advice and tips on how to improve their job prospects, Adviza is running workshops covering interview techniques, presentation skills and CV writing throughout the event. Newbury College's apprenticeship team will be on hand to discuss how an apprenticeship can kick start your career and its current vacancy opportunities.
The event is supported by Elevate West Berkshire, helping 16-24 year-olds gain the skills they need for employment.
Secondary schools are welcome to bring students from year 10 upwards to help them gain inspiration for future job paths. All visitors are encouraged to sign up for the event in advance via the event web page, or visit West Berkshire Work and Careers Fair website for more details.
On the evening of Tuesday 05 September students from Newbury College gathered together with family and friends to celebrate their academic achievements at the College's annual Graduation and Award Ceremony. Guest of honour was BBC antiques expert and local businessman, Thomas Plant.
The event is held for students graduating from Level 4 courses and above, and for those who have worked exceptionally hard on further education courses (up to Level 3). Students were invited on stage to accept their certificates and awards from the College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Anne Murdoch, the guest of honour and representatives from local organisations who helped sponsor the event.
Speaking about the evening, Dr Anne Murdoch said: It is always an honour for us to come together and celebrate the achievements of our students. This year the event took place in an indoor marquee in our Sports Hall which added to the sense of occasion.
We were very grateful to Thomas and his wise words of encouragement to our students. He told them not to be afraid of starting at the bottom and working up ' that way by the time they reach the top they would have experienced all they need to know to make a success of their career. We hope he inspired the students to be as passionate about their careers as he so obviously is about his own.
Winners of special awards were as follows: George Collins ' Outstanding Higher Education Mechanical Engineer Elliot Taylor ' Outstanding Higher Education Electrical and Electronic Engineer Karen Welton ' Outstanding Higher Education Learner Award Hamish Hearn ' Tony Allen Award for High Achievement in further education.
Other guests in attendance included Cllr Ellen Crumly, Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr David Fenn, Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Quinten Webb, Chair of West Berkshire Council and members of Newbury College's governing body.
Sponsoring companies included: AWE, Bluebird Care, Castle School, Corn Exchange Newbury, David Lloyd Clubs, Debenhams Parkway, Euro Car Parts, Heart, Jason Palmer Hairdressing, Jewson, Monkey Business, MWS Media, Newbury Weekly News, Parkway Shopping, Resonates, Taylor Shaw, The Living Rainforest, Vineyard, West Berkshire Council and Xtrac.
To view all of the photos from the event click here.