“It has made me feel like I can speak to someone, and I have learnt not to bottle my feelings up. I feel less stressed and anxious.”
These heartfelt words come from one of more than 300 individuals who have accessed the Supportive Steps programme, a mental health and wellbeing initiative led by Coleg Cambria in collaboration with Flintshire Council.
Funded with £767,381 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this transformative project provides essential support to students struggling with challenges that affect their education.
Through the partnership, a range of resources has been implemented, including resilience coaches, wellbeing advisors, and dedicated student services, alongside referrals to external counsellors. These interventions have resulted in 910 individual support sessions and a remarkable 92% retention rate among learners during the 2023/24 academic year.
One of the 287 students who successfully completed their course shared their experience:
“I sought help because of anxiety and stress caused by others and overthinking small things. Student Services referred me to a resilience coach, who has taught me to view things from different perspectives, build confidence, and recognise my own value.
“Thanks to the support, I feel more positive and can open up to my family about how I’m feeling. I’ve even started using the bus again after avoiding it for a long time due to college-related incidents.”
Supportive Steps has proven to be a lifeline for many, offering tailored interventions that address specific challenges while equipping students with tools to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
Bethan Charles, Head of Learner Services at Coleg Cambria, expressed her gratitude for the funding and its impact:
“Our team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of support that meets the unique needs of our learners. The difference this programme has made is evident in the retention and success rates, as well as the personal growth of those we’ve supported.
“I often think about what might have happened if this programme hadn’t been in place. For many, it has been the key to completing their studies. We hope further funding can be secured to ensure its continuation.”
Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economy, Environment, and Climate, highlighted the programme’s regional importance:
“Supportive Steps is a shining example of how the UKSPF is making a tangible difference in Flintshire. With over 300 learners accessing this vital resource, its impact on the mental health and educational development of young people cannot be overstated.
“This collaboration between Flintshire Council and Coleg Cambria demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing real challenges and achieving meaningful outcomes.”
The success of Supportive Steps underscores the significance of investing in student wellbeing, ensuring young people in Flintshire are supported in their educational journeys and beyond.
