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Safeguarding
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Introduction
The college aims to provide a supportive environment and equality of opportunity for students facing difficulties and those who may have experienced problems or concerns.
The safeguarding and wellbeing of our students is of the upmost importance and we have a dedicated team of advisers to support all our students throughout their time at the college.
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team will work with students, parents/carers and professionals to provide effective support so young people can access their education. Targeted support is provided for those who are Care Experienced, have a social worker or key worker, known to social services or have high need mental health conditions.
Locations
| Campus | Location |
|---|---|
| Basildon Town Centre | Student Services, next to the Canteen, ground floor. |
| Luckyn Lane, Basildon | Staff room, 1st floor. |
| Southend | Wellbeing Centre, 1st floor. |
| Stephenson Road | Building 28, near Reception and the Team Room. |
| Thurrock | Student Services, West Building, 1st floor. |
Contact us
How to contact us
Visit us at each campus, call 0345 52 12345, email safeguarding@southessex.ac.uk or get in touch via Moodle.
Whisper Reporting Service
This can be anonymous reporting to the Safeguarding team about any concerns or used to reach out for support. We offer an online form and a text service during office hours. Any messages received outside of working hours will be responded to on the next working day.
Text: 07860 021 323 start your first message with SEC1
Pastoral support explained
There may be a time when you need ongoing help, such as emotional support, help with anger or self-esteem issues or exam-stress whilst you are studying. Please contact us for advice and support.
Feeling safe at college
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team are here to make sure you feel safe at college. If you have any concerns please contact us. Alternately, you can speak to your tutor or any other staff member, who can then report your concerns for you.
Safety at home
If you are feeling unsafe at home please speak to a member of the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team who will speak with you about your concerns. The team will then work with you to look at what options are available to ensure that you are safe.
Depending on the situation and what you feel comfortable with, this may involve calling parents/guardians, police, social care, or anyone else that may be able to help. This is a process that will always involve you (our student) to make sure your wishes are heard and respected where possible.
The safety of our students is the most important thing to us as a college, so please let us know if there is anything that causes you to feel unsafe so we can make sure the issue gets resolved.
Referrals
You don't have to be referred, although some students will be referred by a tutor or friend, you can make the decision to visit the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team for support yourself.
If you have concerns about the wellbeing or safety of a friend or classmate please contact us.
Tutor referrals
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team are here to make sure everyone feels safe. Sometimes your tutor will need to refer you to us if they believe you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm. If you would like, your tutor can stay with you during these conversations.
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team are very supportive and will always keep you involved in any decisions or referrals that need to be made.
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team offers 100% confidentiality, but we would need to say or do something if:
- You ask us to
- We believe your life or someone else’s life is in danger
- You tell us that you're seriously harming another young person
- You're being hurt by someone in a position of trust
Help with bullying issues
The college aims to ensure that learning environments are supportive, where all individuals are treated with courtesy and respect and their contribution to the learning process is valued. The college will not tolerate harassment and bullying in any form and will take firm and decisive action to protect the interests of its students whenever incidents are identified.
If you are experiencing or concerned about bullying, speak to your tutor, Curriculum Leader and Head of School. They will offer help & support and deal with any bullying issues.
Bullying can also be reported anonymously through our Whisper Reporting Service. Details will be shared with the relevant department and support offered to any individuals.
Learn more about our Whisper Reporting Service.
Help if you are in social care
If you are involved with social care for any reason (for example being in foster care, on a child protection plan, a child in need, etc.), please let the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team know so that they can ensure that you have extra support in college to get through your course and anything else that may impact on your education, such as finances, emotional/mental health, family or home life, etc.
We can keep in contact with any professionals that you work with, such as your social worker, to ensure that everyone is supporting you together. If you are in care you can also speak with the Funding team who will ensure that you have the finances to get to college and have access to any equipment, uniform, or resources that you will need for your course.
Care Experienced Young People
If you are currently a Looked After Child or have left Care, we have dedicated advisers to support you throughout your time at college. Our Care Experienced Advisers will work with you, your social worker, foster carers, guardians and support workers to ensure you can access your education and are successful in your studies.
The Advisers will organise your Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings to set supportive targets as well as ensuring you have the support to do this. They can also help you apply for the Vulnerable Bursary which can support with transport and educational equipment.
You can contact the team via email CareExperiencedTeam@Southessex.ac.uk or telephone 0345 52 12345.
Support if you live on your own
You can contact the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team for help or support if you live alone, for example in supported or shared accommodation, if you are a care leaver, looked-after-student or are living independently for any reason.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty in getting to college our Funding team may also be able to support you. The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team and the Funding team will work together to ensure you have what you need to be ready to learn. We can also speak with any other professionals you are in contact with to ensure everyone is supporting you through your education.
Homelessness
If you become homeless and are under 18 it is very important that you notify the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team immediately. We can offer help and support and refer you to the appropriate agencies. We can also offer housing advice to over 18s.
Youth offenders
If you are known to the Youth Offending Services it is important that you disclose this to the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team and inform us of your support worker’s details. Failure to disclose this information will impact your placement at college. We will liaise with your support worker to ensure that you are fully supported.
Support for young carers
The Wellbeing & Safeguarding team can support you if you consider yourself to be a young carer. You may need additional support and understanding from your teachers with regards to your deadlines, attendance, and any other academic concerns.
The team are happy to communicate with your tutors to ensure you are supported. We can also help point you in the direction of young carer’s groups in your local area for specific support.
Substance misuse
Please visit the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team if you would like any help or advice about concerns you have with drugs, alcohol, or any other substance such as legal highs. The team will be able to support you with looking for services that deal specifically with these issues and the team can help make any referrals with you.
Mental health issues
If you are concerned about your emotional or mental health please contact the Wellbeing & Safeguarding team for help and support. The team offer a friendly, welcoming and non-judgemental approach to supporting anyone who needs help or advice about their mental health.
We can offer support by helping you speak to your tutors, letting your parents know how you feel, and by making any referrals to mental health teams outside the college.
Mental Health Support Team
The college host the Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs), to support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of students up to 18 years of age.
EMHPs are part of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs), a new government initiative that promotes good emotional wellbeing and mental health by helping children/young people and their families through prevention, early intervention and education.
Counselling
There are qualified counsellors within the Student Services team. You can have up to seven sessions with them to talk through issues you may be facing.
