Aspiring mental health nurse, Karis Grange, knows first-hand how mental health can affect wellbeing and is determined to support those who are suffering.

As part of her college social action project, Karis has been volunteering at the Recovery Shoebox Project; a charity providing mental health toolkits for individuals who are struggling.

A worthy cause

After receiving a shoebox herself, Karis appreciated the thought and care that went into the box and wanted to help in making a difference.

“When I was going through a difficult time, the shoebox really cheered me up – I couldn’t believe the effort that had been put into my bespoke box. I decided to volunteer at the Recovery Shoebox Project as my placement, as I wanted to encourage those struggling to not suffer in silence.

“The initiative was founded and funded by Harrogate resident, Megan Reid, who sadly passed away in February 2019. Her mother, Jo, carried on the project in her honour in order to help individuals with mental health difficulties.

“Due to Covid-19, the past year has been extremely difficult for many people, especially those suffering from mental health issues. The shoeboxes include useful items, such as tips to manage anxiety, self care ideas, stress balls and Megan’s envelopes of distractions and positivity.”

Working with the project

Each week, Karis works with the shoebox initiative to create tailored packages.

“It’s amazing to be involved with such an important cause. I help organise the boxes and contribute to tips on how to manage insomnia, anxiety and PTSD, quote strips and reasons to carry on fighting. 

“I really want to promote the message ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ and for individuals to reach out if they’re struggling.”

Promoting wellbeing

Karis studies Health and Social Care Extended Diploma Level 3 at Harrogate College and hopes to become a mental health nurse in the future.

“Following a break from my studies last year due to my mental and physical health, I returned to college determined to pursue a career in the care sector. I’m passionate about talking to other young individuals about the importance of positive mental health.

“Harrogate College has supported me to achieve my best, constantly helping me work towards my ambition of becoming a mental health nurse.

“Working with the Recovery Shoebox Project helps me learn how to manage mental health illnesses. If my support with the shoebox has helped even one individual, it will have been incredibly worthwhile. Don’t suffer in silence – order a box if you’re struggling.”

Read more about how you can work with the charity here.

Harrogate College has announced three innovative commercial courses ahead of the new academic year.

The latest courses include: Business Support: Maintaining Business Compliance, Empowering Leaders, and Business Support: Remote Working.

With the distinctive rise of e-learning, where teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms, people who have been furloughed or made redundant are being encouraged to develop their skills online.

The programmes at Harrogate College are being offered to anyone who wants to change career or upskill. It is also open to businesses to help train their employees or give them something to work on.

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, said: “One of the outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic is that people have embraced innovative ways of studying as a result of remote working and we are pleased to be offering these learning opportunities, which will allow students to learn new, or develop existing skills through flexible and convenient online learning.”

He added: “The current situation highlights the importance of online and digital modes of delivering learning and training and we want to support businesses in the district to help their employees upskill and improve their future employment prospects.”

All courses are industry recognised qualifications, allowing continued professional development (CPD) to upskill staff, ensuring that businesses benefit from a high performing workforce.

The Empowering Leaders programme will focus on the ways organisations operate, the application of management and leadership approaches, and how management approaches can lead to improved performance.

The Business Support: Maintaining Business Compliance programme is aimed at food handlers, or those responsible for managing food handlers, and will provide an awareness of the legal responsibilities and controls in relation to the 14 regulated allergens.

Harrogate College has launched a Summer Transition Programme to prepare students for joining in September.

Launching on Monday 6 July, the weekly activities aim to support students in starting successfully at the college. All new students can access the scheme, allowing them to meet tutors and classmates and begin developing course-focused skills.

Run on Google Classrooms, the fun tasks will be specific to various course groups. Each 30-minute session will encourage students to communicate virtually through face-to-face videos with tutors, who will be introducing students to their chosen course through a range of activities. As part of the programme, students will also be practising English and maths skills in preparation for September.

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “This programme is a fantastic way to ensure our new students feel comfortable and confident for starting in September. It gives learners a head start in their academic journey, ensuring they have a strong understanding of their course and the skills required to excel.

“We have carefully crafted the programme based on each course. The Science sessions will focus on infections and control, whereas Health and Social Care will provide insight into development and mental health. All our programmes will also incorporate ice-breaker activities and interactive discussions.”

The Summer Transition Programme will cover many subject areas including Art and Design, Performing Arts, Motor Vehicle, Construction, Hospitality and Beauty.

On Monday 22 June, many people across the country will come together to celebrate Windrush Day. The annual celebration pays tribute to the exceptional and ongoing contribution of the Windrush generation.

What is the Windrush generation?

The term ‘Windrush generation’ was first introduced in 1948 shortly after World War Two. Britain was beginning to recover from the effects of the war, which saw thousands of buildings and homes destroyed. Many young men and women in the Islands had previously served in the British armed forces, due to many Caribbean countries still being under British rule and not yet independent.

After the war, many people from the Caribbean were invited to come to Britain as there were a variety of jobs available due to post-war labour shortages. The first ship, Empire Windrush, left the Caribbean to travel thousands of miles and arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex on 22 June 1948. This ship was the first of many, with hundreds more arriving in Britain from 1948 to 1971.

Why has the Windrush generation been in the news recently?

The ‘Windrush scandal’ involved many of the Windrush generation being wrongly told that they live in Britain illegally. The 1948 British Nationality Act gave citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies states a legal right to settle in the UK. As a result, during 1971, the Windrush generation were told they could stay in Britain permanently without any paperwork and the government didn’t keep a record of these people.

A change to immigration law came about in 2012, with people being told that official documentation was needed in order to receive free hospital treatment and other benefits. As a result, many people who had attended schools and worked their whole life in the UK were sent to immigration detention centres and faced deportation.

In 2018, following a review of 11,800 cases, the home secretary announced that 18 people within the Windrush generation who could have been wrongfully removed or detained would receive a formal apology from the government. Additionally, anyone who had left the UK would be helped to return to Britain.

What does Windrush Day celebrate?

First introduced in 2018 on the 70^th anniversary of Empire Windrush arriving in Britain, the day encourages communities across the country to celebrate the outstanding contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants.

Overcoming great hardship and sacrifice, the Windrush generation and their descendants have made Britain a better and more inclusive country in many ways. From the vital rebuilding of the country and public services after the war, to the ongoing enriching of our shared social, economic, cultural and religious life.

What events will take place as part of Windrush Day?

Backed by government funding, community groups and local authorities across the country will receive a share of a £500,000 Windrush Day Grant Scheme to host events which honour the second national day. There are a range of funded projects which mark this vital part of our shared heritage.

How can I get involved?

Although many celebrations will be digital due to social distancing, there are many ways to get involved with Windrush Day events.

The National Maritime Museum is working with the Caribbean Social Forum and University of Greenwich to create online resources, talks and events including different generations to explore Windrush and what it means to people today.

The State of Trust is hosting a live panel, featuring artists from State of Trust’s Remembering Windrush project, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Terry Baddoo on 22 June.

On 22 June, the Windrush Foundation is hosting a Zoom event, featuring presentations, music, Q&A and a review of key events that affected the Caribbean community over many years.

On Windrush Day in Bradford, a special flag raising ceremony will take place outside City Hall.

Leeds-based charity, Geraldine Connor Foundation, is marking the day with online event ‘Generations Dreaming’, combining music and literature on the themes of Windrush. The charity has also created a digital learning resource about the Windrush Generation and their legacy.

How can I access support?

Our student-focused team is dedicated to ensuring our students always have access to support. We have specialist counselling officers who can offer guidance and direct you to support services.

To get in touch with the counsellor at Harrogate College, please email Lynda.Scott-Noble@harrogate.ac.uk.

For help and advice in North Yorkshire, visit The Go-To.

Useful resources

The Geraldine Connor Foundation have created a digital learning resource, providing insight into Windrush Generation and their legacy.

Digital platform, My Learning, has developed a short video with an introduction to Windrush, the history and the people who made the journey.

Home Ed Voices has provided a range of useful resources for Windrush Day, including videos, books and activities. 

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 governs how people from our trans communities can legally recognise their gender identity.  Being able to do this is critical to living freely and authentically. 

It is currently a long, expensive and dehumanising process. It requires evidence from two medical professionals,  a detailed psychiatric assessment and a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria (which has now been removed from the WHO list of mental health disorders), evidence of living in authentic gender for two years and evidence of intention to continue doing so.  This intrusive evidence and professional testimony is then considered by a Gender Recognition Panel (who have never met the individual concerned) to make a final judgement.  It is costly, inaccessible and relies heavily on gender stereotypes. 

In 2018 a review of the Gender Recogntion Act was opened to consider reforms, with the aim of making the process more accessible, less reliant on medical examination and less expensive.  70% of respondents to the GRA consultation support a fairer process for gender recognition certificate applications. Despite this overwhelming public support, a proposed amendment to the act will impact on self identification for young people identifying as trans and change the rules around the use of single sex spaces.  This would adversely affect trans communities and all who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes. 

As a college we are committed to being an inclusive environment for all.  We support our trans communities and urge the government to reconsider the impact of the proposed amendments. We would like to offer reassurance to our students and staff that we will continue to make every effort to ensure we provide protected spaces for our trans communities.

If you would like to share your voice, we recommend you to write to your local MP. ​

Harrogate College will be reopening for a selection of students and staff from 16 June it has been announced.

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “Supporting staff and students to return to a safe environment has been at the centre of the college’s preparations and approach.

“Many steps have been taken based on the guidance for further education colleges provided by the Department of Education, which have been translated into a practical operation for the college to open safely. We have invited 168 students and apprentices to come back into college over the next 6 weeks to complete their courses while our other students continue to work remotely.”

Harrogate College is taking the following steps to ensure a safe practical operation:

• All staff and students will arrive and leave college at off-peak times, with staggered start and finish times between groups.
• The number of people that can be in the buildings and each classroom has been calculated, so that two metre social distancing can be maintained at all times.
• Any personal protective equipment (PPE) that is risk assessed as being required, will be provided by the college.
• A one-way system will be in effect throughout the college.
• Ongoing cleaning of classrooms and workshops will take place throughout each day.

Staff have also been working on preparations for students joining in September. All students who have applied to Harrogate College will be contacted and asked to take part in a summer transition programme. This provides students with the opportunity to communicate with new teachers and classmates, while developing valuable digital and study skills needed to return to full-time education in September. 

You’ll be aware that following the Prime Minister’s statement and government updates since, that schools and colleges should plan to open from 1 June in a phased way.  

In his message, the Prime Minister specified a range of year groups, including those in years 10 and 12, with a focus on those taking exams in the following academic year. 

Most students at college, however, do not study two-year programmes with exams at the end; many courses are assessed at different times and in different ways. Practical courses (particularly those that need a formal assessment of their skills competence) and apprentices are not able to achieve their qualifications on the basis of a teacher proposed grade.  

We have been working hard on plans for a gradual and phased return of our students and staff with a focus on those who cannot achieve their qualifications or progress to the next level without some face-to-face support or assessment. We will only start this when we feel it is safe to do so.  

Because there is a lot of preparation needed to make our buildings safe and to prioritise which students need our support to achieve this year, we will not invite any students into college buildings until 15 June at the earliest.  

Your teachers will contact you individually by 5 June to let you know if you need to return before September. If you are not contacted by that date, please do not arrive at college on 15 June.

In the meantime, we hope that you are able to continue learning remotely and you are in regular contact with your teachers about next steps, whether that is continuation on your current course or progression to the next level, an apprenticeship, higher education or employment. 

Danny Wild
Principal Harrogate College 

Childcare and Education Technical Diploma Level 3 students at Harrogate College, Alison Taylor and Emily Beecroft, have been recognised for their impressive achievements during their course.

Alison joined the course as a mature student after raising a family of five. Now that her children are older and independent, she decided to focus on pursuing a career in childcare. At the beginning of the course, Alison struggled with low confidence and lacked IT skills, and worried she may not pass the course. Through real determination and hard work, she mastered her IT skills and developed effective learning techniques needed to achieve a good grade.

During placements, staff commented on how fantastic she is with children and many have offered her jobs as a result. Alison recently secured a job at her local nursery in Pateley Bridge and plans to start work when the nursery re-opens. She also plans to progress on to a Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies in September.

Alison said: “When I first started the course, I felt really out of my depth and older than everyone there. However, everyone was incredibly supportive and made me feel really comfortable. At first, I even struggled turning the computer on! But my course mates were very kind in helping me get started and I’ve improved immensely. This course has given me a head start in a career I’ve always dreamed of.”

Meanwhile, Emily faced some incredibly difficult challenges in her personal life when she joined the course. Despite this, she remained focused on her course and worked very hard, engaging with all the pastoral help offered with a positive attitude. She consistently received excellent reports from her placements and occasionally worked during the holidays. Emily has ambitions of becoming a primary school teacher, and through her hard work and commitment has received offers from all five universities she applied for.

Emily said: “The support I got from the team at college was amazing; I always felt I had someone to talk to when I was struggling. This course has allowed me to begin my journey into teaching, supporting me every step of the way and making sure I did every piece of work to the best of my ability.”

A teacher at Harrogate College is supporting a local group in the production of scrubs for NHS workers.

Annabel Smith, programme manager for MA Creative Practice, has sewn three scrubs for frontline care staff across the district as part of community group Harrogate Scrubbers.

Launched by Fran Taylor, a teacher at St John Fishers High School, the group aims to address the increased demand for scrubs during the global pandemic. Since setting up the Facebook group three weeks ago, the page now has over 680 members including a strong network of sewers and delivery drivers to support key workers in the area.

Annabel said: “The community spirit sparked through Harrogate Scrubbers is inspiring. I originally heard about the group through a former fashion student and it’s been fantastic to see former colleagues and students getting involved. It’s marvellous to see the group attracting more attention; I’ve informed all my students and colleagues about it and really look forward to seeing it grow.

“I’ve taught fashion design and marketing at the college for over 14 years; teaching students how to design, cut patterns and construct garments. As an experienced sewer, this seemed like the perfect way to support NHS staff in the area. I’ve spent a week cutting and making the scrubs, which are now in use at Harrogate District Hospital.”

Harrogate Scrubbers is continuing to produce scrubs including laundry bags, scrub caps and waterproof gowns. To date, the group has produced 384 sets of scrubs and raised £16,274 for the NHS.

The group is urging the public to continue supporting the campaign to help staff at the hospital. To find out how you can support, visit the official Facebook page.