Here at the College we are dedicated to supporting the well-being of both our students and our staff. Our College community is open and communicative about all aspects of mental health, welfare and well-being and we understand how debilitating it can be when this is compromised.
We offer different streams of support depending on student needs. The Well-Being Team will work with you to find what support is appropriate and help you to access it.
Your Progress Coach and tutors are linked directly to the well-being service and can help you access them if and when required.
Life isn’t always smooth sailing, and that’s okay. At York College, we recognise that challenges are part of the journey. Our aim isn’t to fix things for you, but to equip you with the tools, insight, and confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs yourself.
You’re not waiting for a magic wand, you are the magic wand. With the right support and a willingness to engage, you can learn to manage your mental well-being, build resilience, and thrive both in college and beyond.
To access the well-being service, click here to complete a referral form.
Current students can also access useful resources and support via the Student Portal. If you are a current student, please click here to learn more.
If you're a parent or carer and would like to reach out on a student's behalf, you're welcome to email us at wellbeing@yorkcollege.ac.uk. We’ll make contact with the student, but please note:
- Support is never forced - we respect each young person's autonomy.
- Engagement is key - they must be willing to participate in the support process.
Our goal is to create a safe, respectful space where students feel encouraged to seek help when they need it.
Well-being Advisors
The well-being advisors are specialist trained advisors offering support to students for a wide range of mental health, welfare and well-being difficulties.
The well-being advisors work closely with progress coaches and curriculum areas and they work in collaboration with external services.
Well-being Advisors
The well-being advisors are specialist trained advisors offering support to students for a wide range of mental health, welfare and well-being difficulties.
The well-being advisors work closely with progress coaches and curriculum areas and they work in collaboration with external services.
Counselling
York Mind are working in partnership with us, offering a counselling service on site to support students.
Should you be a current student and wish to refer please complete a referral form by clicking here.
Counselling
York Mind are working in partnership with us, offering a counselling service on site to support students.
Should you be a current student and wish to refer please complete a referral form by clicking here.
Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life is our digital well-being offering. It is a dedicated well-being app that offers 24/7 mental health support to our current students as well as having self-help resources and more.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, Spectrum Life connects you to qualified professionals via phone, live chat, or video call, any time, day or night.
Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life is our digital well-being offering. It is a dedicated well-being app that offers 24/7 mental health support to our current students as well as having self-help resources and more.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, Spectrum Life connects you to qualified professionals via phone, live chat, or video call, any time, day or night.
Following an initial appointment, we can offer:
- 1:1 follow up sessions
- Counselling
- Mental health and well-being workshops
- Practical advice and guidance
- Mental health first aid
- Support through self-help
- Referral and liaison with external services
Confidentially
Everything we discuss is confidential and we will always ask your permission to talk to others involved in your support, unless you or somebody else is at serious risk of harm. We will discuss confidentiality with you at our first meeting.
Professionally
We have a commitment to listen to you, ensure you are given relevant and accurate information, treat you with respect and take your views seriously.
Need help now?
If you need immediate support due to a mental health crisis please contact your GP or go directly to A&E.
Alternatively you can contact the NHS crisis team for York, Selby, Ryedale, North Yorkshire, Durham, Darlington and Teesside on: 0800 0516 171
For additional support:
The Hub of Hope - is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.
SHOUT : Chasing the Stigma Crisis Messenger service, a 24/7 text messaging service to provide support and help to those most in need.
The Samaritans www.samaritans.org provide a 24-hour helpline for people in distress and despair 116 123
York Samaritans are based at 89 Nunnery Lane, York - 01904 655888 (phone for details about visiting times). This map will help you find them. www.samaritans.org/branches/york-samaritans
HOPElineUK www.papyrus-uk.org has a specialist helpline which helps young people (35 years and under) deal with suicidal thoughts and supports those worried about others.
Qwell - Access free, safe and anonymous support from NHS service provider Qwell for those aged 19+
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse:
IDAS provide a helpline and information
Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire provide a helpline and lots of useful and practical information on keeping safe.
Always phone 999 if you feel there is an imminent risk of harm.
Need housing advice?
York City Council
North Yorkshire Council
For more information, please contact the Well-being Team at wellbeing@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
