Knowsley Community College

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Mental Health
At least one in four people in their lifetime will experience mental health difficulties. Areas of difficulty in college often include concentration, staying in the classroom, changes in behaviour, difficulty in building on previous learning. Common strengths are creativity, empathy for others and 'thinking outside the box'.

Many learners with mental health difficulties learn successfully without any additional support.

If you do require additional support this could include:

Arranging specific transition arrangements
Referral to an Adviser with specific responsibility for supporting students with mental health support needs in a range of settings
Consulting with students in order to develop effective and discreet support plans and mechanisms
Liaising with relevant external agencies including community mental health teams, mental health charities and other generic service providers
Developing a joined up approach to support across the College and facilitating clear channels of communication
Promoting positive mental health and well-being through a series of curriculum activities
Raising the awareness of the staff through staff development, displays and events
Publicising support on offer

Tutors are flexible and respond to learners who may:

Be late for class
Take breaks in attendance because of the nature of their mental illness
Demonstrate a change in behaviour
Hear voices during class
Experience side-effects of medication such as feeling sleepy, anxious, hyperactive, depressed, tearful, nauseous, paranoid, hot, cold or thirsty
Have an inability to concentrate
Need frequent breaks
Take time out from periods of concentration
Have difficulties building on previous learning