We understand you might be worrying about what help is available to you. The College is here to support you along with many other organisations across London. We have listed below some of the key contacts that might be helpful.
The situation around coronavirus (covid-19) continues to change on a regular basis so some information and services might change too over the coming weeks. If you are not sure who to contact please contact the College Safeguarding team.
16-19 Tuition Fund 2021-22
Lewisham College has received funding to support catch-up tuition to small groups of students who have been disrupted by the pandemic. Students will be offered a range of support which you can find in the 16-19 Tuition Fund Statement.
Ukraine Refugees: Barnardo’s Helpline 0800 148 8586
Barnardo’s has launched a free helpline, staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine. The helpline is open Monday – Friday (10am-8pm) and Saturday (10am-3pm) and offers help and advice on a range of issues, including housing, accessing key health services, education and employment.
They also provide links to the local Ukrainian Cultural Centre through the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, practical support including access to digital devices, toys for children, baby items and food bank vouchers and therapy with a qualified psychotherapist delivered via the phone or online, with access to interpreters.
Fika Mental Fitness
Lewisham College has partnered with Fika Mental Fitness to help combat the challenges of remote study and the mental health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The app offers a dedicated series of programmes created to help students learn from expert psychologists, other students, academic and professional athletes.
Students can use the app to access video, audio and text programmes covering many topics, including managing distractions and uncertainty, maintaining motivation and positivity, staying connected, self-care and healthy habits. It also helps to develop focus, confidence, motivation, connection, positivity, meaning and management of stress. Download the app here.
Brook Young People's Information Service
Providing information, support and signposting service for young people under 25 on sexual health. They also run a confidential enquiry service via the Brook website. Details of local services are available via text message (see website for details). Centres throughout the UK offer free contraception, pregnancy testing and counselling.
Safe4Me
This A-Z directory provides details of relevant support services, including those referred to in Safe4me resources. Organisations and services included in this directory offer support, advice and information for young people, parents/carers and professionals on a range of topics.
Peabody
Provide information on where to find food banks in London.
Childline
Childline provides a range of online tools that young people might find helpful, including:
- Information about coronavirus
- Calm Zone activities to help let go of stress
- Games to help take your mind off things
- Information and advice on a range of topics including feelings, relationships, family and schools
- Peer support message boards
It’s not always easy to know what’s safe online and what’s not. There is further advice on Childline’s stay safe online page, which can help you to keep safe and to know what to do when things go wrong.
Childline can also give confidential help and advice. Calls to 0800 1111 are free or children can get support online.
Children’s Society
Provide support for mental and emotional wellbeing.
Shelter housing advice helpline 0330 0536091
If you are 18-25 and need advice around housing.
The Samaritans 116 123 (24hrs)
If you are feeling very low, feeling suicidal or need to talk to somebody urgently. You can also present to A&E at any hospital.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hrs)
If you are in an abusive or violent relationship or fleeing any kind of violence or abuse, and need help urgently. In an emergency, always call 999.
SHARE checklist
Use this checklist to help protect yourself and your friends from false information online about coronavirus.
Our website contains links to websites owned and operated by third parties. If you use these links you leave our website. These links are provided for your information and convenience only and are not an endorsement by Lewisham College of the content of such linked websites or third-party services. Lewisham College has no control of the content of any linked website and is not responsible for these websites or their content or availability.
