More than 600 Newcastle College students explored important issues around health, wellbeing and personal safety as the College hosted its first-ever Thrive@NCL Harm Reduction and Wellbeing Event.
Held on Wednesday 23 September, the event brought together specialist support organisations from across the North East, giving students access to practical advice, guidance and information to help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Taking place across the College's main campus, the event featured interactive activities, information stands and opportunities for students to speak directly with professionals about a range of important topics.
Representatives from Northumbria Police provided advice on spiking awareness, while Women's Street Watch focused on personal safety and staying safe on nights out.
Students also received guidance on mental health, healthy relationships, sexual health, domestic abuse awareness and addiction recovery, with organisations including RISE, PROPS and Changing Lives among those offering support.
CAP Mocktails delivered alcohol awareness activities, while Pharmacy First highlighted the range of services available through local pharmacies, including contraception and vaccinations. The Smoking Cessation Team also engaged with students looking for support to quit smoking.
The College's Learning Mentors were on hand to highlight the support available to students throughout their studies, including guidance around healthy relationships.
Rachel Gibson, Assistant Director of Central Support Services at Newcastle College, said:
“Over 600 students engaged in the event, which provided a safe and welcoming environment to connect with College and external support services, explore key wellbeing issues and access practical information to support their health, safety and overall student experience.”
Feedback from the organisations involved was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the enthusiasm of students and their willingness to discuss important issues.
A spokesperson from RISE said:
"The event was well organised, and it was an absolute pleasure speaking to students and staff. It was also lovely to network with other organisations and raise awareness of the support available to young people."
A spokesperson from Pharmacy First said:
"There was lots of interest in Pharmacy First, contraception, Men B vaccines and the wider role of pharmacists. It was great to see students asking questions and finding out about services they didn't realise were available."
A spokesperson from the Smoking Cessation Team said:
"Thanks so much for hosting us - it was a great event, so well planned! We had a great response from students, with lots of smokers wanting to quit and access support."
A spokesperson from PROPS said:
“PROPS were delighted to attend the Thrive event at Newcastle College to discuss Drug and Alcohol awareness and Safety.
The students were extremely engaging and asked some excellent questions about how they can keep themselves and their friends safe.
It was fantastic to see such openness around these important topics. A big thank you to Newcastle College for having us and giving us the opportunity to share our knowledge and raise awareness!”
With activities taking place in the Glass Box, Library and outdoor areas of the campus, Thrive@NCL created an accessible and welcoming environment where students could ask questions, explore sensitive topics and find out where to turn for support.
The inaugural event forms part of Newcastle College's wider commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom, helping them develop the knowledge, confidence and awareness to make positive choices throughout their studies and beyond.