The government has introduced a free period product scheme as no-one should be held back from accessing their education due to their period, so they aim to provide free products for all students that need them. This means students aged 16-19 now have access to free period products in their place of study.

All students aged 16-19 should be able to access period products if they need them. This may include, for example, where students:

• have forgotten their products
• cannot afford products
• have come on their period unexpectedly

Students aged 19 or over are only eligible for support from the scheme if they:

• are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16-18 (19+ continuers)
• have an education, health and care plan

The scheme is not for apprentices or HE students, however the College also runs the Red Box Project for any student, boxes are held with Student Services and the Welfare Team.

For more information on the scheme please contact the Welfare Team welfare@derby-college.ac.uk

At DCG your health and well-being are very important to us, so to help you achieve your maximum potential we encourage you to plant these SEEDS…

S - Sleep

Getting enough good quality sleep can provide many benefits for your physical and mental health. A proper amount of sleep keeps your energy levels up, improves your mood, and fights off anxiety and depression.

Help on getting a good night's sleep

 

E – Eating Healthily

You are probably aware that eating the right food is good for your physical health, but did you know that what you eat can have a significant impact on how you feel too?

How can food affect your mood?

 

E - Exercise

We all know that we should try and do more exercise for our physical health, but it also has a massive impact on the way we feel too. It releases chemicals in the brain that trigger happiness and feeling good. Did you know our physical bodies crave exercise even though our thinking brains may say otherwise...

How exercise improves mental well-being

 

D – Discussing how you feel

Discussing how you feel with others can have a positive impact on your mental health, particularly when life is difficult. Talking about how you feel helps you manage your well-being and it might even help others to open-up about how they feel too. Think about the people in your life who you can talk to about different problems you might have, such as your friends, family and loved ones, a trusted member of staff or a specialist team at college.

How discussing how you feel can help your well-being

 

S – Self-Help

Self-Help is about doing things ourselves to help our own mental health. Often, we can help improve how we feel by taking time out to do something we enjoy or by trying something new. Why not see what works for you? Try taking up a new hobby like learning to play an instrument or speaking a new language., or perhaps you would prefer learning to bake, getting crafty or take up a new sport. It may be that you need to try a few of these strategies before you find the one that really works for you

 

How self-help can improve your mental well-being

For more information about improving your Mental Well-Being visit the Mental Well-Being Toolkit

Sometimes being at college can be a stressful time, particularly when you first start and around exam time. Help is at hand though, with lots of support available to you.

If you feel like you are struggling to settle in talk to your personal tutor or Student Experience and Progression coach as they can work with you to find ways to help you feel more settled during your first few weeks.

 

Issues with course Your Student Experience and Progression Coach can also support you if you are struggling with any issues with your course or self-study.

Exam stress If you need any support with exam stress, see the Inclusion Support Team who can offer sessions on support strategies that can help

Support for your Well-Being If you need support with any aspect your well-being including your mental health, the Welfare Team are here to help. They will offer you practical advice and guidance to help you work through any issues and where appropriate will refer or signpost you to other agencies that can help.

Student Counselling Service If you are experiencing difficulties which may be affecting your studies, it may help to speak to one of the Counselling Team. The Counselling Service is a confidential service and our Counsellors are approachable, non-judgemental and have experience in working with students on a variety of issues.