For most of you, attending college is a fantastic experience. It is an opportunity to meet new people, explore numerous opportunities, achieve academic goals and work towards a career.
We want all of you to have a positive experience, so it is crucial to seek advice and support early to minimise any impact on your mental health.
Our Mental Health First Aiders are available if you or someone you are concerned about is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. They provide support until professional help is received or the crisis is resolved.
If you are at risk of harm or abuse, or have concerns about another student, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team or email safe@nrc.ac.uk.
Beginning any new course can be a stressful and anxious time for many, whether you are returning to education after a long time or if you have just completed your secondary education.
All of us at some time in our lives have to deal with difficult experiences, they might be physical, emotional, psychological or social. Talking things through with a counsellor can really help.
If something is causing you unhappiness or trouble, then it may be worth some time thinking about why this may be happening and talk things through. This is what counselling is - it gives you the chance to talk freely about what is causing you distress or anxiety and helps you to resolve your own problems.
Inspire Wellbeing provides expert, confidential wellbeing services aimed at helping you deal with challenges in your academic and private lives.
Your sexual health and wellbeing is important and looking after your sexual health can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Being confident about your sexual health can also help in developing positive relationships.
There are clinics available throughout all Health and Social Care Trust areas, offering friendly and confidential services.
We’ve put together some useful questions and answers about the health and wellbeing support available to you. From general advice and guidance to referrals to external experts, and help with mental health, sexual health, welfare and crisis situations, we’re here to ensure you get the support you need.
At Northern Regional College we are here to support your health and wellbeing.
General help and advice
Relevant signposting
Housing Support
Crisis Support
Welfare Support
Period Dignity
Mental Health
Sexual Health
Personal Problems
Finance & Debt concern
Careers and employability options
Young adult carers
LGBT+
Young Parents
Bullying
The Inspire Support Hub provides access to a range of online information guidance, screening, intervention tools and resources that are tailored to help care for your individual wellbeing. This includes:
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To Sign Up for Inspire Student Support Hub using the unique PIN: NRCHUB Inspire can be contacted for free, confidential and immediate support by self-referral using 0800 987 4089. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
Guided wellbeing self-assessment via ‘iHelpr chatbot’
Self-help courses
A personalised mood/sleep tracker
A range of wellbeing information and bibliotherapy
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Connect We proudly represent all full-time, part-time, further education, higher education and work-based learning students. Your voice matters, and we strive to ensure your interests and concerns are heard. |
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Be Active We are here to support you throughout your education. Whether you need guidance, resources or advocating for student-friendly policies, we are here to help you thrive academically. |
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Take Notice Your opinions and ideas matter. We offer a platform where you can speak up on the issues that matter to you and your fellow students to help shape your experience at college. |
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Keep Learning Your well-being is our priority. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment so your college journey is both academically and personally rewarding. |
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Give We believe in the power of student activities and events. Through our vibrant calendar of events, we encourage you to engage, connect, and make lifelong memories. Explore a variety of extracurricular activities that align with your interests and broaden your horizons. |
Period dignity refers to the accessibility and availability of essential care needed to support a period, in conjunction with the breaking of stigma and taboo around periods.
Period poverty is a significant issue impacting millions of people around the world. Studies have shown that at least 25% of women and people who menstruate studying in the UK have struggled to access or afford period products.
Following a successful pilot from the Department for the Economy NI the Students’ Union has successfully established free period products in the female and accessible bathrooms across all our campuses.
All products are completely free so take what you need, when you need it.
Should you ever find the boxes empty please report it to reception, one of the student services offices or email studentsunion@nrc.ac.uk
Your sexual health and wellbeing is important and looking after your sexual health can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. Being confident about your sexual health can also help in developing positive relationships.
There are clinics available throughout all Health and Social Care Trust areas, offering friendly and confidential services.
You might consider visiting a clinic if:
• You are thinking about having sex for the first time.
• You want to talk to someone about sexual health issues.
• Your contraceptive has failed and you need emergency contraception.
• You need a pregnancy test.
• You want advice about what contraception is best for you. For example, pill, condoms.
• You have had unprotected sex.
• You are concerned about sexually transmitted infections. Remember that some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia, may have no symptoms.
• You are starting a new relationship and you want to have a checkup.
To learn more or find your nearest clinic, visit https://sexualhealthni.info/visiting-gum-clinic/
The C-Card (Condom Distribution) Scheme is a confidential sexual health service for young people aged 16 – 25 years in Northern Ireland. The scheme provides free condoms, lubricants, information support and advice at convenient times and in a variety of locations across local communities.
The scheme is more than just a condom distribution scheme. The C-Card Scheme offers supported access to condoms and signposting to local sexual health services.
The service is available at:
Magherafelt Campus
Contact Leo Meenan
Email - leo.meenan@nrc.ac.uk
Telephone: 028 7963 2462
Causeway campus
Telephone 028 2766 0432
For more information regarding the C-Card scheme visit Sexual Health NI.
© Northern Regional College