Wakefield College and Castleford College welcomed GASPED (Giving Advice and Support to People in Emotional Distress) for a series of impactful talks addressing mental health, wellbeing, and lived experiences. With 3,200 students across the two campuses (60% female at Wakefield and 70% male at Castleford), these sessions were designed to resonate with the diverse student population and tackle pressing issues faced by young people today.
A Safe Space for Honest Conversations
The talks were facilitated by GASPED representatives, including Stan, Niraj (who introduced the sessions by highlighting the organisation’s two-year collaboration with the colleges) Waheeda, Ghufrana, Sean and Kerry. The sessions were structured to be interactive and supportive, creating a safe space for students to engage with topics that are often stigmatised.
“We’ve been working with the college to deliver talks, well-being workshops, and lived experience interventions,” Niraj explained. “Our goal is to provide practical resources while normalising conversations around drugs & alcohol, mental health, and domestic abuse.”
This project is born out of Niraj’s work to address the need of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s (WYCA) Police & Crime Plan and its Violence Reduction Partnership’s (VRP) serious Violence duty, acting an intervention and diversion strategy preventing young people from engaging in crime and experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) leading to trauma.
Trigger Warnings and Tailored Support
Before delving into their personal accounts, speakers outlined potential trigger warnings, recognising the sensitivity of the topics. Issues covered included:
- Mental health challenges such as depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation
- Domestic abuse, sexual violence, and relationship breakdowns
- Substance abuse, drug dealing, and county lines exploitation
- Academic stress, financial difficulties, and social isolation
Students were reassured that HOY’s in house support service Student Central were available on-site for anyone affected by the discussions.
Tailored Sessions for Two Campuses
Wakefield College
With a student population that is 60% female, the talks at Wakefield College highlighted gendered experiences of mental health and wellbeing. Female students were particularly engaged in discussions about body image, eating disorders, and domestic abuse, while also exploring the impact of family dynamics and grief. One of the speakers shared their journey of overcoming substance abuse and rebuilding their life, resonating with students who appreciated the raw honesty of the narrative.
Castleford College
At Castleford College, where 70% of the student body is male, the focus shifted toward issues like anti-social behaviour, knife crime, and addiction. The speakers connected deeply with male students, many of whom related to struggles with emotional health and societal pressures.
A session on the dangers of drug dealing and county lines exploitation led to a lively Q&A, with students keen to learn more about community resources and how to seek help.
Promoting GASPED’s Services
Throughout the talks, GASPED emphasised their key services, including:
- ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics): A support group for individuals dealing with the long-term effects of growing up in alcoholic households.
- PROUD (Positive Resilience Overcoming Ups and Downs): A peer-led initiative by 16-year-olds focused on promoting resilience and understanding diversity in mental health through creative workshops.
Students were invited to speak with the facilitators at the end of each session for additional guidance and support.
Impact and Reflections
The talks left a lasting impression on both students and staff. Many students expressed gratitude for the open, non-judgmental approach and felt more empowered to seek help for their challenges.
Janine, Head of Pastoral Care at the Heart of Yorkshire Colleges, remarked, “It’s essential to provide students with access to real stories and practical support. These sessions are a vital part of how we address mental health within our college community.”
The event underscored the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and community organisations in addressing mental health challenges among young people.
If you are an educational establishment interested in GASPED supporting your 16+ students please contact resourcecentre@gasped.co.uk.
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