Staying Safe and Well This Holiday Season


The holiday break is a time for relaxation and celebration, but we also want to ensure all our students stay safe and look after their wellbeing. We understand that while holidays can be exciting, they can also bring challenges, especially when you’re away from your regular college routine and support networks.

My Positive Mental Health Christmas Holiday Planner

During the break, it’s important to maintain good habits and take care of your mental health. This might mean keeping a regular sleep schedule, staying active, and finding ways to relax and unwind that work for you. Remember, there’s no “perfect” way to spend the holidays – what matters is finding a balance that helps you feel healthy and content.

Top Ten Stress-Busting Tips for Christmas
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health during the holidays

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the holiday period, we’ve provided some practical resources to help you manage stress and maintain positive wellbeing during this busy time.

Christmas Safety Guide

If you’re planning to socialise during the break, we want you to stay safe. Always ensure your phone is charged, use trusted taxi services, and be aware of initiatives like “Ask for Angela” if you feel uncomfortable in bars or restaurants. It’s also crucial to know your limits and look after yourself and your friends when out celebrating.

HeadStart South Tees – Digital Safety Over the Festive Season

Your digital wellbeing is equally important during the holiday period. While social media can help you stay connected with friends, remember to take regular breaks and be mindful of your online safety. This includes being careful about sharing personal information and being aware of potential online scams that often increase during the festive season.

Christmas Presence Mindfulness Meditation Script

Taking time for mindfulness and relaxation can be particularly helpful during the festive period. We’ve included a guided meditation exercise specifically designed to help you find moments of calm during the holiday season.

stem4 Apps

We’ve partnered with stem4 to provide access to NHS-recommended mental health apps that you can download for free. These apps offer practical tools for managing anxiety, maintaining positive mental health, and developing healthy coping strategies during potentially stressful periods.

Even though college is closed, support services remain available throughout the break:

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
  • CAMHs Crisis Team (Under 18): 08000 516171
  • Mental Health Crisis: Call 111 and select the mental health option
  • Talk to Frank: 0300 123 6600
  • Emergency Services: 999

When we return in January, our college support services will be ready to help if you need to talk about any concerns or challenges you’ve faced during the break. Until then, we encourage you to stay connected with friends, maintain a healthy routine, and remember that it’s okay to reach out for help if you need it.

From everyone at the college, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year.