# SheffColHealthyBodies

Let's make our campus a haven of body positivity, where everyone feels comfortable, accepted, and celebrated. Join us in this exciting journey towards self-acceptance, and together, let's create a more inclusive and compassionate community.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our campus-wide Body Image Campaign, a movement dedicated to promoting body positivity and fostering a culture of self-love and acceptance. In a world where unrealistic beauty standards often prevail, it's crucial to celebrate the diverse range of bodies that make up our vibrant student community.

Body image is a deeply personal and multifaceted topic that affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. The campaign aims to challenge societal norms, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and create an inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable and confident in their own skin.

Throughout this campaign, we invite you to join us in embracing and celebrating your unique beauty. Here are some ways you can get involved:

Join the conversation: We believe that every person's journey with body image is valuable and deserves to be heard. We encourage you to share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. By opening up and being vulnerable, you can inspire and empower others who may be going through similar struggles. You can join the conversation by using #sheffcolhealthybodies on twitter and Instagram

Promote Inclusivity: Encourage representation and diversity in all aspects of campus life. Work with the union to ensure that our promotional materials which will be rolling out cross campus, get Infront of all the students that need to hear about this!

Engage in Positive Self-Talk: Be mindful of the way you talk to yourself and others about bodies. Encourage positive self-talk, challenge negative thoughts, and promote a culture of kindness and acceptance. Remember that everybody is unique, beautiful, and worthy of love and respect.

Support Each Other: Be a source of support and encouragement for your peers. Celebrate their achievements, compliment them on their unique qualities, and provide a safe space for conversations about body image. Together, we can create a network of care and understanding that uplifts and empowers everyone.

Let us know what you think: Drop us a DM or an email to let us know what you think of our campaign, and if there is anything else we can do to make The Sheffield College an amazing place for everyone to be!

Support Available

Your mental health and well-being are vitally important to your time at college, so we're committed to giving you the support structures you need to succeed during your studies, and beyond.

We have various initiatives in place to support you, no matter what issues you might be facing either at home or at college.

Well-Being Cafès & Enrichment: Our Students' Union team comes together regularly to host our well-being cafes. These drop-in sessions are a brilliant opportunity to find some peace and quiet in among the hustle and bustle of college. To find out more pop into the Students' Union and speak to a rep. There is also plenty of sport enrichment at College too - to find out more email afcteam@sheffcol.ac.uk

Student Assistance Programme: If you are in College and you need emotional or personal help, your Personal Tutor, Student Mentor or member of delivery team will be there to do that. However, problems and worries often happen outside of college times. This is why the Sheffield College has launched the Student Assistance Programme. This is an external agency that offers a 24/7 helpline of support. All phone calls are answered by trained Councillors who are able to guide, support and signpost. The leaflet below also has the number included.

Mental Health First Aiders: At our main campuses, we have a dedicated team of staff members who have received specialized training to provide immediate support in case of a mental health crisis. Although they are not trained counselors, these Mental Health First Aiders offer a non-judgmental environment where you can freely express your thoughts and concerns. Moreover, they can guide you towards additional support services for longer-term assistance, should you feel the need for them. Speak to your tutor to find out who your local Mental Health First Aider is.

Student Info Calling the SAP helpline - non counselling (1).pdf

The Listening Service: If at any point during your college experience, you feel the need for individualized support, our professional counselors are available through the Listening Service. The Listening Service is open to students from all levels and courses, offering pastoral care and a compassionate ear to anyone who requires it. Whether you are facing challenges related to mental health, issues at home, difficulties in relationships, or simply feeling overwhelmed by college work, the Listening Service provides a secure and confidential environment where you can freely express yourself. To seek the support of The Listening Service email safeguarding@sheffcol.ac.uk

External Support and Resources

Body image | YoungMinds
Body image and mental health | Mental Health Foundation
CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service): Body Image and Self-Esteem – CAMHS (hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk)
LearnSheffield resource on body image and self-esteem: Sheffield Wellbeing Resources v2 FC - 3 Body Image and Self-Esteem.pdf (learnsheffield.co.uk)
SAYIT is a local South Yorkshire organisation, specifically designed to support young people within the LGBTQ+ community, and you can find contact details on their website.

Remember, your worth is not defined by your appearance. True beauty lies in your character, your passions, and your ability to make a positive impact on the world. Embracing your own unique beauty is a powerful act of self-love that can inspire others to do the same.