October 2026
What does safeguarding mean?
We have a dedicated team to support all our students who are aged 16-18 as well as adults who may be at risk, whilst studying with Warrington & Vale Royal College. Our safeguarding team is experienced in supporting students with a range of issues, including:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• On-line abuse, including social media
• Mental health issues
• Sexual harassment and misconduct
• Domestic violence
• Radicalisation
• Bullying
• Drug and alcohol abuse
If you are affected by any of these issues at any time either at college or in your workplace please speak with a member of the safeguarding team or your tutor/assessor. We have access to a range of support services both inside and outside of the college and we are here to help.
You can contact the team by calling 01925 494222 or emailing safeguarding@wvr.ac.uk
If you have an immediate concern the safety of yourself or another person please call 999
Student Assistance Programme (for adult students)
A range of services and support is available, including:
• Unlimited access to 24/7 mental health and counselling (BACP accredited) confidential telephone
helpline. Answered by an experienced counsellor or therapist who will offer support for a variety of issues
• Includes a translation service in over 200 languages
• 24/7 critical and traumatic incident telephone support
• Online health and wellbeing portal
• My Healthy Advantage app including live agent chat and video calling
• Debt and Financial, and Legal information telephone helplines (9am –9pm)
• Medical information telephone helpline (Mon to Fri 9am –5pm)
• Up to 6 sessions of structured solution focused therapy via telephone and online
• Online counselling including online CBT and trauma course
• Coverage for spouse/partner and dependants within HMRC guidelines
• Family advice line on topics such as childcare and eldercare
Preventing people from being drawn into terrorism.
PREVENT provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support and works in partnership with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health) where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to deal with.
What are we doing at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
P – Promotion of British Values and positive relationships
R – Refer any concerns via safeguarding to relevant authorities
E – Education for students via induction and reviews
V – Vetting and removal of any posters or other materials of an extremist nature
E – Environment is safe and secure with sufficient security procedures and on-line filters
N – News monitoring for any concerns
T – Training of staff to raise awareness of the signs and risks
This year’s theme is It Takes All of Us.
November is White Ribbon Month
November marks White Ribbon Month, a campaign that encourages everyone to stand against violence and abuse towards women and girls, and to promote healthy, respectful relationships.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or circumstances. It can include physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, stalking, harassment, or threatening behaviour. No one should have to live in fear.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are worried about someone you know, support is available. You can speak confidentially to a trusted member of staff, your safeguarding team, or contact specialist services such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, always call 999.
Remember: abuse is never your fault, and seeking help is a sign of strength. You are not alone, and support is available when you are ready to access it.
November is Movember, a global campaign that encourages people to grow a moustache, start conversations, and raise awareness of the health issues affecting men. The campaign shines a spotlight on men's physical and mental health, including mental wellbeing, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Many men can find it difficult to talk about their mental health or seek support when they are struggling. Movember reminds us that reaching out for help, checking in with friends, and talking openly about how we feel are important steps towards better wellbeing.
If you're experiencing difficulties with your mental health, remember that support is available. You can speak to your GP, access local wellbeing services, contact organisations such as Samaritans on 116 123, or speak to a member of the College Safeguarding Team for advice and support.
Drug and Alcohol Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol misuse in Warrington, there is free, confidential support available.
CGL Change Grow Live, through its Pathways to Recovery Warrington service, offers advice, assessment, treatment, recovery programmes, harm reduction support, and access to specialist health professionals for adults affected by drug or alcohol use.
The service also provides support for families and carers, helping them to understand addiction and support their loved ones.
People can refer themselves directly to the service, speak to their GP or another professional for a referral, or simply drop in for support. Help is available regardless of where someone is on their recovery journey, and the focus is on providing non-judgemental, person-centred support to help individuals regain control of their lives.
If you live outside of Warrington, please speak to the team and we will support you to find support in your area.
Warrington Borough Council have recently launched an online safety hub aimed at parents and carers and designed to support them to understand the risks of the online world.
https://warrington.onlinesafetyhub.uk/
Additional Support Services
Samaritans - If you are having a difficult time and need someone to speak to - 116 123
Shelter - Information on homelessness and housing issues - https://england.shelter.org.uk
Frank - Advice and Information about drugs - talktofrank.com
Domestic Violence - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/