Student wellbeing
At Performers College, we know the theatre school environment can be fast-paced, exhilarating and exciting, but it also comes with a range of new challenges.
From having to manage paying rent and bills for the first time, to making new friends and balancing a healthy social life whilst undertaking a rigorous performing arts programme. There can be a lot of new things to experience and, at times, it can feel overwhelming.
From enrolment to graduation, our experienced Student Wellbeing Team offer personalised information, advice and guidance to help you with those challenges; whatever they may be.
We work hard to make sure you have access to the support you need to succeed throughout your studies.
We aim to provide a safe and confidential space so that you can explore your own personal development in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether that be in a booked one-to-one tutorial session or by dropping by for advice and guidance from a Student Wellbeing Advisor, the team are here to support you in reaching your goals.
Whether you need ongoing support for a diagnosed learning difficulty or mental health condition, or if you just need someone to talk to when things get tough: we’re here to help.
We will work with you to help you build the confidence and resilience to deal with life’s challenges. We can provide you with practical advice and guidance on ways to support your wellbeing, help you access services like your GP, and signpost you to specialised local support agencies. For students who require further support we can also refer you to our nominated counselling service, whether that be in house or via local therapy providers we work with.
So be bold; take the first step in reaching your creative, personal and academic goals and know that there is help there should you need it. Discover some of the ways we help our students below.
Our dedicated Learning Support team support students with a range of disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, physical and mental health issues. The team offer support based on your individual needs and how your disability, learning difference or health condition affect your studies.
We encourage you to share details with us of your disability, neurodiverse condition or health issue as early as possible in the application process so we can work with you to put in any support you might need before you arrive.
We can help you put together an individual Learning Support Plan, created specifically for you. This will ensure your tutors know the best ways they can support you both academically and pastorally. We can also establish what reasonable adjustments you may require, such as, for example, extra time on assignments. You may also be entitled to additional support and funding during your time of study, available from Disabled Students Allowance (UK students only). Further information can be found here: HM Government: Disable Student’s Allowance.
We can help you with:
- Implementing reasonable adjustments for learning and assessments (e.g. extra time for written work).
- Creating Individual Support Plans to aid your learning
- Supporting eligible students with applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
- Helping students to access diagnostic assessments for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia.
- Providing advice and information for students who wish to consider accessing assessments for other neurodiverse conditions (e.g. ADHD, Autism).
Sometimes life presents us with challenges that seem too big to manage on our own. It doesn’t matter what that is – if you’re struggling or feel you’re not coping, it’s okay to ask for help. It might be that you just need a space to talk, or maybe you need something more interactive to help you find the right coping strategies for you.
The Student Wellbeing Team can refer you to a nominated counselling service, whether that be in house or via local external providers we work with. All you have to do is get in touch with us and we’ll help you get the support you need.
If you’re joining us from outside the UK, we’re here to help you get the most out of your studies and student life.
Our International Team can answer any questions you may have before you arrive, and then once you’ve joined Performers College, the Student Wellbeing team offer support and guidance about life in the UK.
The campus Events and Community team run activities to help you meet people and make new friends.
Performers students can access Togetherall, our mental health and wellbeing portal. Togetherall is an anonymous community where members can reach out for support with their mental health and wellbeing. Access is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You will be able to access trained professionals, self-assessments and resources, and a wide range of self-guided courses to complete at your own pace.
Your access to Togetherall becomes available once you enrol at Performers College.
As a student you will have free access to this 24/7 online global community and professional support from trained professionals. Togetherall provides a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings, get creative and learn how to self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
Togetherall is:
- Completely free to use
- Anonymous, with no judgment or stigma
- Online for easy access with no waiting lists
- Monitored by mental health professionals 24/7
The Student Wellbeing Strategy sets out our direction, priorities and goals as we continually develop a supportive and inclusive culture across the university. This ensures that every student feels able to thrive, regardless of any challenges they may face during their academic journey.
Any questions?
For any questions relating to Student Wellbeing, please contact one of our campus Student Wellbeing teams:
- Birmingham: [email protected]
- Brighton: [email protected]
- Essex: [email protected]
- Manchester: [email protected]
For questions relating to Learning Support, please contact the relevant campus team:
- Birmingham: [email protected]
- Brighton: [email protected]
- Essex: [email protected]
- Manchester: [email protected]
Or if you would like more information on how to apply to Performers College, please contact our Enquiries Team on 01273 840 346 or email [email protected].