SERC Recognises that at any time during your studies here, an issue may arise that can have an impact on your studies. Although we are not counsellors, nor are we experts on every type of issue that can arise, the Pastoral Care Team can access services and support that will help you at any time during your studies here at the SERC.
This may take the form of additional one to one support; the provision of technology and software; and/or additional support for exams or completing assignments. The team will find solutions that are fully tailored to meeting the student’s individual needs.
Wellbeing Support
Sometimes the issue is one that cannot be linked to Course or College time, so the course team will ascertain the main cause of the personal issue and offer support to help you through this difficult time in your life.
They may contact the Pastoral Team through our dedicated Cause for Concern system, and one of our Lead Designated Safeguarding Officers will guide them on the best support to offer you.
SERC Health and the Youth Health Advice Clinics (YHAC)
During their time at the College many young people have many health-related worries and concerns around for example, sexual health, unplanned pregnancy, alcohol, drug use, smoking or emotional health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
To help students to deal with these issues the Youth Health Advice Service has been established in partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. All students (and young people within the area) can talk to qualified Youth Health Nurse from the South Eastern Trust who can advise and guide them appropriately.
Email: serchealth@setrust.hscni.net
Call: 077 5331 0352
Counselling Support
SERC has selected Inspire Students as an independent source of support and Counselling for all Students/Trainees. Inspire Students can be contacted for free, confidential and immediate support by self-referral using 0800 389 5362.
This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we recommend all students to save it onto their mobile phone.
Counselling support for SERC students will be available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Specific SERC Counsellors are on hand during these days.
0800 389 5362
The Inspire Support Hub b provides access to a range of online information, guidance, screening, and intervention tools that are tailored to help care for your individual wellbeing.
It includes:- Guided wellbeing self-assessment via ‘iHelpr chatbot’
- Self-help courses and digital intervention
- An interactive ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ database, wellbeing information and bibliotherapy
- A mood/sleep tracker
Help in a Hurry!
We understand that you may not wish to speak to someone within the college but have issues that you need support with. Below are some links that will help and guide you to the right people to help you at any time.
What can SERC Offer?
How can SERC help me with my studies?
Clare is on the autistic spectrum. A member of the learning support team met with her and her mum before she finished school to plan her support arrangements so that she did not feel anxious about her transition to SERC. Claire’s teachers were made aware of how best to help her and she was provided with one to one support from a specialist support worker. It did not take long for her motivation and confidence to grow.
Are SERC staff trained?
Addressing Special Educational Need
SERC complies fully with the requirements of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (2005) and works to ensure that the College’s services are accessible to all. In doing so the College carries out its SENDO responsibilities in a way that ensures that the dignity and respect of the student is central to process so that barriers to learning are effectively identified and minimised.
Welcome to SERC SU
Watch this message from our SERC SU teams and explore how they support our students across all campuses.
