Everyone can do with a little extra help sometimes, whether it’s good advice from someone you trust, a shoulder to cry on, or just practical support. With this in mind, Coleg Gwent staff have gone one step further to create a ‘safe haven’ space for students at the College’s Pontypool Campus known as the Green Room.
The initiative is the brainchild of Art Lecturer Helen Murray who initially started the Green Room in 2009 to support vulnerable Independent Living Skills (ILS) students as a result of her Masters research. Following the success of the project, the Green Room is now open to all students, providing them with social and emotional support as requested.
With a tranquil and calming atmosphere, students use the Green Room to relax when they are finding the college day difficult or to address issues that are troubling them. Furnished with basic art materials, books, music, games and comfortable surroundings, the room has been particularly successful with students with social, emotional and behaviour difficulties, including students with autism, ADHD, and those with mental health issues.
“A student who is upset may come in just to talk about their problems for 10 minutes and then continue with their normal lesson in class once feeling better,” explains Helen Murray.
“Students with anger issues will have some time out from lessons to calm down using a strategy that suits them. Some students find talking easy, where as some students with communication difficulties find painting, drawing or writing useful.”
Since acquiring her MA Helen has continued to run the room as the feedback from students and tutors has been very positive. “So far all the students have remained on their course and are attaining the grades needed to pass,” she said.
Importantly the room has an open door policy and some students attend regularly to work on targets for improving self esteem and confidence and working on anger management.
The initiative has also encouraged students with similar experiences and backgrounds to come together and support each other. Students attending regular group sessions have formed strong friendships and now use the space for creative projects.
Head of School for Art and Care Maria Johnson said: “We are delighted with the success of the room and how well the service is utilised at the Campus.”
