Coleg Cambria Introduces 'Pause Packs' for Student Mental Health Support
Students at Coleg Cambria are being encouraged to prioritise their mental health through a new initiative launched by the college's wellbeing team. With funding from Suicide and Self Harm Wales, the college has produced up to 1,000 self-care parcels, named 'Pause Packs', designed to provide comfort and assistance for individuals dealing with anxiety, low mood, or thoughts of self-harm.
Personalised Self-Care Solutions
The Pause Packs can be customised by learners and contain items such as fidget toys, bath bombs, journals, stationery, stickers, and hand cream. Students are invited to add personal items that help them feel calm or reassured, making each pack unique to their needs.
This initiative is a key component of a Wellbeing Day taking place across Coleg Cambria sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop, and Llysfasi on Tuesday, March 17. During the event, learners can drop in to decorate their own Pause Packs and engage with staff to learn about the extensive range of wellbeing services available.
Expert Insights on the Initiative
Levi Jamieson, mental health and wellbeing coordinator at Coleg Cambria, described the packs as 'designed as a simple but powerful preventative tool'. He emphasised that they offer a moment of calm and a distraction, helping students to take a breath and focus on self-care.
Bethan Williams, also a mental health and wellbeing coordinator, highlighted that the relaxed event allows students to explore support in a welcoming environment, particularly as exams approach. Lizzie Stevens, director of inclusion and progress, commended the team for their proactive approach, noting that initiatives like Pause Packs underscore the 'importance of self-care and early intervention'.
Comprehensive Wellbeing Programme
Beyond the Wellbeing Day, Coleg Cambria runs year-round workshops and campaigns covering topics such as exam stress, relationships, menopause awareness, and sleep health. The college collaborates with organisations including Mind, Youth Cymru, Samaritans, and Papyrus to deliver these programmes.
The support extends to one-to-one counselling, wellbeing coaching, and physical activity initiatives led by Active Cambria, all aimed at enhancing student health, happiness, and retention. This holistic approach ensures that learners have access to diverse resources to manage their mental wellbeing effectively.
