Personal Matters and Advice

Helen Wilson Student Support Officer

The Access and Support Service Leader, Lorna Jenkins can provide advice, guidance and support for personal issues.

West Lothian College believes that Inclusiveness is a fundamental principle and philosophy, and is committed to widening access and participation for learners.

Our Student Support Officer, Helen Wilson will work with you to resolve any issues which are affecting your attendance.

The College works closely with a range of groups and external organisations to provide you with the right kind of help whilst you are a student. The organisations we work with to give you support include the following:

West Lothian Drug and Alcohol team

In West Lothian the West Lothian Drug Action Team (WLDAT) is the multi-agency organisation which co-ordinates and implements local strategy on substance misuse. The group has a remit that includes illicit and illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco and volatile substances.

C:Card Service

The College is a registered C:Card point. This is a free and non-judgemental service which can give you advice on sexual health issues and also supplies free condoms. This is a confidential service, come to the Student Advice Centre and ask to see a member of the team.

Counselling Service

The College works in partnership with qualified counsellors and we can arrange for you to see her/or him if appropriate. To discuss this, ask for Lorna Jenkins or Helen Wilson in Spectrum.

Victim Support

Victim Support Scotland is the lead voluntary organisation in Scotland helping people affected by crime. It provides emotional support, practical help and essential information to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime. The service is free, confidential and is provided by volunteers through a network of community based victim and court based witness services.

Citizens Advice

The aims of Citizens Advice Scotland are (1) to ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available to them, or through an inability to express their need effectively, and (2) to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services.

Homelessness

West Lothian Council has a strategic duty to house homeless applicants. The council also has a duty to provide advice and assistance to those threatened with homelessness.

LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender) Youth Scotland is working towards the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in the life of Scotland. They provide a range of services and opportunities for young people, families and professionals which aim to increase awareness and confidence; as well as reducing isolation and intolerance.

Adult Basic Education

This service provides help for adults who want to gain confidence in writing, spelling, reading and communication. For information about Adult Education Opportunities access West Lothian Council's website http://www.wlonline.org.uk/ and look under A within the A - Z services section.

Penumbra

Penumbra is a leading Scottish voluntary organisation working in the field of mental health. They provide an extensive range of person-centred support services for adults and young people.