Online support for West Lothian College students

Staff worked tirelessly in the last few weeks to ensure that students weren’t left without key support during a crucial period. Lecturers and support staff are working from home throughout the closure and are available to all students through email, social media, and phone calls.

To help support the mental health and well-being of our students, the college has joined the Big White Wall, a support service for students that provides 24/7 mental health support and guidance with a group of expert trained professionals.

Big White Wall provides support to students who are feeling anxious, depressed or experiencing poor mental health and is provided entirely online. All West Lothian College students are able to access the Big White Wall.

West Lothian College Principal Jackie Galbraith said: “We are doing everything we can to help our students through this challenging time. We’ve tried to eliminate stress related to financial worries by continuing to pay bursaries and childcare.

“Our dedicated student support staff are available by phone and email to provide personalised help for students in need. For students experiencing anxiety, made worse by isolation, Big White Wall is a supportive online community that can help.”

Lorna Jenkins, Access and Support Service Leader added: “We want students to know that we are still here to support them, even if it can’t be in person. With Big White Wall our students have access to a 24/7 online global community and professional support from trained professionals.

“Students looking to join should go to www.bigwhitewall.com and sign up under ‘organisation’ with their college e-mail address.”