4.4 Knowing where to signpost
Within your organisation or educational setting there are likely to be support services that can offer advice and guidance when learners are feeling low or struggling with their mental health.
Activity 7 Accessing support services
Timing: Allow about 10 minutes
- Take some time to search your organisation’s website or facilities to see what learner support services can be accessed internally. Make a note of these, and how learners can get in touch and access them. This may include locations, times, what information they can provide, etc. Your organisation may also have a mental health or learner support strategy or policy that you can locate, or obtain a copy of, to pass on to your learners.
- There are also likely to be services accessible in your local community or nationally in your country. Take a few minutes more to explore what may be on offer, either online or in person. Again, make a note of these and how learners can access them.
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Discussion
When signposting learners to support services, it can be helpful to outline what the service provides and how to access it, rather than just handing over a phone number or leaflet. A short conversation on what the learner might expect can help reduce barriers to accessing any service. As noted earlier, as an educator it is not your role to provide direct mental health support or intervention, but you can encourage learners to access appropriate support services when needed.