DLD College London pioneers the way for wellbeing

DLD College London has reaffirmed its commitment to the wellbeing of its staff and students, as a remarkable 54 members (57%) of the teaching and support team have been successfully trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Staff from the Westminster Bridge-based college have participated in intensive two-day training courses, which teach people how to spot the symptoms of mental health issues, enable them to offer initial help and guide a person towards support.

As part of a wider school initiative, Vice Principal (Pastoral) and qualified MHFA trainer Tom Hadcroft, additionally led three-hour Mental Health First Aid Lite training sessions to parents as an element the college’s continued programme of twilight support. Over 30 student peer mentors also benefitted from the invaluable opportunity, as the course was offered to them within the training which they receive for their role.

DLD College London Principal, Irfan Latif commented, “There has been a real drive at our college towards recognition of the importance of mental health by the whole community – staff, students, parents and governors. We are exceptionally pleased with the response from the wider DLD cohort and look forward to continuing the training programme.

“By equipping each member of the college community with the tools to have conversations around mental health, we hope to further empower each individual to create a mentally healthy, supportive environment in their family, peer or friendship group.”

DLD College London is a 14-19 independent boarding school housed in highly contemporary, purpose-built premises in the heart of London, on 199 Westminster Bridge Road, overlooking the Palace of Westminster and the River Thames.

The school offers students the chance to study a wide range and flexible combinations of GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC courses and International Foundation Programmes (IFP).

As part of the Alpha Plus Group, DLD College provides a 'gold standard' of educational quality. Classes are small, enabling students and teachers to focus upon the most effective ways of learning and to provide them with the highest levels of pastoral care. The school’s beating heart is its award-winning wellbeing centre.

To find out more about DLD College London go to www.dldcollege.co.uk