Cardiff and Vale College has joined online community Togetherall to provide round the clock mental health support for its students.
As part of a pilot, the College’s Higher Education learners will have access to Togetherall. Plans are in place to roll out support to all of CAVC’s students and staff.
People who log on to Togetherall will find an online community of people who are experiencing common mental health problems, who are supported to self-manage their own health. The community is moderated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by trained counsellors; 70% of members report feeling better as a result of using Togetherall and 1 in 2 shared something on Togetheral for the first time.
When new members log on to Togetherall, they create a username which does not identify them in any way. The service is completely anonymous.
Togetherall CEO Henry Jones said: “The impact of COVID-19 on student mental health will be felt long after everyone returns to the classroom and students settle into a new version of normality. I’m delighted that Higher Education students aged 16+ at Cardiff and Vale College now have access to our online community where they can safely talk about how they are feeling with others. We’re here to support them 24/7, 365 days a year.”
CAVC Dean of Learner Journey James Donaldson said: “At Cardiff and Vale College we are fully committed to protecting the mental health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. This is especially important during a pandemic, as COVID-19 restrictions have seen many students learning from home in isolation.
“That is why we are extremely pleased to start working with Togetherall to provide a space where students can discuss any issues they might have in a supportive environment.”