Who are you?
Video: The Solihull College Student
Additional Support
The College welcomes applications from those with additional needs and our support team are fully trained to give you all the encouragement that you need to get the most out of your learning experience. If you are disabled or have any special needs, then our team of support staff are here to help you. When you have accepted your offer from us we will invite you to attend a transition planning meeting and will ensure that you are familiar with the college before you begin your course.
We offer the following specialist support:
- Aspergers/ADHD/ADD
- Blind/Visual Impairment
- Deaf/Hearing Impairment
- Physical Disability
- Mobility Difficulties
- Mental Health
- Moderate Learning Difficulties
- Specific Learning Difficulty
- Down’s Syndrome
- Acquired Brain Injury
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia
View our Statement of Our Commitment to Students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities:
Contact The Additional Support team:
Bursaries & Welfare
Higher Education Bursaries
Solihull College & University Centre offer a Higher Education bursary programme.
HE Welfare Fund
If you experience financial difficulties which might impact on your participation in higher education whilst enrolled on your course, the College has a HE Welfare Fund of which the primary purpose is to help you remain at university during these times. If you require financial support, we may be able to provide support with the cost of completing your studies. This fund is for emergency payments to assist students on a short-term basis with financial difficulties with attending university and is not a fund that can be used to provide ongoing support.
Children in Care
Am I a Child in Care?
CIC are young people between 16-19 years old and are looked after by a local authority. The young person falls into one of the following as recognised by the Department for Education:
- is provided with accommodation, for a continuous period of more than 24 hours.
- is subject to a care order.
- is subject to a placement order.
Who do I go to if I need support at college?
The college Designated Teacher is Alison Harding, who is the Children in Care Coordinator. Alison is the initial point of contact and is in the Student Support Office (B024).
What support does Solihull College & University Centre provide?
- One-to-one support.
- A DT who will oversee student well-being and academic progress.
- Termly PEP meetings to ensure individual needs are met and goals are achieved.
- Financial assistance/bursary.
- Help with welfare needs and mental health.
- Communication with Social Services and Foster Carers.
- Care Leaver links to local support groups.
For more information email:
Counselling
Counselling services at Solihull College & University Centre
The Counselling service offers term time support to all students enrolled at the college and provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk through issues you are struggling with. You may wish to talk about difficult life events, your relationships and emotions or explore negative thoughts and actions. Sessions are delivered by trained professionals who will help you to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop acceptance of yourself and others.
Your Counsellor will not give you advice or try to solve your problems, but they will listen to enable you to better understand yourself and make positive changes to your life.
The service is free to all students at the College.
Counselling support can be requested once you have enrolled at the college by completing the self-referral form on the counselling page in the Student Hub. This is available using the following link:
In the meantime, the following links give information on how to manage your emotional wellbeing, especially if you are affected by the pandemic:
The options below give you the opportunity to self-refer for external counselling support.
Disability Statement
If you have a learning difficulty or a disability, you may need additional support to obtain access to College facilities. You may discuss your particular needs confidentially with a member of staff. For more information contact the Additional Support Team:
Enrichment Team
The Enrichment Team are here to make your time outside of lessons, fun, exciting, interesting and informative. All throughout the year, our student liaison officers organise trips, excursions, events, volunteering, themed events and a varied, engaging range of great activities, ensuring your time with us isn’t all work and no play.
We support Learner Voice which gives you, the student, the opportunity to tell us how your time at college is going, what we are doing well and what you would like to see improved. We also hold elections for School Representatives and Governors, giving our students a say in matters regarding school funding and quality of education.
If you have any questions or queries regarding student enrichment, you can contact them:
Equality & Diversity
Solihull College & University Centre has a culture where difference is respected and diversity celebrated. The College welcomes all students, regardless of age, race, colour, ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, sexuality or disability. We expect all members of the college community to recognise and respect this.
The College will continue to treat all students and employees with respect and dignity, and seek to provide a positive working and learning environment free from discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
Mental Health Support
Student Mental Health & Well-being Support
At Solihull College & University Centre, we understand that student life can be challenging – and your mental health matters. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not quite yourself, you’re not alone. Our student Mental Health & Well-being Hub offers a wide range of free, confidential support services to help you navigate whatever you’re facing.
From 24/7 helplines and self-help resources to one-to-one support with our dedicated Mental Health Team, we’re here to listen and help you find the right support for your needs. You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out – just a willingness to take that first step.
What’s available through the Hub?
- Spectrum.Life
Free, confidential 24/7 helpline and wellbeing content. - Kaleidoscope
Online toolkit with self-care resources, local groups, helplines, and NHS services. - Moodle Resources
Access to internal and external mental health support for students and staff. - Self-Help Guides
Practical, psychologist-developed guides to help you make positive changes. - Student Mental Health Team
Speak one-on-one with a practitioner to explore your challenges and find the best support.
When you reach out, you’ll be met with empathy, confidentiality, and a commitment to helping you thrive.
How to access the Hub:
Please click here: health.solihull.ac.uk/login
Alternatively, please search for ‘Mental Health’ on the student Hub
Other Helpful Services
These free, confidential services offer support from trained professionals or volunteers. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you — no matter how big or small:
- CAM Support Messenger
A text-based support service for young people experiencing mental health challenges. - CALM
Support for anyone feeling down or in crisis, especially men. Call to daily. - Charlie Waller Trust
Resources and training to support young people’s mental health, especially in education settings. - Childline
24/7 support for anyone under 19. - HOPELINE247 (by PAPYRUS)
Suicide prevention support for young people under 35. - Kooth
Free, safe, and anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people. - Let’s ChatA local Solihull-based service offering drop-in mental health support and signposting.
- Mind
National mental health charity offering information, support, and local services. - Samaritans
24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress. - Shout 85258,
Free, 24/7 text support service for anyone in crisis. - Student Minds
The UK’s student mental health charity, offering peer support and resources.
Personal Tutors
As soon as you arrive here on your very first day at college you will be assigned a Personal Tutor. Your Personal Tutor will be there to provide support, advice, guidance and information throughout your time here.
You will meet regularly with your tutor for individual tutorials to discuss your learning and ensure you are on track with work and getting the most out of your experience with the college. You will also have group tutorials with your friends.
Safeguarding
We are committed to the protection and safety of our students.
We want you to feel that you can come to us with your concerns, whether about yourself or a fellow student.
Solihull College & University Centre is committed to providing a safe environment for young people and vulnerable adults, identifying young people and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm and to taking appropriate action to ensure that such young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe, both at home and at the College.
The College is also committed to providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to keep themselves and others safe. Education, like other key sectors, has a responsibility to promote values of openness and tolerance and to facilitate free debate which is characteristic of being a British citizen. It is in this context that the College provides the following policies and reference to external guidance.
Safeguarding & Prevent Policies
Please be reminded that if you are at immediate risk or harm contact the Police on 999.
Please use the ‘Worried About Something or Someone’ page on the Student Hub to report any concerns for yourself or a friend.
Email or call the number listed below – they will be manned during working hours only.
Emergency Safeguarding Contact Details
- Adam Thomas (DSL and Director to Student Service)
07860720198, 01216787138 - Kully Dhaliwal (DDSL / Caring Service Manager)
BL – 07809336105, 01216787033 - Tracy Harper (Safeguarding Officer)
BL – 07458131180, 01216787096 - Alison Harrison (Safeguarding Officer)
BL – 07356179473, 01216787402 - Hilary Pugh (Safeguarding Officer)
BL – 07860720194, 01218127494 - Lisa Cain (DDSL / Interim Campus Manager)
WL – 07356182286, 01216787250 - Christine Slater (Safeguarding Officer)
WL – 07860720188, 01216787000 or 01216786026 - Bonita Bryant (Safeguarding Officer)
WL – 07356319222, 01216787354 - Peter Stone (DDSL – Caring Services Co-ordinator)
SUAC – 07860720193, 01217523635 - Celine Evans (Safeguarding and SSO Officer)
01217523637 - Adam Woodward (Safeguarding and SSO Officer)
01218031854 - Tanya De Lange / Hayley Gorrod (job share)
(Safeguarding and SSO Officer)
01217523638 or 01217523639
Below are number of Local Safeguarding Children Boards that you can contact directly if the need arises.
Student Finance
Funds are available for trips, equipment and travel but are limited and will run out. You should apply as soon as possible. The following groups of students are eligible to apply:
- Priority 1 (household income under £35,000) – will be awarded financial help on submission of a successful application. If you are eligible for this, an early application is recommended.
- Priority 2 (household income of £35,000-£40,000) – applicants in this group will be awarded financial help after the October half term – subject to sufficient funds remaining. We would still encourage you to apply early although a decision is not likely until after the October half term.
For more information please view:
Student Finance (University Level)
- Only courses registered with the Office for Students are eligible for funding from Student Finance England.
- Solihull College & University Centre were registered with the OfS as a higher education provider in November 2018.
- The student finance package includes a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan only:
- you can apply for a tuition loan to help pay the tuition fee that your university or college is charging;
- it doesn’t depend on household income;
- Student Finance England pay this loan straight to your university or college.
- the maintenance loan will help with your living costs;
- the amount you can apply for will depend on your personal circumstances;
- the loan is repayable once you have completed or left your course.
- you can apply for a tuition loan to help pay the tuition fee that your university or college is charging;
- If you have a disability, mental-health condition or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia or dyspraxia) you may be eligible for a disabled students’ allowance.
- A DSA does not have to be paid back.
- There are Special Support Grants available for full time students, including:
Useful Links & Resources
Student Support Officers
Your Student Support Officer is your point of support that will ensure you stay connected with all the support services and information you may need during your time with us. Your Student Support Officers are available from Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Each curriculum area has a student support officer or ‘SSO‘ for short, and their main responsibilities are as follows:
- Your SSO is here to help and support you when you feel you are struggling with social, emotional, or behavioural problems. Whether you may be experiencing them, yourself, or someone you know in college.
- To answer any worries or questions you or your family may have about your time here.
- To monitor and support your attendance and punctuality.
- To aid in the disciplinary process, ensuring that students are aware of the procedure, its expectations, and its outcomes.
- Your SSO will be invaluable as they will be able to communicate barriers you have felt and talk with the curriculum area about support services you may be eligible for so, please keep in touch and communicate with your SSO as often as you need and feel comfortable to do so.
We are based at our Blossomfield campus in B024 overlooking the student area and in student services in reception at our Woodlands campus. You will have a designated Student Support Officer allocated to your area of study. Both offices operate an open-door policy, but you can ask to speak to your Student Support Officer in private.
Our aim is to support you at college and be on hand to make sure your experience with us is a rewarding one.
Welfare
Starting at College is a major change, where you are faced with more freedom, more choices and have more decisions to make. The Welfare Service can offer support and practical help to manage the changes going on in this period of your life.
Help and support on the following issues:
- Accommodation
- Homelessness
- Finance
- Relationships
- Sexual Health
- Mental wellbeing
- Young Adult Carers
- Care Leavers
- Access to external organisation
Please contact your Student Support Officer or Learning Coach for more support.
Young Adult Carers
Young Adult Carers are young people who help care for a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, has a long term serious illness or has a substance misuse problem.
This is a role that many young people are happy and proud to do.
Solihull College & University Centre is very keen to help and support young adult carers to get the best out of college.
Achieve their goals and improve their lives
What can we offer?
We offer free and confidential information, advice and Support:
- One to one support
- Young Adult Carers cards
- Help with student finance
- Help with attendance issues
- Specialist Young Adult Carers Drop-in service
