This week, Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) has been supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, where the theme of the week has been anxiety.

The week has provided an opportunity to destigmatize mental health challenges, encourage open dialogue and offer support and resources.

For our staff and students, we wanted to highlight that fluctuations in our mental health are something that we all experience and it is important to take time to look after ourselves.

Students have been getting involved this week by participating in open discussions during tutorials, ensuring that they are speaking to each other with compassion and respect.

Our student services department organised a stall where students engaged in mindfulness activities and continued to work on the wellbeing tree and activities.

Kooth, a mental health care service for children and young adults, also visited RuTC to speak to students and create awareness of mental health issues.

The college’s HR department delivered care hampers to staff kitchens as a way of encouraging self-care and for staff to take a step back and reflect on your mental well-being.

The week has been a powerful reminder for both students and staff and has highlighted the importance of Mental Wellbeing, year-round.

To find out more about studying at RuTC, click here.

In early May, Richmond upon Thames College Engineering and Construction Crafts students took part in a ‘Race to Net Zero’ day event, hosted in the college’s auditorium.

The ‘Race to Net Zero’ event was led by teachers Anna O’Flaherty and Raj Johal and was inspired by the Race to Net Zero campaign by the United Nations Climate Change convention.

Raj Johal, assistant head of Engineering & Construction Crafts at Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) thought the event would be great for students to learn more about the effects of climate change whilst also engaging with different employers who are embracing climate saving measures into their business practices.

Raj explains, “We decided to host this event because tackling climate change is a vital issue which we all should be more conscious about, but it is something young people are especially concerned about.

“We wanted to give our students the chance to meet people who are working on the environmental issues and providing them with a better understanding of the roles that exist and the different pathways into those positions.

“We are aiming to help broaden students understanding of the Green Carers and empower them to make good career choices in the race to achieve Net Zero.”

The event provided plenty of opportunities for students to interact with organisations that cover a broad spectrum of sustainability within different sectors. These included, Rolls Royce, FORCE (Friends of the River Crane) and ARUP who kindly gave their time to educate our students.

Learn more about studying Engineering and Construction Crafts, here.

Last week, Lily- Rae Sepulveda Tucker, one of Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC’s) Performing and Production Arts Level 3 students, was awarded the Jack Petchey award for her hard work.

Each term, exceptional students are nominated by their classmates to win a Jack Petchey award. The winner receives a £300 grant, which can be used for anything that will benefit the class.

Lily- Rae was rewarded for being anexcellent team player and putting her all into everything she does.

This sentiment is echoed by her Dance teacher, Claire Guntrip, who describes her as “A talented dancer and a student who brings her bright energy and natural curiosity to every lesson.

“Lily-Rae is considered a motivating and inspiring presence within the classroom.”

Lily- Rae is also a Dance Captain who regularly provides great support to her peers through her excellent listening skills and her ability to amplify the voices of her cohort.

RuTC teacher ClareGuntrip, is excited to watch her grow, as she continues her journey onto university.

The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme recognises the positive contributions, efforts and endeavours of young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. These achievements include being a great role model, volunteering, overcoming personal challenges and supporting others over and above expectations. 

Learn more about studying Performing and Production Arts here.