Student Services and SEND Support

Student ServicesStudent Support – What we offerSEND SupportSEND Support: What we offerChaplaincyDeaf Access TeamStudent Counselling ServiceCareers AdviceEmotional and Welbeing Support

Colchester Institute has a wide range of support services. These are available to help you with the practicalities of life as a student, as well as planning for your future career.

Here for you

We are on hand to ensure your transition to college is as smooth as possible and our dedicated Student Services and Support team can offer support in a number of areas during your time with us. We have representatives to ensure you are given the appropriate support or assistance; whether it’s related to your programme of study or general wellbeing, we are here to help.

If you want to know, for example, whether you are eligible for a grant or a loan, our Student Services staff will help you. Staff are also able to help you with any personal problems, through confidential student support services. Specialists in careers and educational guidance are also available to assist you in your future career plans. We are here to help you be successful, whatever your age or circumstances.

How to Find Us

Where are Student services:

Colchester campus: Ground Floor B Block

Braintree campus: Student Hub

What time are Student Services open:

Colchester/Braintree

Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5pm

Friday 8:30am -4:30pm

Contact Student Support Services on 01206 712078

Whether you are still at school, have been working for a number of years or are returning to your studies after a long break, going to college is exciting. However, it can also be confusing and may mean changes to your lifestyle. Colchester Institute’s Student Support Services are designed to help you make the most of your time here.

Our Additional Learning Support team can support in a variety of ways. The most important thing is that we know about your learning needs at an early stage so we can ensure the necessary support is in place for you.

We pride ourselves on the support provided to students with SEND needs. We have a dedicated team on hand to support you throughout your time with us. If you have a learning difficulty and / or disability, we encourage you to come and see us as soon as you are thinking of applying for a course. We ask that you declare your need for support on your application form by ticking the appropriate box under the additional needs section.

Our Additional Learning Support team can support in a variety of ways. The most important thing is that we know about your learning needs at an early stage, so we can ensure the necessary support is in place for when you attend an interview and subsequently before you start your programme with us.

We have a range of specialist staff including learning support practitioners (LSPs) who can support students with literacy and numeracy and with study skills. Types of support we can offer include:

  • Classroom-based learning support
  • Support for Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (spLDs)
  • Exam concessions and Access Arrangements
  • Note takers and specialist teaching for deaf learners
  • A hearing loop facility
  • Communication support workers
  • Specialist equipment

If you require Exam Access Arrangements these must be declared / requested within the first 6 weeks of a student’s programme of study. Please click here for more information:

Exam Access Arrangements

We ask that you declare your need for support on your application form by ticking the appropriate box under the additional needs section. If you wish to discuss your needs at any point during the application process or during your course, please contact our Additional Learning Support Team by emailing als@colchester.ac.uk or calling us on 01206 712861 or 01206 712073.

Chaplaincy
Colchester Institute chaplaincy is here for students and staff, and is available to all, whatever their beliefs.

In addition to the pastoral support services that Student Services provide the Multi-faith Chaplaincy provides a pastoral presence, and helps with projects and classes encouraging spiritual development.

Beks Korniej the chaplain can be contacted at beks.korniej@colchester.ac.uk

Deaf Access Team

Colchester Institute is committed to supporting deaf students so they can access the full curriculum.

We have a team of professionals to ensure students achieve their full potential. The Deaf Access Team can support a range of deaf students to suit individual requirements.

You can arrange a meeting with the Learning Support Team and tell us what support you require and ask questions.

The support the Deaf Access Team can offer:
  • Communicators: Communicators transfer spoken English into BSL or SSE, whatever you prefer. They can voice over your signing if you require. Communicators sign lectures and peer input, and modify written English.
  • Notetakers: Notetakers take notes in lectures. The notes are yours to keep.

For details of how we can help, please telephone the Learning Support Office on Colchester (01206) 712073, Braintree (01206) 712978, or text phone 08834 339739.

There are times in everyone’s life when things are difficult. It can sometimes help to talk to someone outside your family and friends who won’t judge you.

We offer a professional counselling service for our students. The service is friendly and confidential and appointments can be made via Student Services.

The Student Services Student Counselling Service is currently open to students studying at Colchester and Braintree sites. If you are studying at any of our other sites please contact 01206 712310.

University Centre Colchester at Colchester Institute also provides separate counselling service to members of the public, which provides access to counselling in Colchester and Clacton-on- Sea.

What can I get help with?

The counselling service can help with a wide range of personal issues.

You might be having difficulties with:

  • Anger
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Bullying
  • Coping with College life
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Health matters
  • Family problems
  • Lack of self-esteem
  • Loneliness
  • Loss or bereavement
  • Personal relationships
  • Self-harm
  • Sexuality
How do I make an appointment?

Colchester Contact: Natasha Clement Leech

Tel: (01206) 712310

Email: Natasha.clementleech@colchester.ac.uk

Braintree Contact: Shelia Hicks    

Tel: (01206) 812683

Email: sheila.hicks@colchester.ac.uk

Our professional in-house careers service is available to provide information, advice and guidance. Our team of qualified advisers offer confidential and individual guidance interviews as well as a daily drop-in service once you are a student with us. They can provide help and support with a range of areas including:

  • Self-awareness and career choices
  • Job applications and CV writing
  • Interview techniques
  • Progression routes
  • Apprenticeships
  • Higher Education, including UCAS applications
  • Taking a gap year and holiday work

We understand that this time may be very difficult and overwhelming so we have provided some links in case you may need some extra support.

Emotional Wellbeing Support – Self Care.

Emotional Wellbeing Support.

Public Health England – a simple visual guide to looking after your feelings and your body during COVID 19.

Public Health England – Advice for Parents and Carers – Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID 19 pandemic.

Mental Health Foundation  – Advice and tips on looking after your mental health as lockdown eases and if you have to stay at home.

MIND – Advice and information on taking care of your mental health during coronavirus, access to free online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy modules on COVID 19 – support for emotions, Sleep, Stress and Resilience via the MIND online platform SilverCloud.

Young Minds – Coronavirus advice and mental health support for anyone struggling with self-isolation, coronavirus and the impact on your mental health.

Everymind Matters – An NHS website providing advice, support and information including self-care videos including self-care and social media and self-care and exercise.

Samaritans – The Samaritans are there to listen, no judgement, no pressure.  Contactable 24/7 by calling, writing a letter or by email.

A link to the Samaritans self help app is also available on the Samaritans website.

Kooth – An online counselling and mental wellbeing platform for children and young people. Discussion boards, helpful articles, tips and support.

Student Minds – Resources, information and support for University Students

Student Space –   Online platform, provided by Student Mind for University Students seeking support with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Phone, email, text message and webchat support from trained volunteers.

Guide to living with worry and anxiety (PDF)

Keeping yourself safe online

Keeping yourself safe online

At this time when you are likely to be spending more time online, we would like to remind you of support available for you to keep yourself safe online.

If it is an emergency or crisis situation please call the emergency services on 999. 

Foodbanks in Colchester

Foodbanks in Colchester

Colchester Foodbank https://colchester.foodbank.org.uk/

01206 621998

OPENING TIMES
Mon10:00 – 14:00
Tue10:00 – 14:00
Wed10:00 – 14:00
Thu10:00 – 14:00
Fri10:00 – 14:00
Sat10:00 – 14:00
SunClosed

ADDRESS

Colchester Foodbank
3, Tollgate Retail Park,
(opposite McDonalds, between Currys and B&M)
Tollgate West,
Colchester
CO3 8RG

Colchester Family Hub

OPENING TIMES
Mon10:00 – 14:00
TueClosed
Wed10:00 – 14:00
ThuClosed
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

ADDRESS

63 North Station Road
Colchester
CO1 1RQ

Colchester Foodbank @ Greenstead

OPENING TIMES
MonClosed
Tue10:00 – 12:00
WedClosed
ThuClosed
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

ADDRESS

7 The Centre
Hawthorn Avenue
Colchester
CO4 3PX
CO4 3PX

Colchester Foodbank @ Brightlingsea

01206303902

OPENING TIMES
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed10:30 – 12:30
ThuClosed
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

ADDRESS

Brightlingsea Parish Hall
Victoria Place
Brightlingsea
Essex
CO7 0BP

Colchester Foodbank @ Wivenhoe

01206 621998

OPENING TIMES
MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu10:00 – 12:00
FriClosed
SatClosed
SunClosed

ADDRESS

Congregational Church
High St
Wivenhoe
CO7 9AB
CO7 9AB

Clacton on Sea – Foodbanks

Clacton on Sea – Foodbanks

Clacton Food Bank (The Trussell Trust): https://clacton.foodbank.org.uk/

tel: 01255 431760

email: tracy.cooke@salvationarmy.org.uk

address: The Salvation Army Community Centre
103 Old Road
Clacton-on-Sea
Essex
CO15 1HN

Clacton-on-Sea Project – Foodcycle: https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/location/clacton/

Email: nicola@foodcycle.org.uk

Address: Pier Avenue Baptist Church
117 Pier Ave
Clacton-on-Sea
CO15 1NJ

Braintree Area Food Banks

Braintree Area Food Banks

Telephone: 01376 330694

Email: info@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk

Monday 10.00 – 12.00
St Andrews Church Hall
Halsted Essex C09 2LD

Tuesday 10.00 – 12.00
The Church in Great Notley
Bridge End Lane Great Notley
Braintree Essex Cm77 7GN

Wednesday 11.00 – 14:00
Braintree Baptist Church
Blythes Meadows
Braintree Essex Cm7 3DA

Friday 10.00 – 14.00
Christ Church
London Road
Braintree Essex CM7 2LD

Friday 10.00 – 12.00
Witham Methodist Church
Guithavon Street
Witham Essex CM81BJ

The hours may be subject to change due to number of volunteers and change from the government and The Trussell Trust.

Please note this is a 3 day crisis service and can only be accessed with a voucher. To find out further information you can email or telephone.