Teaching organisations do not work in isolation and receive support from external third parties in numerous ways. A simple way that I work with external stakeholders and partners to support learners is collaborating with local businesses, these relationships have provided projects, equipment loans and work experience placements, benefiting both the teaching establishment and the local businesses. It is likely that there will be a local project that provides our students with advice and guidance regarding drugs and alcohol. This is especially useful when young people are having problems with drugs or alcohol and they also offer one to one sessions that are completely confidential and free. They offer numerous methods for young people to contact them on their terms using methods such as Instagram; however, you are more likely to arrange a visit via phone or email. Another third party that is available to support students are the NHS mental health services, who work with students who are having difficulties with their behavioural wellbeing and emotional health. NHS mental health services focus on the needs of children and young people and include a wide variety of specialists. Your teaching organisation’s welfare team are able to refer students to NHS mental health services or the student can self-refer.
