We understand that moving from a traditional school environment to a vocational, industry-focused learning style might mean you need extra support.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, from the start of term all the way through your journey with us. Our dedicated student support team can help you with your learning, wellbeing or mental health.
Coaching & Counselling
We offer our students personalised mental health and wellbeing support, considering each student and their specific needs. All our services are free for students to access.
We have a team of trained coaches who help you set targets for your educational or personal goals. Coaching improves your performance and helps you towards your goals by developing techniques unique to you. It’s delivered one-to-one or in small groups.
We also have a large team of professional counsellors, who all have experience working with anxiety, depression, identity issues and more. Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Our team has experience working to support students with complex issues such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Low mental health
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Problems at home with family or friends
Drop-In Sessions
Our flexible approach to student wellbeing means we provide general day-to-day support via our drop-in sessions in the Wellbeing Office. We also offer support via phone call, video call and email. The Wellbeing Team are available every day between 8am and 6pm.
TUTORIALS
We run academy-wide tutorials throughout the year, covering topics like sexual health, drug awareness and alcohol abuse. We also teach lessons on life skills including budgeting, time management and organisation.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING & DISABILITY SUPPORT
We recognise the Equality Act 2010. We make sure that any student who requires reasonable adjustments or support is accommodated, minimising any barriers to learning.
We have a team of Learning Support Assistants who support students with a variety of learning needs. Whether you have an official diagnosis or simply struggle in certain areas, you can access support that suits you.
Our Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) will discuss the type and level of support you require whilst you’re studying with us. If you need extra support, you’ll be referred to our Learning Support Team.
They can offer personalised support for needs including learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and health problems. For example, we have provided sign language interpreters for our hard-of-hearing and deaf students, specialist equipment and support with travel.
You can request additional support during the application process. It’s important that you let us know as early as possible if you have any learning support needs. Telling us about your support needs will never stop you from being offered a place on one of our courses.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything we do at the Fashion Retail Academy. We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students.
Our staff receive regular updates on safeguarding issues within our community and are given frequent training in child and vulnerable adult protection procedures. We have a strong culture of sharing concerns; our students know that whatever issues they face at the Academy or at home, we will support them.
We have a team of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) on site with all staff at the FRA receiving safeguarding training. The safeguarding team can be contacted by emailing FRAsafeguarding@efigroup.ac.uk. Any reported concerns are dealt with by the DSL, whether they are about:
- A student’s welfare when they are legally a child (under 18)
- A student’s welfare when they could be considered a vulnerable adult (18 and over)
- Concerns about general safeguarding at the FRA
DSLs are also responsible for talking with external agencies regarding safeguarding concerns, including social care, health services and the police.
Harassment & sexual misconduct
Harassment and sexual misconduct can have a huge impact on those affected by it. If you, or someone you know, have experienced harassment and/or sexual misconduct, we can advise you on how to get help and support, while recognising that everyone copes differently with their own experience.
What is harassment and sexual misconduct?
Harassment is when someone’s unwanted conduct violates another’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment because of, or connected to, protected characteristics. This might be a repeated experience or a single experience that impacts more than one person, in person or online.
Sexual misconduct is when someone carries out unwanted sexual behaviour towards another person that makes them feel upset, scared, offended or humiliated. This can be a single or repeated experience of unwanted conduct, in person or online.
What to do if you experience harassment and/or sexual misconduct:
If you experience harassment or sexual misconduct, there is no right or wrong thing to do or way to feel, but here are some steps you can take:
- Capture what happened: Write down details of the incident, including dates, times, locations and any witnesses. Keep any evidence, such as emails, texts or social media messages.
- Tell someone: Share your experience with a trusted friend, family member, peer or professional support service. They can offer support and help you decide on the next steps. Our safeguarding and wellbeing teams are trained individuals who are here to support you.
- Decide what is best for you: Seek advice, seek support and if you feel it’s right for you, report the incident to the University and/or to the police.
- Be informed: Familiarise yourself with your legal rights. For example, under the Equality Act 2010 you’re protected from sexual harassment in the workplace, on public transport and in educational institutions.
Information you might need, including how we can support you, what we do when incidents are reported, how to report (including anonymously) and contact details for specialist organisations can be found here.
LEARNER VOICE
We know that learning from student feedback is very important. Our Quality Assurance & Enrichment staff make sure our student's voices are heard by sending out surveys once a term to students.
We also have an active student council that works closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership team. They organise student activities, charity fundraisers and other events throughout the year. You can apply for student council positions during your enrolment!
ENRICHMENT AND CHARITY VOLUNTEERING
Attending the Fashion Retail Academy is not just about studying for a qualification. Our Student Services team run a range of enrichment theme days and weeks to help widen our students’ perspectives and knowledge.
Student Services also work alongside our charity partners, the Retail Trust and the Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), to provide volunteering and fundraising opportunities.
CONTACT US
If you’d like to speak with the Wellbeing team, please call 0207 307 2345
