Student Welfare
Student Welfare and Support at Mont Rose College
WELFARE AND PASTORAL CARE
We’re here to support you throughout your time at college. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, need help with your studies, or just want someone to talk to, our welfare team is here for you.
How We Can Support You
Our Welfare services are here for you when you need someone to talk to, whether it is about personal challenges, concerns about attendance, counselling sessions or seeking support with Disability Student’s Allowance (DSA) applications, guidance on personal challenges, we are here to take care of you.
Attendance Issues:
Struggling to attend regularly due to health, personal circumstances or other challenges? We can work with you to understand your situation and help you get back on track.
Welfare Needs
Whether you're dealing with stress, low mood, financial hardship, or personal difficulties, our team offers a safe, confidential space to talk and receive guidance or referrals to additional services.
Special Educational Needs
We support students with learning difficulties, disabilities, and long-term health conditions. We’ll work with you to ensure reasonable adjustments are in place.
Pregnant Students
If you are pregnant, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will work closely with you to ensure a flexible, supportive learning environment, including appropriate reasonable adjustments if applicable.
Personal Issues
From bereavement and family matters to housing concerns or relationship difficulties, we provide compassionate support and help you access further assistance where needed.
Financial Aid
We offer a range of guidance support to access emergency hardship funds to support you along the way.
Our supportive team is here to help you navigate through any challenges, ensuring a harmonious environment for all.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Support
we understand that every student’s learning journey is unique. If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health difficulty, or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to support your studies.
DSA is a government-funded allowance that provides extra help to students who face barriers due to a disability or condition. It can cover the cost of:
For students applying for Postgraduate programmes (IMBA)
For students applying for HND and Undergraduate Programmes (HND and Bachelors/ Top Up)
How to Access Our Services
To discuss your concerns or seek support with Disability Student’s Allowance (DSA) applications, The Welfare Team is available on the 1st Floor at Mont Rose House campus or the Ground Floor at Shakespeare House Campus. Our Welfare Officers will be waiting and willing to provide you with a safe and confidential space to share your thoughts and feelings, and to guide you through any obstacles you may encounter during your college journey. And of course, your health is our priority. You can contact us in following ways.
Appointments
Our welfare appointments are tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for a listening ear, advice, advocacy, or guidance to other support services, we’re here for you.
Drop In
Things come up — we get it. Our drop-in sessions are here for when you need support without an appointment. Just pop in, we’re here for you from 09:00 am to 20:00 pm during term time and 09:00 to 17:00 pm during term breaks
Mont Rose House, (1st Floor) 412-416 Eastern Avenue IG2 6NQ
Shakespeare House, (Ground Floor) 267 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford IG1 4TG)
Call: 020 8556 5009 ext. (1022/1049)
Email: welfareofficer@mrcollege.ac.uk
Student Support Outside of College
Samaritans – 24/7 Listening Support
If you’re struggling to cope, day or night, Samaritans are here to listen.
Call: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Visit Website
Shout – 24/7 Text Support Service
Text with a trained volunteer, anytime you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Visit Website
YoungMinds – Support for Young People & Parents
Resources and a helpline for young people’s mental health.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon–Fri, 9:30am–4pm)
Visit Website
Shelter – Housing Advice & Legal Support
Help with homelessness, renting, eviction, and more.
Free Helpline: 0808 800 4444
Open: Weekdays 8am–8pm, Weekends 9am–5pm
Visit Website
Frequently Asked Questions
General Support
Q1: What support can the Welfare Team provide?
A: We offer support for mental health, wellbeing, special educational needs, attendance issues, financial hardship, housing issues, pregnancy support, and personal concerns. If you’re unsure who to talk to, we’re a good first step.
Q2: How do I book an appointment with the Welfare Team?
A: You can book an appointment by emailing us on welfareofficer@mrcollege.ac.uk, Calling us on 020 8556 5009Â ext. (1022/1049), visiting the welfare office (Mont Rose House, (1st Floor) 412-416 Eastern Avenue IG2 6NQ / Shakespeare House, (Ground Floor) 267 Cranbrook Rd, Ilford IG1 4TG) or scanning the QR Code above.
Q3: Is everything I tell you confidential?
A: Most conversations are confidential. However, if there’s a risk to your safety or someone else’s, we may have to share information with relevant staff or services to ensure everyone’s safety.
Attendance and Academic Support
Q4: I’m struggling to attend regularly—can I get help?
A: Yes. We can help you explore what’s affecting your attendance and put support in place—this could include mental health referrals, timetabling help, or liaising with tutors.
Q5: I’ve missed some assignments. Can the Welfare Team help?
A: We can’t change academic decisions, but we can support you to speak with your tutors or apply for mitigating circumstances if you have a valid reason (e.g. bereavement, health issues).
Mental Health and Personal Issues
Q6: I’m feeling low/stressed/anxious. Who can I talk to?
A: You can talk to us. We offer soft counselling, mental health check-ins, and can refer you to internal and external mental health services depending on your needs.
Q7: Can I get help with personal or family problems?
A: Yes, we’re here to support with all types of personal challenges. We can help you find practical solutions, access counselling, or just offer a safe space to talk.
Disability and DSA
Q8: I have a disability or learning difficulty—what support is available?
A: We can support you with learning needs, liaise with your tutor regarding assessments and assignments , and help you apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Q9: What is DSA and how do I apply?
A: DSA stands for Disabled Students’ Allowance. It provides support such as specialist equipment, assist with travel expenses, non-medical helper and more We can help you fill out the form and submit it with your evidence.
Pregnancy and Parental Support
Q10: I’m pregnant or a parent—can I still attend college?
A: Absolutely. We offer tailored support for pregnant students and student parents, including attendance planning, referrals to services, and flexibility where possible.
Financial and Housing Issues
Q11: I’m struggling financially—what can I do?
A: You may be eligible for hardship fund or other financial support. We can help you apply and advise on budgeting, food banks, and external grants.
Q12: I have housing problems or I’m at risk of homelessness—can you help?
A: Yes, we can connect you to housing support services, help you understand your rights, and refer you to emergency accommodation or support if needed.
Other Concerns
Q13: I don’t feel safe or I’m experiencing bullying or harassment. What should I do?
A: Please speak to us immediately. We take all reports seriously and can support you through formal or informal processes, including safeguarding referrals.
Q14: Can I bring a friend or support person to my appointment?
A: Yes, you’re welcome to bring someone you trust if that makes you feel more comfortable.
Q15: What if I need urgent help outside college hours?
A: While we’re not an emergency service, we can signpost you to 24/7 helplines and crisis services like Samaritans (116 123) or local NHS urgent care support.
