What mental health support is available at NKC Tonbridge?
NKC Tonbridge offers a range of mental health, wellbeing and counselling services to help students manage the challenges that can come with college life.
Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or facing personal difficulties, our Welfare & Safeguarding Team is here to listen and help you access the support you need.
Support is available through:
- One-to-one wellbeing support
- Confidential counselling
- Group wellbeing sessions
- Advice and guidance from our Welfare & Safeguarding Team
- Signposting to specialist external services where appropriate
Who can access mental health support?
Mental health and wellbeing support is available to all NKC Tonbridge students.
You can speak to us about any issue affecting your wellbeing, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Low mood or depression
- College-related concerns
- Relationships
- Family difficulties
- Bereavement
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Other personal challenges
Our team will listen without judgement and help you find the right support.
If you would like further information, please contact a member of Welfare & Safeguarding Team.
Meet our Mental Health & Counselling Coordinators
How do I access mental health support?
If you'd like support, simply contact a member of the Welfare & Safeguarding Team.
We'll arrange a conversation to understand your needs and discuss the most appropriate support available.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential, supportive service where you can talk to a trained counsellor about your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Counselling can help you explore:
- Personal challenges
- Emotional wellbeing
- Relationships
- College life
- Difficult life events
- Managing stress or anxiety
Your counsellor will listen, help you understand your situation and support you in developing healthy coping strategies.
Counselling sessions are led by you, allowing you to discuss what matters most at your own pace.
What happens after I request counselling?
The counselling process begins with an initial assessment.
During this appointment, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss what has brought you to counselling
- Talk about the support you're looking for
- Ask any questions about the service
- Explore your wellbeing goals
After your assessment, a member of the Welfare & Safeguarding Team will explain the next steps and discuss the most appropriate support for you.
Is counselling confidential?
Everything discussed during your counselling assessment and sessions is confidential, including from parents, carers and academic staff.
There are some legal and safeguarding exceptions to confidentiality, which your counsellor will explain fully during your first appointment.
Volunteer Counselling at NKC Tonbridge College
Can I become a volunteer counsellor NKC Tonbridge?
NKC Tonbridge welcomes expressions of interest from qualified or trainee counsellors who would like to gain experience supporting students.
If you're interested in volunteering, you'll be asked to:
- Complete an application form
- Read the volunteer role description
- Provide two references covering the previous two years
- Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Attend an interview if shortlisted
We encourage applications throughout the year.
We encourage early applications to be filled in and sent to: