Keeping safe at Christmas

Throughout December, we will begin to wind down toward the Christmas break. We’d like to thank you for all your hard work this year.

Additionally, we’d like to thank our Student Enrichment Team and Heads of Campus, who have worked hard for this up-and-coming festive season to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.

You can expect the following activities across Activate Learning all campuses in December:

• Christmas Shoebox Appeal
• Christmas Jumper Day on Monday 11 December

Christmas activities in Oxfordshire

At Banbury and Bicester College and City of Oxford College the following festive activities will be happening:

Banbury and Bicester College

• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day
• 12 December – karaoke in the hall at lunch time
• 13 December – Christmas Jumper Day and carols in the hall at lunchtime
• 14 December: H&SC Christmas quiz for Mind

City of Oxford College

• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day

From the week commencing 11 December:

• Treasure hunt everyday
• Mince pies and warm Ribena
• December Picture riddles

Christmas activities in Berkshire

At Bracknell and Wokingham College and Reading College the following festive activities will be happening:

Bracknell and Wokingham College

On the 11 December:

• Christmas Jumper Day
• Christmas Service
• Christmas Wish display

On the 13 December:

• Christmas Santa Hunt

Reading College

• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day

Christmas activities in Surrey

At Farnham College, Guildford College and Merrist Wood College the following festive activities will be happening:

Farnham College

• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day

Guildford College

• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day
• 12 December – Christmas Market in the main hall from 10am-2pm
• 14 December – Church service at St. John’s Church

Merrist Wood College

• 2 December – Merrist Wood Festive Fun Day
• 11 December – Christmas Jumper Day

Keeping yourself safe at Christmas

We’d like to remind students of the importance of keeping safe over Christmas and to continue to focus on their wellbeing. Most of all, we hope you have an incredible break!

Here are some tips to stay safe during the festive break:

• Make sure your phone is charged and your Bluetooth on so you can be located in an emergency.
• Always use a trusted taxi company instead of hailing one and ensure the details match the one you get into.
• Budget for Christmas. It can be a real financial burden if you spend too much. Be wary of competitions, ‘deals’ and fake products.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended, learn your limits.
• ‘Talk to Frank’ for information and advice on drugs and alcohol which may be affecting you orothers0300123 6600
• Report crime anonymously on 101 or www.fearless.org. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 999.

Ask for Angela

If you’re out this festive season and someone makes you uncomfortable, Ask for “Angela”.

Bar and restaurant staff will know that you need help getting out of the situation and will call you a taxi or help you leave discreetly – without fuss.

Staying healthy

Here are some tips to stay healthy during the festive break:

• Make the most of the festive break to get some downtime, to relax and sleep – don’t make plans for everyday – it’s okay to do nothing some days!
• You don’t need to be ‘stuck’ in the house – take walks, get some exercise but also find the time to rest – maybe try some mindfulness activities or Fika courses?
• If you feel low and are having negative feelings, remember it will pass –but there’s always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
• Carry a condom – the only way to protect yourself from STI’s and unwanted pregnancy.

Worried about the basics like food, money, or heating?

You can seek support from a food bank or cost of living advice and support.

Remember to be mindful of scams at this time of year. Never give out your personal bank details or information and report anything you think is suspicious.

Thinking about using alcohol or drugs?

Most young people do not use illegal substances and it is important you know the law and risks of using drugs and alcohol.

If you do choose to use alcohol or illegal drugs:

• Pace yourself and go slow.
• Tolerance levels change and with illegal drugs, you never know what’s in them, their strength or purity.
• Alternate alcohol with soft drinks or water and stick to lower alcohol percentage drinks.
• Do not leave drinks unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know. It may have been spiked.
• Avoid mixing drugs and alcohol together and do not mix these with prescription medicines.
• Never drive whilst under the influence or get into a car where the driver has used drugs or alcohol.
• Keep safe and aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have someone you can trust and rely on, if you or a friend needs help.
• Call 999 if you or someone else needs immediate help.

If you’re worried about drinking too much alcohol or illegal drug use, do reach out for help.

Deciding whether to have sex?

• Make sure you practice safe sex – use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.
• It’s important that any sexual activity you have is consensual, meaning both agree, feel happy and comfortable with it.
• Do not feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do. Remember, you have the right to change your mind and say “no” or “stop” at any point.
• If the sex you had wasn’t consensual, seek help from the Police or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Feeling low or lonely?

The break from college can feel exciting for most people, but for some, they may feel worried about a being at home and away from their friends and support networks.

Top tips that may help:

• Keep up a good routine – try to get up at a reasonable time each day, shower and get dressed.
• Get planning – plan your days or weeks to have something to look forward to or focus on.
• Practice self-care – go for walks outside, explore a new area, learn a new hobby, volunteer.
• Stay connected with friends and suggest meeting up during the holidays. They may be feeling the same as you.

If you’re in need of someone to talk to www.samaritans.org.

Wanting to stay connected with others online?

If you’re communicating with others online:

• Try not to advertise when you’re away on holiday or home alone on social media.
• Report, block and screenshot any inappropriate content.
• Seek support if someone is harassing or threatening you.
• Only use trusted and reputable sources of information and only communicate with people you know.

Worried about any of these topics?

If you’re worried about any of these topics:

• Speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, carer, or advice service.
• Speak to Activate Learning’s Safeguarding Team when we return to college in January – email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk
• For drug and alcohol information and support – www.talktofrank.com
• For online safety advice – www.childnet.com/young-people/11-18-year-olds
• For mental health support – www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 for free
• For support following sexual assault – www.rapecrisis.org.uk or call 0808 500 2222 for free

We look forward to welcoming you back to college on Wednesday 3 January 2024 for the new term where your normal college timetable will resume.

We’d like to remind students to stay vigilant and safe and we hope you have a restful break and a lovely Christmas. The last day of face-to-face learning on campus will be on the 15 December.

Be sure to share your festive pictures via #ChristmasatAL on social media!

Merry Christmas,

Activate Learning