#ProtectYourMate seminars prove a hit with learners at Waltham Forest College

Street violence across the capital continues to grow and so does Waltham Forest College’s commitment to keeping learners safe by hosting practical seminars that protect learners and their friends from being drawn into vulnerable positions.

The College delivered ‘Protect Your Mate’ week in February and held bespoke seminars on themed topics that directly affect young people. Over 400 learners engaged in the practical seminars arranged by the College’s safeguarding team, supported and delivered by professional agencies and the in-house security team.

Seminars included ways to defuse confrontation, self-defence, basic first-aid and other awareness-raising workshops that equip learners with the skills and knowledge on how to avoid being drawn into susceptible situations.

The week-long sessions proved to be a hit with learners, who were able to share and discuss skills that they learnt and how to embed what they learnt in their day-to-day life, feeling more empowered to look out for their friends.

Students Union Vice-President, CiCi said: “The sessions were very engaging and it encouraged me to think about what active role I can play when my friends are making poor decisions.”

Principal, Dr Joy Kettyle commented: “College’s play a crucial role to support young people not just academically but through personal and social development. Our learners are fully aware of topics that affect them and their friends. As a result, the College delivered seminars that challenge learners to think twice, allowing them to become self-assured, ambitious and motivated, enabling them to grow in confidence and make decisions that lead to positive outcomes.”

The week of activities forms part of the overall awareness campaigns embedded into the College calendar to tackle topics on youth crime.  

Dr Kettyle said: “Ofsted described that our learners’ behaviour is exemplary during our last inspection and we want to drive this further and empower our learners to create better futures. There are so many positive role models here at Waltham Forest College and our role is to ensure our young people are prepared well for life in modern Britain and are making the best decisions for their future.”