A pilot initiative was launched during the last academic year (2018-19) in partnership with health, leisure and wellbeing specialists Mytime Active offering a full range of exciting workshops for students to take part in after college lessons have finished. These included yoga, boxing, dance, singing, football, and other gym-based activities.
The College decided to take action after studying comprehensive research published by the British Medical Journal last November that found young people are more vulnerable to violent crime on their way home from school. An immediate response to this saw early evening activities provided and promoted to all students to prevent them hitting the streets at the same time between 4pm and 7pm.
Vice Principal for Student Services and Safeguarding at the College, Clive Ansell is busy putting the finishing touches to the new Twilight College programme and is confident that it will bring about the same success as last year’s. He says: “The aim of this programme is to provide our students with a safe environment in which to be after college. With an increase in mental health issues and a decrease in physical activity among 16-24-year-olds, the clubs we are offering help to support them with their physical, mental and emotional health. Furthermore, all of our activities, workshops and clubs are open to all students regardless of their age or mode of attendance.”
“What started out as a solution to help keep our students safe has now become a series of highly popular and much sort after leisure and special interest groups that are easy to reach (you don’t have to travel to and from a different venue) and totally FREE of charge.”
A recent survey of regular Twilight College participants has highlighted its many benefits with students reporting much improved wellbeing and confidence:
- 88% reported increased confidence
- 91% reported that they felt happier
- 91% reported that they had made new friendships
- 88% reported they felt healthier
- After six-weeks, 100% reported that they continue to do at least 1 x 30 minutes of physical activity per week (up 18% from the start)
Keith Sykes is the Youth and Communities Manager for Mytime Active and has worked closely with Clive and his team to introduce Twilight College and bring about its success. He says: “We are really excited to be working with London South East College again. This programme provides a safe space for hundreds of students to take part in sport, exercise and creative activities every week.
Mytime Active is a social enterprise on a mission to improve wellbeing and our teams are working with the College to make it simple for students to feel positive, move more and make new friends. Following the first term of activity we have already seen positive results with students improving their confidence, activity levels and well-being. We can’t wait to come back and kick start the programme in September.”
Catering student Le-Troy Pierre Ferrreira has been attending the singing workshops since the programme began last March. He says: “As someone who has suffered regularly from anxiety, this workshop has helped me to combat it quite effectively. The breathing exercises help to calm me down when I ‘m stressed and I find singing and listening to music very relaxing and exhilarating. I have definitely become more confident and positive, as well as learning how to face my fears and respond positively to challenges. I can now stand up in front of my class and express myself without fear.”
The next Twilight College programme will be launched at each main campus in mid-September. All students are welcome to attend.
PW - Images and video by Jack Pierce and Spectash Productions