The Wellbeing Team offer a packed schedule of Wellbeing Activities to cater for every student – from painting and Lego to nature walks and podcast discussion clubs. All activities are free and open to any student across all campuses, click on the icon below to find out more:

Meet our Active Campus Coordinator – Xsara Murray 

The Edinburgh College Student Newsletter recently caught up with the College’s new Active Campus Coordinator Xsara Murray to find out more about her role and the activities she will be organising for College students:

Can you tell me a bit about your new role and what you will be doing? 

My role within the College is to plan, provide and promote various opportunities for sport and physical activity across campuses for students and staff, with the aim of using physical activity to improve overall mental and physical wellbeing.  

Another part of my role is to identify and work with people who may have barriers to sport and physical activity participation and work with them to create interventions that will aid in bringing these barriers down.  

It is also in my remit to create links between the college and the wider community, through already existing SportScotland networks and creating pathways from college sport to clubs in the wider community of Edinburgh.  

What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

I am most looking forward to working with students to create participation opportunities based on what they are most interested in being involved in! I am also looking forward to highlighting and passing on the wider benefits of sport and physical activity to those who aren’t currently participating, to encourage and enable them to start!  

What were you doing before you started at Edinburgh College? What’s your background?

I come from a Sports Coaching and Development background, with a focus on grassroots initiatives through Community Sport and Active Schools. Before this role I worked as a Sports Coordinator for afterschool and holiday clubs based in schools across Edinburgh and West Lothian. 

What kind of activities will be on offer and can anyone get involved?

I’ll be linking in with the Wellbeing team to offer sports clubs, fitness sessions and activities across campuses focussing on physical activity for overall health.

The first few months in post will be spent working closely with specific groups to bring more opportunities their way and working with one campus at a time to get some sports clubs up and running. You should also keep an eye out for participation opportunities and events across the four campuses coming soon!  

How do I book onto any activities I want to take part in?

You’ll find my tab in the ‘Wellbeing Hub’ on Microsoft Teams. Here, you’ll be able to get more information about what is currently going on Active Campus wise at the College.  

If there are any activities, you would like to see being offered or have any ideas that can be implemented by your Active Campus Coordinator, feel free to get in touch at xsara.murray@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Free Sanitary Products

The Wellbeing Team provide free period products for our students, supplied by Grace & Green. These can be found in all campus reception areas as well as Student Services, Students’ Association and you can also find a wider selection of reusables available online for free home delivery.

NEW Selected female and accessible toilets now have dispensers fitted with free pads and tampons across all campuses. Look out for the ‘Period Dignity Here‘ stickers as seen above.
Reusables? Grace & Green have period cups, day and night pads, pants and shorts available via our free Home Delivery Service.
Free Home Delivery Students can order sanitary products directly to your door, please complete the Sanitary Product Order Form 2025/2026. Delivery time is 4 -6 weeks, so please plan ahead.

Edinburgh College has the responsibility to safeguard the welfare of the children, young people and protected adults who attend the College. Members of college staff have a duty of care to prevent physical, sexual or emotional abuse and to report any suspicion of abuse.

If you would like to report a concern please speak to a member of college staff such as your LDT, lecturer, Learning Support Adviser or any staff member that you feel comfortable talking to.

Gender Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence against a person because of that person’s gender, or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. Both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls. On this page you will find out what GBV support is available.

Please click to view our Gender Based Violence Policy

If you have any questions relating to GBV please email wellbeing@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

Free Gender Based Violence Course (Click the image and sign in via Moodle):

Please see below for a list of support agencies and resources:

Beira’s Place is a sexual violence support service for women – run by women. They provide support, advocacy, and information on all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation, to women aged 16 and over who live in any part of Edinburgh and the Lothians. The service is free and confidential and is offered to women no matter when the violence or abuse has happened. 

This site contains information for survivors, family and friends of survivors and for professionals who may be supporting a woman who has experienced some form of sexual violence.

Visit Beira’s place website for more information or email support@beirasplace.org.uk

NHS Inform -Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS)

24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can speak to a trained healthcare professional who can help to arrange the care you might need.

Visit SARCS website to find out more or call the dedicated NHS telephone number 0800 148 88 88.

Scottish Women’s Aid

Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse and forced marriage, playing a vital role coordinating, influencing and campaigning for effective responses to domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner or ex-partner. Domestic abuse is overwhelmingly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disabled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.

Visit Scottish Woman’s Aid website call 0800 027 1234 or email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk.

Shakti Women’s Aid helps Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women , children, and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, and/ or other members of the household. They cover lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI), forced marriage, immigration issues, and female genital mutilation (FGM)

Visit Shakti Woman’s Aid website call 0131 475 2399 or email info@shaktiedinburgh.co.uk

SACRO provides support for people experiencing abuse, violence or intimidation based on their gender through the following services;

Aditi offers one-to-one wellbeing, support and advice for Black and Asian ethnic minority women of all religious backgrounds living in Edinburgh who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse or ‘honour’ based violence. Domestic abuse can mean physical, financial, sexual or emotional abuse or controlling behaviour by a husband or member of the family. This includes pressure to marry, dowry abuse and female genital mutilation (FGM). Dedicated support workers can offer practical information on aspects such as housing and finances, working alongside counsellors and complimentary therapists who support women to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

call: 0131 603 4865 email: aditi@sacro.org.uk

Another Way offers non-judgemental, one to one support to women involved in selling or exchanging sex in Edinburgh, Lothians and Scottish Borders. Sacro workers offer women support with issues such as; addictions, domestic abuse, healthcare, housing, parenting, cognitive behavioural therapy and exiting sex work if the woman wishes to do so. Women are provided with information on relevant agencies and services from training and employment to benefits. Sacro can help make referrals where necessary and support women to attend other services.

call: 0131 624 7270 email: anotherway@sacro.org.uk

FearFree  is a support service for any man, or LGBTI+ person experiencing domestic abuse. Dedicated case workers offer mentoring and tailored support in areas such as: healthcare, housing, emotional support, practical support, safety planning, addictions and assistance to access appropriate benefits. The service also offers practical support for survivors to access a range of services and will support appropriate inclusion within communities.

call : 0131 624 7270 email: fearfreeinfo@sacro.org.uk

Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) – Clare’s Law

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) gives people the right to ask about the background of their partner.. It also allows concerned relatives and friends, the right to ask about someone’s partner. They can ask if they have been abusive in the past.

DSDAS also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they may be at risk. This information can be given if it is not asked for.  Where Police Scotland have information that a person may be at harm of domestic abuse by their partner, they have the power to tell them.

Make an application online, call 101, or speak to an officer at any police station or on the street.

Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline

Marriage should always be a choice, and you should always be able to say no if you don’t want to get married. Forced marriage is when one or both people don’t freely agree to the marriage.

Visit Scotland’s Domestic abuse and forced marriage website or call 0800 027 1234

Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS) is Scotland’s leading charity for men who experience domestic abuse. There is a national helpline, website and training services.

Visit AMIS website call 03300 949 395

TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance) provide support to women who may be trafficked and exploited as now defined in the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (Scot) 2015. TARA understands that commercial sexual exploitation is a form of violence against women that it is harmful to women , families and communities.

Visit TARA’s website to find out more or call 0141 276 7724

FollowItApp is designed to help victim-survivors of stalking record what’s happening to them. The app lets you keep a log of stalking incidents and is tailored to Scots law but can be used regardless of whether or not you decide to report to the police.

Visit FollowItApp’s website, call 0141 331 4183 or email FollowItApp@scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk

Hollie Guard is designed to raise an alert, discreetly, or overtly depending on your choice, pin point location, activate your camera and microphone to capture evidence and alert your chosen Emergency Contacts.

Visit Hollie Guard website to find out more.

STAY Project (Action for Children)

Edinburgh College have partnered up with Action for Children as part of their STAY Project. The aim of the STAY Project is the retention and attainment of Care Experienced students aged 16 – 29 or deemed a vulnerable (non Care Experienced) student student aged 16 – 24.

Mentors assist students 1-1 to sustain their college place and offer support across a variety of issues, including:

• Budgeting
• Housing Support
• Learning Support
• Mental Wellness
• Key Services Links
• Financing
• Job Applications
• Advocating on Student’s Behalf

If you meet the criteria and wish to be referred, please talk to one of your lecturers, learning development tutor or curriculum leader, who will be able to refer you to this service.

Homelessness

Homelessness and mental health often go hand in hand, and can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Having a mental health problem can create the circumstances which can cause a person to become homeless in the first place. Yet poor housing or homelessness can also increase the chances of developing a mental health problem, or exacerbate an existing condition. In turn, this can make it even harder for that person to recover – to develop good mental health, to secure stable housing, to find and maintain a job, to stay physically healthy and to maintain relationships. 

To help students who may be facing homelessness we have decided to create this information tile about Homelessness and what organisations/agencies can help you find a safe place to stay or the right financial support to help you find a suitable home. 

BETHANY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre provides emergency accommodation with support to anyone who would otherwise be rough sleeping in Edinburgh. Operating from an Edinburgh city centre hotel October through to May, the Welcome Centre provides each individual or couple with their own bedroom and en-suite facilities. 24/7 care and support are provided by the professional Bethany staff, as well as specialised support from 26 visiting partners, with a focus on rapid re-accommodation. Each day there is breakfast, lunch and a hot nutritious evening meal provided by Edinburgh and Lothian churches. For more information please phone 07919557673. Click on the logo for more information

Who can apply? Anyone who would otherwise be rough sleeping, without access to accommodation.

How to apply Present at the door of the Welcome centre (Haymarket Hub Hotel, 7 Clifton Terrace, EH12 5DR)

ROCK TRUST works with young people between the ages of 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Their role is to advise, educate and support young people to help them build the personal skills and resources required to make a positive and healthy transition to adulthood, while avoiding or moving on from homelessness. Resilience and positive social networks are key in successfully moving on from homelessness, click on the logo for more information

SHELTER SCOTLAND strive everyday to give people struggling with bad housing or homelessness the help they need, through their advice, support and legal services. They campaign relentlessly to achieve their vision of a safe, secure, affordable home for everyone, click on the logo for more information

EDINBURGH COUNCIL will try to offer help and support if you are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, click on the logo for more information

Simon Community Scotland helps people who are experiencing homelessness or are worried about their accommodation, they offer support and advice regarding help to find accommodation in a crisis or something more long term, help with keeping your accommodation or tenancy, company and/or advocacy when you need to visit or call a service, life skills learning groups (allotments, literacy, healthy eating,), click on the logo for more information

CRISIS works with thousands of people to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. How they can help depends on someone’s needs and situation, click on the logo for more information

FOUR SQUARE runs four different type of services for people who are homeless or who might become homeless, these are: 

• Accommodation – we provide hostel accommodation and flats for young people at Stopover and Number Twenty; and a refuge for women who have experienced domestic abuse at Keymoves
• Advice – we help people to access benefits and to access and keep housing through our team of housing and benefits advisors 
• Support – we support people who are recovering from trauma and those in  unsuitable accommodation through our WomanZone and Visiting Housing Support services
• Learning and Employability – we help people get back into education, training or employment through our services and social enterprise

 Click on the logo for more information

CROSSREACH, Cunningham House and Rankeillor Initiative can help you find temporary and permanent accommodation in shared flats combined with support to help you determine and pursue your goals. They can also help you with lots of other information related to housing, employment, mental health and substance dependency. For more information click on the logo.

CAP (CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY) provides free debt help and local community groups across the UK. Our free services, run with local churches, provide practical and emotional support and show people that there is always hope.

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Additionally, these organisations/agencies provide advice on income maximisation, debt, budgeting, housing, employment, energy, immigration, consumer rights, health,… 

For more information and how to contact them please click on the links.

The City of Edinburgh Council – The Advice Shop

The City of Edinburgh Council – The Access Place (homeless support for people with support needs)

Citizens Advice Bureau – Citizens Advice Edinburgh

Chai Community help and advice – CHAI 

One Parent Families Scotland – OPFS

Men’s Mental Health

Often men find it difficult to discuss mental health problems with others, which can lead to them being isolated, and feeling alone. However, there are resources that can help you, provide information and support.

Andy’s Man Club Website https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk

The Men of Leith Men’s Shed Website: The Men of Leith Men’s Shed Phone: 07510 772 359 Email: leithmensshed@gmail.com

AMIS (Abused Men In Scotland) Website: AMIS | Abused Men In Scotland Phone 03300 949 395 Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm

Respect Men’s advice line Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk) Phone 0808 801 0327

SurvivorsUK Website: SurvivorsUK | We challenge the silence to support sexually abused men Phone Monday – Sunday 12pm – 8pm

Fear Free Website: FearFree Phone 0131 624 7270

Change Mental Health – Men’s Mental Health Website: https://changemh.org/resources/mens-mental-health/ Phone 0808 8010 515 Email advice@changemh.org

Men Matter Scotland (MMS) Website: MEN MATTER SCOTLAND Email: contact@menmatterscotland.org

Eating Disorder Support

Get free telephone or email support for friendly, non-judgmental advice regarding an eating disorder or supporting someone with an eating disorder. Call  0808 801 0432 or 1-1 webchat or email Scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk. They also run Peer support groups.

Momentum is a self help programme for adults with a Binge Eating Disorder or regular binge eating episodes.

No matter your situation, you deserve support. Find out about what support is available

CAPS Advocacy

In Scotland, everyone experiencing a mental health issue has the right to access independent advocacy. Sometimes it can feel hard to speak up or explain everything you want to say. It can be hard to take in lots of complicated information in meetings. You may feel overwhelmed, rushed or not listened to. At CAPS they can support you with eating disorders, drugs, alcohol and mental health issues.

GP – Visit your doctor

It’s very important to access treatment as early as possible, as earlier treatment means a greater chance of fully recovering from your eating disorder. Your first point of contact in the health care system is likely to be your general practitioner (GP). They’ll be responsible for your initial diagnosis and should help to coordinate your care, at least in the early stages of treatment. If they determine you may have an eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorders specialist.

We would always suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor if you think you have an eating disorder or are worried about your relationship with food, your body image, or your exercise habits.

If you are in need of urgent help for yourself or someone else outside of Beat’s Helpline opening hours, please contact 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.