Safeguarding and Welfare

At EDC, we’re committed to keeping everyone safe, included and supported.

Our Safeguarding Team and Progression Coaches can help with:

• safety and wellbeing
• mental health
• bullying or harassment
• online safety
• feeling unsafe or at risk
• financial or home concerns

Keeping safe online

Staying safe online matters for studying, socialising and everyday life.

Everyday safety

• protect your personal information and privacy settings
• use strong passwords and keep your account details secure
• be cautious if you’re talking to people you don’t know online
• watch out for scams and harmful content
• think before you share – your digital footprint stays online
• use AI tools safely, and check facts before you trust or share them

Recognising serious risks

• understand consent and the risks of sharing personal images or information
• know the signs of grooming, exploitation, coercion or radicalisation, in yourself or others

Not everyone online is who they say they are. If something feels wrong, trust your instinct.

If you’re worried about something you’ve seen online, you can:

• speak to your Progression Coach
• speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team
• report it anonymously: report it anonymously

More wellbeing resources are available on Student Padlet.

Mental health and wellbeing

Your wellbeing matters to us. If you’re struggling, support is available. You don’t have to go through it alone.

• Full-time students: speak to your lecturer or Progression Coach
• Apprentices: speak to your Assessor, or email Safeguarding@eastdurham.ac.uk
• Adult students: speak to your lecturer, or email Safeguarding@eastdurham.ac.uk

Parent/carer support

We work with parents and carers, providing:

• updates on your child’s progress and attendance
• safeguarding guidance
• wellbeing advice
• support during transition into college
• information events and updates

Keeping children safe online: Parent Zone