SUPPORTING HEALTHIER AND SAFER COMMUNITIES
Working with Community Partners
The College’s proactive approach to supporting
students to make positive life choices was enhanced
through our innovative joint posts of NHS Addictions
Liaison Officer and Police Scotland Campus Liaison
Officer.
In 2014-15 the officers delivered over 200 workshops to
2,925 students, 37% of our full-time students. The most
popular workshops were on drug and alcohol awareness,
social media and internet safety, and road safety.
Throughout the year, both liaison officers supported the
College in improving life chances.
For example, the Campus Liaison Officer was approached
by a student seeking advice on home related matters
which were beginning to affect his college attendance.
He disclosed that he had used cannabis in the past
and was worried he may turn to drugs again to cope
with family difficulties. He also shared concerns about
his mother who was pregnant and being subjected to
domestic violence by her partner.
The Campus Liaison Office advised the student regarding
his home life and referred him to the Addictions Liaison
Officer for support on his drug concerns. In relation to
his mother, the Campus Liaison Officer arranged for
operational officers to visit her home address to offer
support. The student was very thankful for the advice and
support he received, and reported that home issues were
being resolved.
Evidence captured throughout the year demonstrated
that the joint liaison posts improved services for many
students. Ultimately, the posts contributed to keeping
Ayrshire safer and healthier.
Supporting healthier communities
The College supported third sector organisations like
Addaction and the South Ayrshire Alcohol & Drug
Partnership by delivering short vocational courses to
individuals seeking employment after recovering from
drug and alcohol addiction.
experience has changed my life, I feel
“thatThisI have
developed my knowledge and skills to
become a support worker
”
Course participant
AYRSHIRE COLLEGE / QUALITY REPORT 2014/15
69