LGBT+ History Month: Camden, Colour & Community 

February is LGBT+ History Month, a chance to celebrate queer history, creativity and community, right here in Camden and beyond. 

Camden has long been a hub for self-expression, activism and standing proudly outside the box. From legendary music venues and underground club nights, to marches, protests and Pride celebrations passing through our streets, this borough has always made space for people to be bold, different and unapologetically themselves. 

Across the UK this month, you’ll find talks, film screenings, exhibitions, drag story times, workshops and community events celebrating LGBT+ people past and present. It’s about recognising trailblazers who changed the world, everyday people who challenged injustice, and the joy that comes from living authentically. 

At WM College, we know our learners are wonderfully diverse, in age, background, identity and life experience. LGBT+ History Month is a reminder that whoever you are, whoever you love, however you identify, you belong here. First and foremost, you are a learner at WM, and we are proud to have you as part of our community. 

So whether you’re out, questioning, an ally, or just curious, this month is for everyone. Celebrate difference, share stories, keep learning… and maybe enjoy a bit of Camden colour along the way. 

World Cancer Day – 4^th Feb 2026 

World Cancer Day takes place on 4 February and is a global moment to raise awareness, challenge myths and show support for everyone affected by cancer. 

Chances are many of us have been touched by cancer in some way, through our own experiences, or those of family, friends or colleagues. World Cancer Day reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person, with a story, hopes and strength. 

At WM College, we believe community matters. Whether someone is living with cancer, supporting a loved one, or navigating life after treatment, kindness, understanding and flexibility can make a huge difference. Sometimes support is about practical help, and sometimes it’s simply listening or checking in. 

This day is also about hope: celebrating advances in treatment, research and early diagnosis, and recognising the resilience of people facing cancer every day. 

If you or someone you know needs support, remember you’re not alone. WM College is a place of learning, care and connection, and we look out for one another. 

Time to talk day – 5^th Feb 2026 

Time to Talk Day is all about one simple (but powerful) idea: talking about mental health. 

Life can be busy, stressful and unpredictable, especially when juggling learning, work, family and everything else that comes with adult life. Time to Talk Day encourages us to pause, check in with ourselves and others, and remember that it’s okay to talk about how we’re really feeling. 

You don’t need the “perfect words” or a big speech. A chat over a cuppa, a message to a classmate, or asking “How are you, really?” can make a huge difference. Talking helps break down stigma and reminds us we’re not alone. 

At WM College, we want all learners to feel supported, respected and heard. Whether you’re having a great day or a tough one, your wellbeing matters here. 

So today (and every day), let’s keep the conversation going. Talking saves lives, and listening matters just as much.

Good mental and physical health this festive season! 

We wish all our learners a warm, peaceful, and happy festive season. Thank you for your hard work, positive energy, and commitment this year. We are proud of everything you have achieved. 

Just remember to stay safe, warm and you can reach out to one of the following services below during the festive season in case you need someone to talk to.

Top 5 tips for the festive break 

1. Take time to rest – Enjoy some quiet days. Relax, sleep well, and give yourself a break.

2. Stay connected – Call or meet friends and family. If you feel lonely, join a community event or go for a walk in a busy place.

3. Keep learning a little – Even 10 minutes a day helps. Read a short article, watch an English video, or practice vocabulary.

4. Go outside – Fresh air and movement are good for your mind. Try a short daily walk if you can.

5. Do something you enjoy – Listen to music, cook a favourite meal, watch a film, or try a new hobby. This is your time to recharge. 

ALS & Supported Learning 

In ALS, we’re well on the way with our new Normal Way of Working (NWW) process, moving away from a paper request to an online version on EBS Ontrack. The process is used by teachers to make requests for exam concessions for their learners, for several reasons, the most common of which are for Dyslexia or Autism Spectrum conditions and may include rest breaks or extra time; all of which require evidence. 

Our Supported Learning learners ended their term 1 with a festive, sustainability-themed Pop-Up-Shop and celebration in the Maurice Hall. Their twice-yearly Pop-Up-Shop is an enterprise activity which supports their teamwork, project management and preparation for employment skills. Thank you to everyone who shopped and purchased high-quality handmade Christmas gifts, cards, and decorations. Our learners were visibly proud.  

Their celebration was well attended and four of our external partners joined us to share information about how learners with learning difficulties and disabilities are supported into work. Their enthusiasm and positive feedback lifted everyone’s spirits.  

Our Disability Officer is here to assist learners to physically access learning, so for learners with a physically disability hoping to re-enrol for Jan or just require support to move about the college, it would be beneficial to pop into the ALS office on the first floor for a talk with Ali Hussain who may offer orientation of our facilities to ensure learners feel safe and able to access the spaces they need to. 

Movember: Men’s Health Month 

November is Movember

Movember is a worldwide campaign that focuses on men’s health. Many men grow a moustache in November to start conversations and raise money.  Movember wants to help men with three important health issues: 

Mental Health 

Many men find it hard to talk about their feelings. They may feel stressed, sad, or alone. Movember encourages men to talk, listen, and support each other. Asking for help is a strong thing to do. 

Prostate Cancer 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It usually affects men over 50. Regular health checks can help doctors find it early, when it is easier to treat. 

Testicular Cancer 

This cancer can happen in younger men, usually between 15 and 49. Movember teaches men to check their bodies and to see a doctor if something feels unusual. 

How Learners Can Get Involved 

• Talk about men’s health with friends and family. 

• Visit the Movember website to learn more or donate. 

Movember reminds us that everyone’s health is important. When we talk openly, support each other, and learn about health, we help create a safer and kinder community. 

December has several important health days that help us learn how to keep ourselves and our communities safe and strong. 

World AIDS Day – 1 December 

• World AIDS Day teaches us about HIV and AIDS. People wear red ribbons to show support. 

• HIV is a virus, but today many people live long, healthy lives with treatment. 

• It is important to know the facts, be kind, and avoid stigma. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – 3 December 

• This day reminds that accessibility and inclusion matter. 

• Many people live with visible or invisible disabilities. 

• We can help by being patient, respectful, and making sure everyone feels welcome in our classrooms and community. 

Update from ALS Department 

In ALS, we’re well on the way with our new Normal Way of Working (NWW) process, moving away from a paper request to an online version on EBS Ontrack. The process is used by teachers to make requests for exam concessions for their learners, for several reasons, the most common of which are for Dyslexia or Autism Spectrum conditions and may include rest breaks or extra time, all of which require evidence. 

The Supported Learning provision is proud to announce our Christmas Pop-Up-Shop that will be held on Thursday, 4 Dec from 12:30 in our college Cafe. Our theme is Sustainability with handcrafted gifts all created from upcycled materials and they are amazing! 

Our Disability Officer is here to assist learners to physically access learning, so for learners with a physically disability hoping to re-enrol for January or just require support to move about the college, it would be beneficial to pop into the ALS office on the first floor for a talk with Ali Hussain who may offer orientation of our facilities to ensure learners feel safe and able to access the spaces they need to. 

Sexual Harassment Awareness 

At WM College we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for everyone. This edition of our learner newsletter focuses on sexual harassment: what it is, who can be affected, what to be mindful of and, crucially, how you can get support. 

What is sexual harassment? 

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. It can include verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct, and can occur online or offline. 

Examples include: 

• making sexual comments about someone’s appearance, body or clothing 

• asking intrusive questions about someone’s sex life or sexual orientation 

• unwanted sexual jokes, taunting or innuendo 

• displaying sexual images without consent or sharing them 

• unwanted physical contact (for example, unwanted hugging, touching, brushing) 

• sexualised gestures, staring, leering 

• sending sexual content via messages, social media or email 

Even a single incident can qualify as sexual harassment if it has the effect above. 

Who can be a victim (or target) of sexual harassment? 

It’s very important to recognise that anyone can experience sexual harassment, regardless of gender, age, background or role. For instance: 

• Learners (students) of any age, on-site or online. 

• Staff, tutors or other learners. 

• People of any gender, sexual orientation, or neurodiversity. Guidance emphasises that behaviours may overlap with issues of discrimination or bullying. 

• It might be peer-to-peer (learner to learner), or by someone in a position of authority or someone you don’t know. 

• The behaviour might happen in a classroom, on campus, in placements, socially, or online. 

Because of this breadth, it is vital that you feel empowered to speak up if you experience or witness it. 

What to keep in mind – Recognising, preventing and responding 

Here are some practical things to think about: 

Recognising behaviour 

• If something makes you feel uncomfortable, intimidated, degraded or offended because of its sexual nature— that is still worth taking seriously, even if it was “just a joke”. Guidance states that dismissing it as “banter” or “just growing up” risks normalising unacceptable behaviour. 

• Behaviour can be subtle: e.g., unwanted looks, sharing sexual images, persistent advances, comments about your clothes or body. 

• Online behaviour counts: messages, social media posts, sharing images, video chats—if it’s of a sexual nature and unwanted, it may fall into harassment. 

Taking action 

• If you or someone else is subject to harassment, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Speaking up is a key step. 

• If you feel safe doing so, you could tell the person their behaviour is unwanted and ask for it to stop but you are under no obligation to confront them if you don’t feel comfortable. 

• Tell someone you trust: a tutor, a friend, a member of the Safeguarding & Prevent team, or go via the official reporting mechanisms at the College. 

Preventing and improving the culture 

• Respect others’ boundaries. Think about how your words or actions might make someone else feel. 

• If you witness something: you can offer support to the person who may be affected (if safe to do so), or report it. 

• Use your voice: contributing to a respectful culture makes it safer for everyone.

How to get support at WM College 

If you ever feel uncomfortable, unsafe or simply unsure about something you have experienced or seen, you can contact our Safeguarding & Prevent team as follows: 

• Email: safeguarding@wmcollege.ac.uk  

• If you are on campus and need immediate help: speak to your tutor, your Curriculum Manager, or go to Reception and ask to speak with a member of the Safeguarding Team. 

• For further information and guidance you can visit “Safeguarding for Learners” on the College website: https://www.wmcollege.ac.uk/information-advice/safeguarding-for-learners/ 

You deserve to learn and work in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from harassment. If you are feeling uneasy about a situation or know someone who is, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It is not your fault, and you have the right to support. 
Together, by staying alert, respectful and caring for each other, we help make WM College a place where everyone can thrive. 

Take care, 
Safeguarding & Prevent Team 

The start of the term has been very busy for the Additional Learning Support (ALS) department. Just over 70 interviews have been completed, with many more pending. We aim to ensure everyone who has completed a referral for support will meet with a member of the team to share their needs. 

Our Disability Officer is on hand to ensure access to our college building is reviewed with learners with physical support needs, so please do speak with your teacher or come along to the ALS office on Level 1 to meet with him.