<p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">June marks Pride Month, a time for celebration, awareness, and continued allyship. We proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ Community, acknowledging both the progress made and the ongoing challenges that need to be addressed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and diversity. However, it is crucial to recognise that LGBTQ+ lives are still in danger. As highlighted in the research conducted by Libby (our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Manager) in her doctoral research proposal, "<em>During pride month, the UK is bombarded by messages from well-meaning companies and individuals of ‘love is love’ and ‘don’t hide your pride’; yet they fail to address or acknowledge the core issue facing the LGBTQ+ community: LGBTQ+ lives are in danger</em>.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At Weston College, we are dedicated to supporting our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and the wider community. We do this by listening, creating safe spaces and constantly re-evaluating our practices and training to ensure it is up to date and progressive. Our strong links with the <a href="https://www.nslgbtforum.com/">North Somerset LGBT Forum</a> provide a great place for local meetups, support groups, and coffee drop-ins at their venue on 68 Meadow Street in Weston-Super-Mare. These connections are vital in creating a sense of belonging and support within our community.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This month, we are raising awareness and showing our allyship through several exciting events. We are proud to present the upcoming queer musical <a href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/ucw-prese… Talking About Jamie,</a>' a powerful story that champions diversity and acceptance. Additionally, we are hosting a Pride Prom for learners on June 21st at Loxton Campus and a Pride Silent Disco for the entire community on the same day. These events aim to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusivity, and provide a safe and welcoming space for all.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As we celebrate Pride Month, we stand with our LGBTQ+ community in solidarity and reaffirm our dedication to making Weston College a place of safety, support, and empowerment for all.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Below are some College and external events you can get involved in this LGBTQ+ Pride Month:&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong><u>Our Events:</u></strong>&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>LGBTQ+ Prom:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Loxton’s Performance Space&nbsp;</li><li>Friday 21st June&nbsp;</li><li>6pm – 8:30pm&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… your free tickets here!</a></li></ul><p><strong>Pride Silent Disco:</strong></p><ul><li>Loxton Campus&nbsp;</li><li>Friday 21st June&nbsp;</li><li>8:30pm – 10pm</li><li><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… your free tickets here!</a></li></ul><p><strong>‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’:</strong></p><ul><li>Weston Playhouse&nbsp;</li><li>June 6th and 7th&nbsp;</li><li>7pm&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/playhouse-theatre/whats-on/ucw-prese… more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong><u>Local Events:</u></strong>&nbsp;</h2><p><strong>Beautifully Proud Exhibition:</strong></p><ul><li>Weston Museum&nbsp;</li><li>25th – 29th June&nbsp;</li><li>10am – 4pm&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.visit-westonsupermare.com/whats-on/lgbt/pride-month-in-west… more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Bristol Pride:</strong></p><ul><li>Multiple events running between 29th June and 14th July&nbsp;</li><li><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://bristolpride.co.uk/"><u>Read more here</u></a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Broadoak Academy’s Festival of Culture:</strong></p><ul><li>Broadoak Academy playing fields&nbsp;</li><li>Saturday 15th June&nbsp;</li><li>11am – 4pm&nbsp;</li></ul>

<p>It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week! To celebrate, we want to showcase some information regarding inclusion awareness training.</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College has seen increasing demand from our employer network for neurodiversity and inclusion awareness training. Business demand, alongside only 1 in 5 autistic adults being in employment, resulted in the College creating training for employers to access, supporting businesses to make inclusive adjustments in hiring and employment processes. Supporting existing staff has also been a theme given that 65% of neurodivergent employees do not disclose their conditions due to fear of discrimination improving inclusion strategies and policies will foster a more inclusive workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During the past 18 months, over 450 people from 40+ businesses have been trained; sharing key knowledge on recruiting, retaining, and supporting staff and customers. Workshops cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia along with racism, LGBTQ+ issues, sensory differences, and trauma-informed response.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The initiative has generated promising results, with businesses like Mendip Activity Centre, Puxton Park, and The Grand Pier implementing changes to become more neurodiversity friendly. Puxton Park has made its facilities more inclusive and accessible, diversified its workforce, and created tailored roles for applicants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Similarly, Mendip Activity Centre, known for its outdoor activities, underwent dedicated training, fostering empathy and understanding among staff members. The Grand Pier now provides sensory-sensitive equipment and a quiet room for visitors with sensory sensitivities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Mendip Activity Centre, known for its adventurous outdoor activities’ welcome individuals and groups of all ages and abilities took part in dedicated training. One staff member remarked that, "Just by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes who is neurodivergent was hugely impactful and we don’t have the ability to understand unless we ask".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Lynsey McKinstry, Business Partnership Manager for SEND provision, has continued to support businesses in their goals to understand and value individual needs. The initiative aims to create a genuinely inclusive society where everyone can thrive. " Instilling Inclusion at every level and opening employment routes for neurodivergent employees; the journey into inclusive practice is not just about ticking a box, but about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive utilising incredible skills that are often overlooked."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Employers interested in the training can contact Lynsey at <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:employers@weston.ac.uk"><u>employers@weston.ac.uk</u></a&gt; or visit our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Practice page</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">As part of Futures Month, Weston College had the privilege of hosting a transformative workshop led by renowned Sports Psychologist Marcus Nel. This workshop left a lasting impact on L3 and L4 learners, providing valuable insights into the world of sports psychology and performance optimisation.&nbsp;</p><p>Marcus Nel, a highly qualified and respected figure in the field of sports psychology, brings a wealth of experience working with elite athletes, including his contributions to the success of Bristol Bears and Gloucestershire Cricket. His expertise and proven track record in enhancing mental resilience and performance have made him a sought-after professional in the sporting world.</p><p>The workshop aimed to empower learners with practical strategies and psychological tools to maximise their potential both in and out of the sporting arena. Marcus Nel delved into key aspects of mental toughness, stress management, and goal setting, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.&nbsp;</p><p>The workshop was structured to engage participants in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, providing them with a hands-on understanding of the principles Marcus Nel advocates for peak performance. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the psychological aspects of athletic achievement, fostering a holistic approach to their personal and professional development.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Marcus Nel - a sports psychologist - leading a workshop in a classroom of college students&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d773cc9f-71ea-4596-a678-de32556b615b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_750x750&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>"We are thrilled to have had Marcus Nel join us for this enriching workshop. His expertise and engaging presentation style captivated our learners, and the knowledge shared will contribute to their growth and success," remarked Dan Lomax, FE Curriculum Coordinator in Sport and Health.&nbsp;</p><p>This workshop forms part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in finding out more about our Sport and Fitness courses? <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(16, 108, 177);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-… style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">here</strong></a><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>