Meet Claire Appleton, a College Counsellor at Middlesbrough College.
Claire joined Middlesbrough College in 2022 as part of the Student Support team, where she provides professional counselling to students during their studies.
Claire said, “I grew up in a deprived area of Middlesbrough, so I understand the challenges young people face. I wanted to deliver a service that would help students thrive at the start of their college educations and careers.”
Before joining Middlesbrough College, Claire was a Nursery Nurse and then a Nursing Assistant in Special Needs schools. Alongside this role, she trained as a counsellor before later opening her own private practice.
“I have such a varied role that allows me to lend my skills to various tasks, from managing risks that might come through the door to helping at enrolment where I’m meeting new students. We have recently set up a pop-up social group to help students build connections with their peers. It’s been a great resource, particularly for neurodiverse students.
“I love how diverse the college is with a range of nationalities. Everyone is unique in the way they think and function. It’s nice to get to know them all.”
As a College Counsellor, Claire delivers confidential support to students to help with their mental health and wellbeing. During these sessions, students have a safe space to express whatever they are feeling and look at any problems they are facing in a different way.
“I feel honoured to be a person my clients can feel safe enough to explore their most difficult times with and I find it very rewarding to see people feeling empowered to manage things in a more helpful way for them.”
Counselling sessions are free and accessible to all students at Middlesbrough College, whether they are a full-time or part-time leaner. Students who feel they would benefit from this support are welcome to book an initial support assessment, a 50–minute appointment that allows Claire and the Counselling team to guide you on the most suitable service, either internal or external. Find out more about the service here.
Claire is based in the Student Wellbeing Hub in the main Middlesbrough College building, based behind the Thrive+ Pod, sitting alongside Student Services and Safeguarding.
“I work with an incredible team. It is such a supportive environment; everyone is so authentic. No two days are the same.
“I am the Health and Wellbeing Champion for our team. I’m on hand to listen and get their opinions on working at the College, be a peer support and put any ideas into practice. We have initiated staff rewards schemes and Reconnection Fridays, in which two staff are randomly selected to grab a cuppa and spend time catching up.
“We’ve also opened a new staff room for our Safeguarding team, a space where they can decompress, as well as an Action for Happiness Calendar, where someone will read out an encouraging message or action to help boost morale.”
Outside of Middlesbrough College, Claire hosts various wellness sessions, including sound baths and Reiki.
“I play a gong, drum and chimes, which create different hertz to help with relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep. The sessions are to help people slow down and de-stress. I’ve hosted a few sessions in the College with my team during our wellbeing hour and have my first retreat coming up to help with self- esteem, goal setting. releasing stress and building connections with others.”
When asked what she would say to someone considering a role at Middlesbrough College, Claire said, “Just go for it! It’s a lovely place to work with such supportive people. The managers have been so open, responsive and approachable and genuinely care about you as a colleague!”
Looking for a role at the Middlesbrough College Group? Take a look at our latest job vacancies here!