Health and Wellness

Lotti, our Wellbeing Counsellor and Guri, the College Nurse at the Care Centre

Life at RCN can be challenging, and we are focused on providing a strong support system for the students throughout their two years here. The Care Centre is an integral part of this support system.

The Care Centre is located in the centre of the academic space for easy access, and is staffed by our College Nurse our Wellbeing Counsellor. There are normal drop-in sessions each say when students can come without an appointment, as well as regular counselling and medical appointments available.

RCN is in a rural location, and this means that our closest doctors are in Dale (a 15km drive) and the nearest hospital is in Førde (one hour’s drive away). We strongly encourage students to organise any non-urgent medical treatments at home during vacation periods, but students are well cared for when they need medical care and support.

At the start of the College term, routine health checks are made, and students will have individual meetings with the College Nurse and Wellbeing Counsellor to discuss how we can practically support them with any pre-existing conditions. Our Care Centre staff are medical professionals, and are therefore bound by medical confidentiality.

The Care Centre is an essential part of how we support our students’ health and wellbeing, but there is a much wider system to offer support and guidance to every member of the community. This includes:

– A team of student Peer Listeners, trained and supported by the Wellbeing Counsellor. Peer Listeners provide regular drop in sessions for any student who needs to talk, as well as being on call at the weekend.
– Student Council Members are always ready and willing to listen to students’ concerns and joys, and work with them to continue to improve the community at RCN.
– Every House has a dedicated House Leader, who has overall responsibility for the care and guidance of their students. House Leaders live adjacent to the boarding houses and have regular “Open Door” hours, as well as being generally around and available.
– Advisors are at the heart of the pastoral system at RCN. Each Advisor has responsibility for a small group of approximately 10 students.
– A team of Mental Health First Aiders have undertaken a three year qualification from MHFthe A England, focused on developing the practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues and being able to reassure and support a young person in distress.
– The Safeguarding Team can be instantly contacted via our online platform Safeguarding24, as well as by email, phone call, or by knocking on the door of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, who lives within the student village.
– The Community Life Leader lives within the student village, and is also the DSL and a Mental Health First Aider.