College launches festive ‘Sleigh Safe’ campaign to promote student well-being and safety

Derby College Group is spreading festive cheer while promoting safety and well-being through its innovative Christmas Sleigh Safe Campaign. The interactive initiative is designed to help students enjoy the holiday season responsibly, make informed choices, and stay safe both on and off campus.

The Sleigh Safe Event, held at the Roundhouse campus, brought together engaging activities with important wellbeing messages. Students took part in a range of interactive experiences, including Beer Pong Facts and Fiction, a Mocktail Bar, and Drunk Driving Awareness Challenges, all aimed at encouraging safer decision-making around alcohol and personal safety.

Creative activities, such as decorating a Christmas Tree with Safety Pledges, invited students to reflect on positive choices and commit to looking after themselves and others during the festive period.

Alongside the interactive elements, students were able to access vital information and support relating to mental health, sexual health, harm reduction, and healthy relationships. The event also featured competitions and giveaways, helping to make learning about safety accessible, engaging, and memorable.

Head of Student Development, Seraya Cliff, said: “The Sleigh Safe event is about combining fun with important messages. We want students to celebrate the season while feeling confident about their wellbeing and safety. It is a creative way to start conversations and provide practical strategies for looking after themselves and their friends.”

Vice Principal, Aaron Denton, added: “Student experience and safety are at the heart of everything we do. This campaign reflects our commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to enjoy the festive period responsibly. It is a fantastic example of our pastoral team working collaboratively to make a real impact.”

The event was delivered in collaboration with external partners, including Change Grow Live, a national charity providing free and confidential support around drug and alcohol use, mental health, and well-being.

Change Grow Live supports hundreds of thousands of people each year through early intervention, harm reduction, and recovery-focused services. Students also benefited from input from Mental Roots, local health services, and the College’s own resilience and pastoral teams.

National research highlights the importance of early education and intervention, with studies showing that young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours during festive periods. Initiatives such as Sleigh Safe play a key role in raising awareness, reducing harm, and encouraging positive choices through accessible and supportive engagement.

Derby College Group remains committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Campaigns like Sleigh Safe form part of a wider, year-round approach to student wel-lbeing and safety.