Support systems
At UWC Red Cross Nordic , we are committed to safeguarding and protecting our students from harm. We aim to ensure that all students have the support they need to thrive in our community.
Living far away from home, many for the first time, is both enriching, but at times also challenging, so we provide a strong support system for our students throughout their two years here. Our definition of safeguarding includes:
Protection from Harm, Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation: the process of protecting individuals from risk of harm and promoting their welfare
Health and Development: Creating a safe environment where members of the community can grow and develop
Supportive Care: Ensuring that all students are protected from harm and that their safety and wellbeing is prioritised
Levels of support
House Leaders: Each House Leader cares for around 40 students, ensuring their safety and well-being. They provide emotional support and guidance, acting in loco parentis (as a parent). House Leaders receive training in Mental Health First Aid and conflict resolution.
Advisors: Every student is paired with an Advisor, who offers academic support, serves as a confidante and maintain regular contact with students.
Roommates: Students share rooms with four others, fostering a sense of community. By supporting one another, they create a caring environment and establish room agreements to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Health Services: The Head of Health Services oversees student health. The College Nurse is available during office hours for drop-in consultations, while the Head of Wellbeing coordinates psychological support and training.
Lesson and Connect Attendance: Attendance in classes and activities is closely monitored. During evening Connect sessions, staff make eye contact with students to check on their well-being.
Teachers: Teachers provide academic support and mentorship, helping students address challenges and reach their potential.
Learning Support and University Counselling: Learning Support staff assist students with any learning challenges. The Senior University Counsellor guides students through college applications, including workshops and personal statements.
Peer Support: Each House has students in roles like House Representatives, Peer Listeners, and First Aiders. Peer Listeners offer a safe space for sharing feelings, while First Aiders provide immediate help for injuries.
Accessible Geography: The Student Village is designed for easy access to support. House Leaders live close to student residences, ensuring help is nearby at all times.
Emergency Contacts: There is always a staff member on call 24/7 within the student village, ensuring immediate support if needed.
Key Contacts
We encourage any member of the UWC RCN community who wishes to report experiences of sexual misconduct, harm, discrimination, abuse, or neglect to do so at any time. If you choose to come forward, we are here to listen and take your concerns seriously, ensuring the safety of our entire community.
Feel free to contact Sarah or David via email if you have questions or concerns about safeguarding. You can also report issues using our online platform, Safeguarding24. There is also a UWCRCN Board Nominated Representative for Safeguarding.
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Sarah Haughey
Deputy Safeguarding Lead:
David Ouma
Health and wellbeing
The Health Centre plays a vital role in our student support system. At the Care Centre, the College Nurse and the Wellbeing Counsellor are available for students.
Location and Accessibility: The Health Centre is centrally located for easy access and is staffed by our College Nurse and Wellbeing Counsellor.
Drop-in Sessions: We offer drop-in sessions each day, during which students can visit the Nurse without an appointment, as well as regular counselling appointments.
Medical Care: Our nearest doctors are in Dale (11 km away) and the nearest hospital is in Førde (44 km away). We encourage students to schedule non-urgent medical treatments at home during vacation periods, but we provide comprehensive care when needed.
At the beginning of each year, we conduct routine health checks. Students will meet individually with the College Nurse and Wellbeing Counsellor to discuss how we can support any pre-existing conditions. Our Health Centre staff are medical professionals bound by confidentiality.
Support for those are non-affiliated with RCN
If you are not directly affiliated with UWC RCN or prefer to talk to another UWC entity, you can use the following resources:
Contact the Safeguarding Officer of UWC International
Use the UWC Safeguarding Support Online Platform.
For more information about UWC International's reporting mechanisms, please visit their website. For details about safeguarding at UWC Red Cross Nordic, refer to the Community Safeguarding Handbook.