Personal Development for Adults

If you would like any further information, advice or guidance regarding any of the content below, please contact us at student.services@furness.ac.uk, 01229 825017.

British Values

Our curriculum is built around understanding the key British values of democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, mutual respect, and tolerance. These values are also an important part of our college’s values.

These British values help us understand what it means to be a citizen in a modern, diverse Britain, and they reflect our shared culture, language, and traditions that bring us together.

Democracy
A culture built on freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities. It’s about working together and making sure everyone has a voice.

Some ways we practice democracy in College include:
• Leadership opportunities and accountability
• Joint decision-making/ collaboration
• Team meetings
• The right to protest and petition
• Receiving and giving constructive feedback

Rule of Law
We believe that having rules helps create a happy, safe, and secure environment where everyone can thrive.

Some ways the rule of law shows up in our lives in College include:
• Following the laws of the Nation
• Sticking to agreed ways of working, policies, and procedures
• Acknowledging how the law protects you and others
• Following agreed codes of conduct

Mutual Respect and Tolerance
We know that not everyone shares the same beliefs and values, and that’s okay! Respecting each other’s ideas, cultures, and traditions is key to building a supportive community.

Some examples are:
• Embracing diversity
• Accepting and celebrating religion, traditions, and cultural heritage
• Challenging stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination

Individual Liberty
We believe in protecting the rights of everyone and ensuring that each person’s choices and individuality are respected.

Some examples of individual liberty in College include:
• Making sure we respect equality and human rights in others
• Talking about personal growth and development
• At all times showing respect and dignity
• Being considerate and tolerant of other people’s rights, choices, consent, and individuality
• Adhere to the College’s values and principles.

Radicalisation, Extremism, and Prevent

Extremism involves holding views that are very different from those of the majority, especially in political or religious matters. While everyone has the right to their own beliefs, it’s important to remember that when these beliefs can lead to harmful actions or words, they can create problems in society and even contribute to criminal activity.

People can become radicalised for various reasons, often influenced by what they read, see, or the groups they interact with. This can affect individuals or groups. When someone is radicalised, they may want to change society based on their extreme political or religious beliefs.

At Furness College we take these issues very seriously. If you’re feeling concerned about yourself or someone else who might be developing harmful views, please don’t hesitate to seek support. You can talk to your tutor, or visit the government’s website, which has helpful resources, including the Act Early website.

If you’re worried about criminal activity or potential terrorist behaviour, please reach out to the police: call 999 in an emergency, or 101 if it’s not urgent. You can also report hate crimes or share your concerns here.

The government’s Prevent programme works to stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism. It’s a team effort with local authorities and community groups to help support vulnerable people and find positive solutions. You can learn more about the Prevent Programme here Get help for radicalisation concerns – GOV.UK

It’s important to stay aware but not overly alarmed. By staying informed, you can feel more confident in knowing how to respond if you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right. For more guidance, check out the Counter Terrorism Police Website with their #BeSafeBeSound campaign.

Staying safe isn’t just about being careful at home—it’s also about knowing what to do when you’re on holiday. While the chances of encountering a terrorist incident are low, it’s always good to stay alert and be prepared. Watch the Run, Hide, Tell video and read the guidance for staying safe abroad: Stay Safe Abroad: Advice to Holidaymakers.

Careers and Employability

Finding the right job or career path can be exciting, and we’re here to help you discover what might be the perfect fit for you! Why not come over to our dedicated Student Services space at Channelside and chat to our advisors.  They can help you match your skill set to over 400 different job profiles via our online Unifrog platform. It can also help you find out more about where your new qualifications might lead you, and support you with appropriate applications. We can also help you with tips on writing a CV and cover letter, along with advice on the key skills employers value and how to shine in interviews.

If you have a business idea or dream of being your own boss, self-employment might be the right path for you. Learn more about how entrepreneurs come up with ideas, the different types of businesses, and how to start your own company with useful resources available online.

If you are job hunting, don’t forget to check our the Indeed website. It has a section called Find a Career, where you can explore jobs with high satisfaction, top salaries, and get great tips on how to find the right fit. You can also search for current job listings and even upload your CV so employers can reach out to you!

Relationships

You may think that relationships is not something that is important to your college experience, but all aspects of your life influence how you are feeling, how well you do at your studies, how you feel life is going.

Managing relationships with others can be both rewarding and challenging, but it’s these connections—whether with partners, friends, family, colleagues, or others—that play a vital role in our lives and contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. Our relationships shape who we are and help us thrive.

Friendships, in particular, can have a great impact on our happiness and emotional health. But how do we know if a relationship is healthy? If you’re unsure, here’s a wonderful TED Talk that can help you navigate this important question.

Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi: How many friends do I need? | TED Talk

Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, no matter their gender, age, ethnicity, religion, background, or sexuality. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out for support. You can find helpful resources and information through the government website, including links to local support services that can guide you through this difficult time.

Domestic abuse: how to get help – GOV.UK

Consent
Understanding and respecting consent is all about setting healthy boundaries and checking in with your partner to make sure things are clear. Consent is essential for everyone involved in any sexual activity. Here’s a helpful video that talks more about the concept of consent and why it’s so important.

Bing Videos

Support with Caring, Families, and Parenting
Parenting is one of life’s toughest yet most rewarding jobs. While there’s no manual for being a perfect parent, research has shown there are many things you can do to make the journey a little easier and more fulfilling. Balancing all the demands of family life can be stressful, and all parents face challenging times.

For helpful advice and guidance, the NSPCC website offers valuable resources on everything from bonding with your new baby, managing tantrums, and supporting your teen, to handling separation or divorce. They also offer a confidential helpline if you ever need to talk to someone:
Call: 0808 800 2222
Email: askus@familylives.org.uk

The government’s website also provides guidance on the practicalities of raising children, including the financial support available to parents.

Health and Wellbeing

Taking care of your health—physically and mentally—is important for feeling good and living well. The NHS Live Well website offers a wide range of advice on everything from eating a balanced diet, staying active, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, to improving mental health.

Feeling stressed? Check out their 10 Stress Busters—simple things you can do right away to feel more relaxed. Long-term, following five key steps can help you stay balanced and positive.

If you’re a parent, the NHS also has resources to support you in helping your child manage exam stress, aggression, or difficulties with their emotions.

We all know how exhausting life can be. If you’re feeling tired all the time (TATT—Tired All The Time), you’re not alone! The Live Well site also has tips on how to improve your sleep, from creating a calming bedtime routine to reducing screen time.

Learning to relax is a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth it. In just 30 minutes, you can follow along with a soothing video that helps you relax, release tension, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Financial Health
Managing finances can feel overwhelming at times, but there’s support out there to help. Citizens Advice offers great resources on managing your money, dealing with debt, and budgeting effectively. They even have a budgeting tool to help you keep track of your income, expenses, and where you can cut costs.

Work out your budget :: Citizens Advice Medway

The Money Helper website brings together tools and guidance to help you stay on top of your finances—whether it’s managing rising rents, covering higher energy costs, or dealing with debt.

Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government | MoneyHelper

Online Safety
The internet is an amazing tool, especially for the younger generation, who are growing up in this digital age. But it’s important to be aware of the risks that can come with it. Online safety challenges can include cyberbullying, sexting, self-harm encouragement, and more.

There are things you can do to prepare yourself and your family to face these issues with confidence. Internet Matters offers a range of resources and support to help you and your children stay safe online.

Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support – Internet Matters