Dear colleague,

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Welcome to the January issue of Review — the ProtectED newsletter. We hope this month's issue finds you safe and well, as we move forward into 2024.

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January has unfortunately been given the unlucky title of 'most depressing month' — with phases like "the January Blues" and it hosting what is purportedly the most depressing day of the year ("Blue Monday" — which fell on 15 January this year). While this may all be the creation of marketing teams aiming to sell us holidays, a more worthwhile incarnation proposed by the Samaritans is #BrewMonday. This is an initiative that encourages people to make the time to catch up with someone they keep meaning to — or to speak to a person that perhaps they know hasn't spoken to someone for a while. A brew and a chat can make a big difference to our mental state.

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While January's reputation may be a media invention, it can unfortunately also be a reality for many university students. As they become settled into their second term, it can be a time when doubts and worries begin to emerge. The excitement of starting university has faded, the delight of seeing friends over Christmas and New Year can make them homesick, and the reality of workload and forthcoming exams can raise stress. Student Minds have a great resource for support with many of the problems that students may be facing at the moment — from friendship dilemmas to finances. You can take a look here.

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Activity appears to be ramping up as the year begins, with quite a bit going on in the higher education sector. We've rounded up the current news and events around student safety, security and wellbeing below — so you can see all the headlines and activities in one place. If we've missed something, or you have something you'd like us to feature in our newsletter or include as an article on the ProtectED website, please e-mail Lisa at l.ravenscroft@Protect-ED.org.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do remember to follow ProtectED on Twitter (or 'X') and LinkedIn, so you can stay up to date on upcoming events, articles and other activities!

If you're a new subscriber, here's a little about us:

ProtectED CIC is a not-for-profit membership and accreditation organisation that aims to improve the safety, security and wellbeing of students in Higher Education.

Membership subscription supports ProtectED's three core functions:  

1. ProtectED Accreditation — Implementing good practice  

Assessment and accreditation of Member HEIs against the ProtectED Code of Practice.

2. Analysis & insight — Understanding 'what works' & why  

Analysis of anonymised, aggregated data to better understand issues and support improvement of ProtectED Member practice and performance.

3. Celebrating good practice — Recognising excellence  

Championing improved student safety, security and wellbeing through the promotion of exemplar HEI practice and engagement with key stakeholders.