Published
By Toby Belshaw
Grant funding from Crescent Purchasing Consortium has enabled Northern Ireland’s South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to create all-new relaxation areas, to significantly enhance the college experience.
The new Zen Zone at the Ballynahinch Campus acts as a sanctuary for SEND students, with indoor and outdoor areas designed to be safe and calming spaces for students to relax, recharge, and de-stress.
Supported by CPC’s Giving Back initiative, funding has helped the college to develop three new areas:
Indoor Chatty (technology-free areas, with comfortable seating)
Outdoor Chatty (technology-free areas, with comfortable seating)
The Square (area equipped with self-help tools to help students alleviate anxiety and unwind).
Student engagement was central to this project's successful development, with the SERC Student Union organising focus groups that provided safe and creative spaces for students to share their perspectives, ensuring voices were heard.
This ongoing cycle of input transformed the project into a collaborative endeavour, resulting in a positive and lasting impact for the students at the college.
SERC Campus Manager, Barbara McNeil, said: "As campus manager, I witness daily the challenges students encounter and it's rewarding to provide a dedicated space for them to relax, recharge and find balance.
"Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, comfortable seating and peaceful ambience.
"Students with SEND have found this space especially beneficial. Its thoughtful design has made it an invaluable resource for managing anxiety and regulating emotions.
"We have witnessed students who once struggled in busier environments now thriving in this calm and supportive setting.”
CPC Managing Director, Darren Lowe, said: "It’s fantastic to see Giving Back funding helping students in Northern Ireland and how these enhancements are already benefitting students.
"Our vision is to be the first-choice procurement services charity that gives back to the education sector and, through initiatives such as this, we are doing exactly that.”
South Eastern Regional College is Northern Ireland’s top-performing further and higher education college, delivering real learning for real life across Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards. It combines employer-led teaching, small classes and outstanding student support to help progress to university or skilled employment.
All 1,816 students attending Bangor and Newtownards campuses will benefit from the new areas. In particular, the 170 students enrolled in the foundation learning and skills for life programmes will see the greatest impact.
CPC’s Giving Back charity initiative supports institutions in their efforts to improve SEND education, aid the physical and mental wellbeing of learners and tackle absenteeism. Since its launch back in 2019, the charitable programme has designated over £2.1 million for reinvestment across education, facilitating a wide variety of purchases, projects and events.