Meet Coleg Llandrillo’s Wellbeing Ambassadors

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is looking for more learners to become Wellbeing Ambassadors for the 2023/24 academic year at Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.

The Wellbeing Ambassador programme develops leaders of the future, giving students the chance to increase their skills and confidence by promoting the importance of health and wellbeing among fellow learners.

Ambassadors increase inclusive participation opportunities, act as the learner voice for wellbeing in the college and the community, and have opportunities to access additional training and qualifications.

Here, four of Coleg Llandrillo’s current Wellbeing Ambassadors give an insight into how much they enjoy the role and the skills and confidence they’ve gained from it.

Kyra Wilkinson and Claire Bailey, who both study Level 3 Health & Social care, combine their roles as Wellbeing Ambassadors with being joint Student Union presidents for Coleg Llandrillo.

Kyra said: “My friend and I saw the advertisement for it, and we both thought it would be a really good opportunity to get to know the college and our peers better.

“We’ve been involved in a few projects - a lot of charity groups, selling cakes to make money for Shelter Cymru - and we also did a silent disco which was one of our most popular activities.

“The best part of being a Wellbeing Ambassador is meeting new people and becoming familiar with the faces around you, and just having those opportunities to do more for the community.”

Kyra added: “My time-management skills have definitely improved - I’ve been able to manage my course as well as being a Wellbeing Ambassador quite well.”

Claire said: “As a Wellbeing Ambassador I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a few student conferences, and also activities within the college such as sports and self-care activities.

“We meet up and speak about what’s going well with the Wellbeing Ambassadors, what we can improve, and what activities the college students would like to see.

“I’ve gained confidence, and have also developed my communication skills - not only with the students but with members of staff as well.”

Asked if she has any advice for students thinking of applying to be a Wellbeing Ambassador, Claire said: “If you’re thinking about it you should definitely go for it. It’s a really good opportunity and it’s good for your CV as well.”

Llinos Price and Chloe Pullen are both studying Level 3 Childcare. As well as helping with wellbeing activities in college, they both volunteer at Brownies as part of the scheme.

Llinos said: “It’s nice to get involved with the children because it’s also linking to what I’m doing in college.

“This is my third year volunteering, and I’m learning lots of skills which I’ll be able to use later in life when I start working in childcare. I’m saving up to go to university to do a BA Honours Degree in Working with Children & Families.

“If anyone’s thinking of applying to be a Wellbeing Ambassador, I’d say go for it. You get a lot out of it - just to be able to help other people with their wellbeing is very rewarding.”

Chloe said: “It’s a great buzz to be a Wellbeing Ambassador and to be involved in helping people with their wellbeing.

“You’ve got to be very hands-on with the activities that we do, and you make lots of friends. It’s well and truly the most epic programme.”

Alice Outten, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Wellbeing Activities Officer, said: “Everyone should consider joining the Ambassador team this year, as you'll be able to take part in lots of different events and experiences, meet new friends, and it looks great to future employers on your CV.

"The willingness to volunteer and take part in extra-curricular activities on top of your studies demonstrates passion, organisational skills, confidence and enthusiasm. The skills you gain as an ambassador will help you develop in your future."

For more information about becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador, email lles@gllm.ac.uk or click here.