assistance for support workers with randstad student support.

Keele University

University of East Anglia

University of Staffordshire

University of Wolverhampton

Lancaster University

Liverpool John Moores

Manchester Metropolitan University

University of Central Lancashire

University of Chester

University of Salford

Abertay University 

Aberdeen University

Bath Spa University Guide

Bath Spa Resource Booker

University of East London Guide

University of East London Access Control

University of Hertfordshire

University of Reading

Training: Understanding Autism - Open University - This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by different individuals and families, and why it is a global concern. The course explains how ideas about autism have evolved and explores diagnosis, causes, intervention and life-span development. Widely varying perspectives on autism are illustrated and key societal and cross-cultural issues highlighted.

Training: Inclusive Pathways: Autism Support - Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) & NCFE - Autistic young individuals are already disadvantaged in terms of likelihood of employment. Research on previous economic recessions indicates that disadvantaged groups become more marginalised and further away from the labour market. Therefore, it is vital to provide extra employability support to marginalised individuals as we move through the post-Covid 19 recovery. In this course you'll get access to a slide deck of learning and support, with gentle questions to check your understanding as you go.  Including written case studies and practical tips, you'll finish with a sound understanding of the challenges and approaches to supporting autistic young people and with lots of signposting to further resources and support.

Article: What are the Support Needs for Autistic University Students? - This blog post (which references academic sources) provides a good overview of academic, social, and mental health challenges, and the broad support needs including specialist tutoring, social groups, tailored mental health support, and staff/student education.

Training: Understanding ADHD - Open University  - This free course explores ADHD from the perspective of those diagnosed and those who care for them. It covers scientific research, effectiveness of treatments, and more. It's a 12-hour course and offers a free certificate.

Training: Various (via Class Central) - This website lists many free ADHD courses, some of which are relevant to adults and university students. Look for titles like "Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School" (audit mode on Coursera) or "Introduction to ADHD: What It Is and How It's Treated" (audit mode on Coursera)

Website: ADDitude Magazine - This is an excellent resource with a vast collection of articles specifically for adults with ADHD. They cover productivity, time management, health, organisation, relationships, and more. They also offer free downloads and self-tests.

Website: ADHD Foundation - Offers a variety of resources, downloads, talks, and videos to help understand ADHD and neurodiversity. Their "Resources for Adults" section includes guides on "What is ADHD?" and "Neurodiversity in the Workplace," which can be broadly helpful for understanding adult ADHD challenges.

Website: ADHD Centre - Offers free downloadable exercises and tools like "Note Taking 4 Box Layout," "Daily Study Guide," and "Goals Sheet," as well as video downloads with tips and advice for coping with ADHD.

MindEd - Free Mental Health eLearning - This is a fantastic, free online educational resource from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It covers mental health for children, young people, adults, and older people. It's designed to help you become informed and better equipped when considering the mental health of those under your care. You can complete individual sessions or sign up for a learning path and get certificates.

CPD: Conversations in the Community  - This free online course from Mind (the UK mental health charity) focuses on building confidence in having everyday conversations about mental health and well-being. While it won't make you a qualified professional, it's excellent for anyone looking to offer better support to those around them.

Website: Student Minds - The UK's leading student mental health charity, with a clear vision that no student should be held back by their mental health. They provide a wealth of resources on various challenges students face, from exam stress and financial worries to specific mental health conditions like eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. Download free guides, research papers and good practice guides.

Website: Mind, Student life and mental health - Lots of practical advice and tips for students on how to manage their mental health while at university. 

Article: Strategies for Supporting Student Goal Setting - Edutopia - Focuses on a differentiated approach to student goal-setting, emphasising collecting baseline data, regular conferencing with students, and fostering metacognition.

Video: How to write a SMART goal - Khan Academy - A concise video explaining the SMART acronym with examples.

Video: The GROW model - This short video is an example of the GROW model in action, to illustrate its various stages - a simple version purely to demonstrate GROW in action and uses an actress and fictitious material.

Article: The GROWS model: extending the GROW coaching model to support behavioural change - University of Reading - A more academic article which introduces the GROWS model, integrating the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to enhance behavioral change. A pilot study found GROWS more effective than GROW, helping clients initiate and maintain goals, proactively identify obstacles, develop recovery strategies, and improve self-efficacy.

Article: SMART Goal Setting Guide for Academic Mentoring - Queen’s University, Belfast - This excellent guide directly addresses academic mentoring and integrates SMART goals with reflective conversations and action planning. It provides concrete examples and a strong framework for both setting and reviewing.

Article: Evolving with Change: How Flexible Planning Enhances Goal Achievement - Emphasises the importance of flexible planning and regularly reviewing goals to recognise and adapt to changes.

Website: Woop My Life  (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) - Comprehensive information on the science behind WOOP and how it works. This site guides you through the WOOP exercise online, provides printable WOOP Kits (Mental WOOP Guide, Written WOOP Guide, WOOP in one Glance, WOOP Review, FAQ, Refine Your Plans, WOOP in Groups). It also contains Explanatory videos and audio guides for practicing WOOP.

Video: A Short Guide to Managing Your Time - Oxford University - A concise guide emphasising diaries, timetables, regular study patterns, and planning for assignments.

Article: Time management tips and tools for organising your studies - The University of Edinburgh - Excellent comprehensive guide covering semester and weekly planning, the Timer method (Pomodoro), dissertation planning, and identifying distractions.

Website: Principles of Time Management - University of Hull - Discusses principles of time management (organisation, prioritisation, focus, self-discipline), organising your diary/calendar, avoiding social media, and finding your most productive time.

Article: 12 time management tools and techniques that actually work - This article outlines 12 time management tools and techniques for productivity and avoiding missed deadlines. It details seven techniques (e.g., Pomodoro, Eisenhower Matrix) and six tools (e.g., Time Doctor, Trello). Combining these methods is recommended to enhance overall efficiency.

Webpage: Study skills -  University of Oxford - A useful page with advice on academic good practice including; avoiding plagiarism, writing essays, reading, note taking, referencing, and revision.

Webpage: Good Study Skills - The University of Manchester - Search the page for links to areas such as building resilience with the ABCDE model, advice on staying motivated, and tips for managing stress.

Guide: How to use retrieval practice to improve learning - Retrieval practice is a strategy in which calling information to mind subsequently enhances and boosts learning. This guide provides practical guidance and information. 

Webpage: Metacognition and self-regulation - An easy to digest summary of what metacognition is and how to implement. Aimed at school teachers but still relevant in the higher education setting.  

Website: Self-regulated learning - Imperial College, Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship - A 14 step guide to helping students develop independence in learning. Contains a downloadable pdf: Self-regulated learning interview protocol and coding frame.