Our GAINSpace mindfulness zone is officially open!

Our students now have the opportunity to take a break from their studies by visiting a specialised mindfulness area.

The GAINSpace area, at Barnsley Sixth Form College, was officially opened by former student Holly Ullyott at a special launch event attended by students and Barnsley College governors.

Holly, 19, of Roebuck Ridge, Jump, was involved in the development of GAINSpace as an area for students to take time out from the demands of their studies, based on her experiences as a student.

GAINSpace was launched ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week and is a student-led initiative with a planned programme of activities such as stress busting at exam time, chill and chat sessions, meditation, guitar playing, reading for pleasure, colouring and art activities.

Liz Leek, Vice Principal for Curriculum at Barnsley College, said: “GAINSpace is the latest innovation in our approach to positive mental health and wellbeing. It is designed to be a very different space to the rest of the College and this enables people who visit to experience some ‘down time’ from the pressures of work and study.

“GAINSpace is entirely student-led. The students decide what they need and then call on wider resources to make those things happen. Activities can be anything from painting to yoga and we’ve already had reading groups, poetry writing and lots of positive affirmation work. I’m really delighted with the positive way this initiative has been embraced and I’m hopeful that this is something we can replicate on our other campuses.”