Student Life and Support at Green Valley Academy
Get involved, meet new people and help shape the Academy through GVA Student Union, and find out where to turn when you need advice, guidance or support.
GVA Student Union
Created by students. Shaped by students.
Your Union, Your Voice
GVA Student Union (GVA SU) is here to help you make the most of student life from the very beginning. It is your space to meet new people, share ideas, build confidence and help shape the student experience at GVA.
Whether you want to stand for election, vote for student representatives, start a society, organise an activity or simply share an idea, GVA SU gives you a voice and a place to get involved.
Get involved. Make friends. Make GVA yours.
Don't just study at GVA. Be part of it. Lead it. Shape it.
Ways to take part
- Vote in student elections
- Stand as a student representative
- Start a club or society
- Organise an event or activity
- Share an idea with the GVA SU team
- Volunteer and support your community
Look out for upcoming updates on elections, societies, events and student activities.
Contact GVA SU:
studentunion@greenvalleyacademy.co.uk
Student Elections
Your voice. Your choice. Student elections give every GVA student the chance to choose who represents them. You can vote, stand for a role and help make sure student views are heard.
Vote
Every GVA student can vote for the representatives who will speak for them on the issues that matter.
Stand for a role
Want to represent your fellow students? You do not need previous experience, just an interest in improving student life.
Be supported
GVA SU will support you to learn, lead and make a difference throughout your term of office.
Coming soon
More information about available roles, key dates, how to stand for election and how to vote will be shared soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest by emailing studentunion@greenvalleyacademy.co.uk.
Start a Club, Society or Activity
GVA is at the beginning of its journey. That means you have the chance to help create the clubs, societies, activities and traditions that future students will enjoy. Have an idea? GVA SU can help you explore it, develop it and take the first step towards making it happen.
Reading Club
Love reading? Bring students together around the books and ideas you enjoy.
Photography Society
Passionate about photography? Create a society to share skills, walks and exhibitions.
Entrepreneurship Society
Interested in business and innovation? Launch a society to test and develop ideas together.
Student Parents' Club
Balancing studies with children? Connect with others, share support and build community.
Public Speaking & Debate Club
Want to build your confidence and communication skills? Practise together in a supportive group.
Something else entirely
Sport, technology, culture, wellbeing, gaming, volunteering, arts, sustainability or any other passion. Bring your idea to life and help shape the GVA student community.
You are not just joining a student community. You are helping to create it.
Share your idea with the GVA Student Union team at studentunion@greenvalleyacademy.co.uk and help build something new. Start something new. Build something lasting. Leave your mark on GVA.
Build Skills for Your Future
Getting involved with GVA SU can help you grow personally, socially and professionally.
- Lead a project
- Organise an event
- Start a society
- Represent your fellow students
- Work as a team, solve problems and take responsibility
These experiences can help you develop teamwork, communication, leadership, problem-solving and organisational skills that employers value.
You are not only studying. You are preparing for your future.
Skills employers value
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Organisation and planning
Take every opportunity. Build your experience. Grow your confidence. Shape your future.
Ready to take part?
Whether you want to stand for election, start a society or simply share an idea, the GVA Student Union team would like to hear from you.
studentunion@greenvalleyacademy.co.uk
Email GVA Student UnionStudent Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help.
Your Wellbeing Matters
At Green Valley Academy, your wellbeing is extremely important to us.
Wellbeing is about how well we function day to day, how we feel about ourselves, and how we feel about our lives. We understand that student life can sometimes bring unexpected challenges, particularly when balancing your studies with work, family, and other commitments.
You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help. If something is beginning to affect your health, studies, or life outside of your studies, it is better to talk to your personal academic tutor early rather than waiting until things become overwhelming.
Our range of advice, guidance and support services can help you look after your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that these areas are closely connected and are all equally important.
Where to start
Navigating the different types of support available can sometimes feel overwhelming, and you may be unsure about what support you need or where to start.
Your Academic Personal Tutor should be your first point of contact if you have a concern, are worried about something, are unwell, or feel that you need additional support. They can listen to your concerns and, where appropriate, refer you to a Wellbeing Adviser or another specialist service.
How We Can Support You
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW) Team can support you with a range of personal challenges and help you access the most appropriate services and resources.
You will have a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly about your difficulties. We may ask about your mental health, mood, wellbeing and studies so that we can better understand your needs and identify the most appropriate support.
Support may include
- Signposting to appropriate services and resources
- Referrals to specialist support
- Wellbeing workshops and activities
- One-to-one support sessions
- Advice and guidance on maintaining a healthy work, life and study balance
Free, confidential advice on
- Anxiety and stress
- Building confidence and self-esteem
- Depression and low mood
- Homesickness
- Managing personal or academic difficulties
- Maintaining a positive work, life and study balance
- Support when experiencing thoughts of suicide
Mental Health First Aiders
We also have Mental Health First Aiders on site. These are members of staff who have received specific training to provide an initial point of support. They can listen to your concerns, offer appropriate guidance, and help you identify and access the services that may be right for you.
Personalised Support Plans
If you have physical, learning or health-related needs that are affecting your academic experience, personalised support plans may be available to help ensure that you receive appropriate support during your studies.
Building a Positive Community
Wellbeing is not only about dealing with difficulties. Connection, community and peer support are also important parts of maintaining positive wellbeing.
Getting involved in wellbeing activities, campaigns, social events and other opportunities to connect with fellow students can help you build relationships, feel part of the community, and support your overall wellbeing.
Connection supports wellbeing
- Wellbeing activities and workshops
- Student-led campaigns
- Social events and societies
- Peer support and student representation
Support Available Outside GVA
If you are waiting for an appointment or referral, there are other sources of support available to you.
Student Space
Student Space is a national mental health and wellbeing service supporting students. You can access free and confidential support by phone from a trained volunteer between 3pm and 12am every day. You can also access 24-hour text support from a trained volunteer.
If you need urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. You can also call Samaritans free at any time of day or night on 116 123.
Remember, you do not have to face things alone. If something is affecting your wellbeing, studies or everyday life, please reach out for support. Asking for help early is a positive step towards looking after yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I speak to first if I am struggling?
Your Academic Personal Tutor should be your first point of contact if you have a concern, are worried about something, are unwell, or feel that you need additional support. They can listen and, where appropriate, refer you to a Wellbeing Adviser or another specialist service.
Do I have to be in crisis to ask for help?
No. You do not need to be in crisis to ask for help. If something is beginning to affect your health, studies or life outside of your studies, it is better to talk to someone early rather than waiting until things become overwhelming.
Is the support confidential?
Yes. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Team provides a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly about your difficulties.
What is a personalised support plan?
If you have physical, learning or health-related needs that are affecting your academic experience, a personalised support plan may be available to help ensure that you receive appropriate support during your studies.
Do I need experience to stand in a student election?
No. You do not need previous experience. If you care about improving student life, GVA SU will support you to learn, lead and make a difference.
How do I start a club or society?
Share your idea with the GVA Student Union team at studentunion@greenvalleyacademy.co.uk. GVA SU can help you explore it, develop it and take the first step towards making it happen.
When will election dates and society information be published?
More information about available roles, key dates, how to stand for election and how to vote will be shared soon. Look out for upcoming updates on elections, societies, events and student activities.
Get involved. Make friends. Make GVA yours.
And if you need support along the way, we are here. Talk to your Academic Personal Tutor or contact the Academy. Asking for help early is a positive step.