Bradford College

Healthy College Week ‘09

Bradford College is proud to announce the launch of Healthy College Week.  This is part of a series of innovative initiatives developed by Bradford Healthy College Manager, Jane Marshall.

Jane Marshall is the pioneer behind the success of Bradford College gaining Healthy College Status and has been singled out for praised by the government for her work in this area.

Jane is committed to the vision and implementation of a holistic approach to health, for all staff and students.  Since Jane’s appointment in 2007 she has implemented a wide variety of Healthy College initiatives, including a Healthy College website packed full of useful help and information, free gym membership for staff and students and stress busting/pampering session.

As part of Healthy College Week, students and staff were treated to tasty cooking tips from members of Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food Team, Lisa Taylor and Soraya Overend.  When asked what it was like to work with Jamie Oliver, Lisa replied: “It’s really good. I’ve been working with him for 18 months.  It’s an experience to say the least – and work is always varied.” 

Lisa and Soraya were delighted to show visitors how to make the perfect omelette.  Commenting on the responses they received from visitors following their expert food tutorials, Soraya said: “Its been brilliant... its gone really well! Everyone has been incredibly enthusiastic and enjoyed trying the different toppings we’ve suggested.”

Healthy College Manager, Jane added:  “One girl told me she lived on pot noodles and couldn’t cook.  She was shown how to cook an omelette by Jamie’s team; she ate it and loved it.”  Jane laughed and said: “We’ve even had Doug, the Executive Director of Finance here cooking his own omelette!”

Speaking at the launch of the Healthy College Week, Executive Director Doug said:  “I think it’s a particularly good time of year to hold Healthy College Week, as it’s the start of the academic year, everyone’s settled in and it’s great to see both students and staff benefiting from this great Healthy College initiative.”

Other initiatives available during Healthy College Week included: free porridge all week for staff and students, scrumptious healthy eating taste testers, pampering Indian head and body massages, advice on drugs and alcohol, fitness testing, nutritional advice and giant chess!

Jason Lambert, from the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service, attended the innovative event to raise awareness on issues of drugs and alcohol amongst young people.  Jason said: “We’re giving people the chance to come and have a chat to find out more - and to let them know that the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service is there for young people under the age of 19 across the Bradford district."

Playing chess with opponent John, Business Studies student, Khizar said “I would never have met John had it not been for this Healthy College initiative. It’s a great way to socialise with other people around the College. I think it’s fantastic!”

John added: “It’s great to meet new people, learn new skills and make new friends.”

Student Clare Costell remarked:  “It’s great to be part of a Healthy College.”

Visitors enjoyed the chess tournaments organised by Bradford College Lecturer, Nigel Redmond so much, there are now plans underway to launch a Bradford College Chess Team.  

To celebrate the launch of the Healthy College Week a series of posters were also devised by students from the National Diploma Art & Design Photography and the National Diploma Art & Design in Visual Arts and Communication. 

Speaking at the event, Staff Development Officer, Christian McGrath said: “It’s a wondefrful opportunity for both staff and students to experience the importance of health and wellbeing.  We’ve had a lot of feedback from staff and students saying they’ve benefited from the free holistic therapy sessions.  One member of staff had a problem with his leg; having holistic therapy really helped.”

Auratherapy’s Holistic Therapist, Louise Ebbage provided the ultimate in relaxation for visitors attending the event, with soothing and healing Indian head massage.

Expressing her delight, following her relaxing treatment, Literacy Tutor, Sue Wade said: “I feel good. I’ve wanted to book in for a session for a while, but they always get booked up so quickly.  Its lived up to my expectation… I’d definitely recommend it to anyone wanted a pampering session.”

Mental Health & Well Being Advisor, Vicki Gonzales also indulged in a pampering session and said: “It was lovely… very relaxing.  I’ve had an Indian head massage before, but this has been different to anything I’ve had before – it’s great!”

Student Alice remarked: “Healthy College Week has been brilliant – I wish it could be every week!  It’s great to be part of a College that obviously cares about the health and wellbeing of its students!”

Business Studies student Naguy said: “Its really made a difference to my College experience – it’s fabulous!”   

Jane concluded: “Total health and a healthy lifestyle comprise of more than just healthy eating and activity - environmental influences and social interaction are equally important too.  We spend a lot of time at work, so it benefits us to be happy during the time we spend here. I’m delighted to hear from the feedback we’ve received that the Healthy College Week has had such a positive impact on students and staff!”

• Healthy College Week - Gallery