We want everyone to enjoy their time off over the Christmas holiday, regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas or not. It’s time off from college and you get to hopefully relax, catch up with friends and have some fun!
But we want to make sure that you do this in the safest possible way.
Stay safe at Christmas: new video resources from Peerscroller
Peerscroller packs essential real-world knowledge into bite-sized videos, all delivered by real peers near your age who’ve been there too.
It looks and feels like social media, but all their videos are made and fact-checked by Yipiyap to tackle topics from relationships and revision lifehacks to career tips and financial literacy.
As part of our ‘Keeping Safe at Christmas’ campaign, we’ve prepared a selection of festive-themed videos to help you make the most of the season. These include themes such as:
- Recharging and resting
- Mental health, wellbeing, mindfulness and positive self-talk
- Healthy relationships and consent
- Connecting and celebrating safely over the festive season
- Where to get help and support if you are struggling
- Spending smart and staying scam aware
- Preparing to go back to college in January
This content is here to keep you feeling your best, no matter what this season throws your way.
Keeping Safe at Christmas — Peerscroller
Recharge and rest
The break from college can feel exciting for many, but it can also be a tough time — especially if you’re feeling lonely, worried about home life, or missing your usual routine and support network. Here are some tips to stay well during the festive break:
- Keep up a good routine. Try to get up at a reasonable time each day, shower and get dressed.
- Make the most of the festive break to get some downtime, to relax and sleep. Don’t make plans for everyday, it’s okay to do nothing some days!
- You don’t need to be stuck in the house. Take walks, get some exercise but also find the time to rest. Maybe try some mindfulness activities from our Mental Health Matters Here Hub.
- If you feel low and are having negative feelings, remember it will pass, but there’s always someone to talk to. Call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Celebrate safely
Seeing friends and celebrating is a big part of the festive season, but it’s important to stay aware and look after yourself:
- Keep your phone charged and make sure your Bluetooth is on so you can be located in an emergency.
- Always use a trusted taxi company instead of hailing one and ensure the details match the one you get into.
- Never drive whilst under the influence or get into a car where the driver has used drugs or alcohol.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended, as it may have been spiked.
- Be cautious about mixing substances — alcohol or illegal drugs together can be dangerous. ‘Talk to Frank’ for information and advice on drugs and alcohol which may be affecting you or others. Call 0300123 6600.
- If you or someone you’re with becomes unwell due to alcohol or drugs, seek medical support immediately, on 999.
- Report crime anonymously on 101 or Fearless. If you find yourself in immediate danger, call 999.
- Concerned about terrorism? It only takes a couple of minutes to report anything that doesn’t feel right when you are out and about. Simply tell staff, security or police or report to gov.uk/ACT and share your concerns. In an emergency call 999. You won’t be wasting police time.
Connect with consent
- Any sexual activity must be consensual — meaning both people agree, feel comfortable, and aren’t pressured. Do not feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do.
- Make sure you practise safe sex. Use a condom to protect against sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.
- You can change your mind at any time. Saying “no” or “stop” is always your right. If sex wasn’t consensual, seek help from the police or a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
- If you’re communicating with others online – Try not to advertise when you’re away on holiday or home alone on social media, report, block and screenshot any inappropriate content and seek support if someone is harassing or threatening you.
- If meeting people online, stay cautious. Don’t share personal details, only meet in public places, and tell someone where you’re going. Keep safe and aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have someone you can trust and rely on, if you or a friend need help.
- If you’re out this festive season and someone makes you uncomfortable, Ask for Angela. Bar and restaurant staff will know that you need help getting out of the situation and will call you a taxi or help you leave discreetly, without fuss.
Spend smart and stay scam-aware
The festive season can feel expensive, but there are ways to enjoy it without financial pressure:
- Set yourself a spending limit and stick to it.
- Be careful with “too good to be true” deals, competitions, giveaways, and fake products.
- Never share personal or bank details with anyone you don’t trust and report anything you think is suspicious.
- Watch out for phishing messages and online scams — especially on social media.
- If you’re struggling with food, money or heating, seek support from a food bank or cost of living advice and support.
Reach out
If you’re worried about any of these topics, help is always available — even when college is closed. If something doesn’t feel right, talk to someone:
- Speak to a trusted adult such as a parent, carer or advice service. Find out more about your community helpers by visiting our Student Support Hub on ALO.
- Speak to Activate Learning’s Safeguarding Team when we return to college in January. Email safe@activatelearning.ac.uk
- For drug and alcohol information and support: www.talktofrank.com
- For online safety advice: www.childnet.com/young-people/11-18-year-olds
- For mental health support: www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 for free
- For support following sexual assault: www.rapecrisis.org.uk or call 0808 500 2222 for free.
Returning to college
We look forward to welcoming you back to college on Wednesday 7 January 2026 for the new term, when your normal college timetable will resume.
We’d like to remind students to stay vigilant and safe, and we hope you have a restful break and a lovely Christmas. The last day of face-to-face learning on campus will be on Friday 19 December.
Be sure to share your festive pictures via #ChristmasatAL on social media!
Merry Christmas,
Activate Learning
