Due to a withdrawal of funding from the Scottish Government, Edinburgh College will no longer provide free in-person counselling to students from next term.

We know this is deeply concerning. Mental health support is essential, and the removal of this service may leave many students without the help they need—potentially increasing drop-out rates and worsening wellbeing.

While it’s unlikely the decision will be reversed in the short term—as budgets for next year are largely set—we believe it’s still vital that student voices are heard. We want to gather your views on this change, and understand what you expect from your college in terms of mental health support.

We all know that, starting College, particularly if you don't know anyone, can be a daunting experience. So many rooms, so much information, so many new things to remember! Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.

EC Students' Association is launching a new programme to help make the experience a bit less scary with our Friendly Faces Team.

This week, we're launching the Big Student Thank You 2025! Every year, these awards give students the chance to say thank you to Edinburgh College staff who have positively impacted their year. You can nominate your lecturers or any member of support staff, and there are five categories:

• Best Lecturer Construction & Engineering
• Best Lecturer Creative Industries 
• Best Lecturer Health, Wellbeing and Social Science
• Outstanding Lecturer of the Year Award
• Helping Hand Award for Support Staff

So, if someone at Edinburgh College has had a positive impact on your year, we want to hear about it! Nominations will all be read carefully, and the winners will be announced on the week beginning Monday 2nd June.

Celebrate the start of summer with a relaxed, beach-themed Paint & Sip session at Granton Hub Courtyard on Monday, 2nd June from 3 to 5 PM. Paint with provided supplies, enjoy summer drinks and snacks, and get creative at the tie-dye upcycling station. Whether you're an experienced artist or just in it for the good vibes, it's a fun, social way to welcome summer.

At Edinburgh College Students' Association, we are Buzzin' for the Future with the launch of our new strategic Plan for 2025-2028!

The plan will guide the Association in our next chapter, but it really is more than just a document—it’s a vision, a commitment, and a promise to every student who walks through our doors that we are committed to better.

To Represent, Connect, Support, Include, and Help the Planet is what we intend to do, and, over the coming years, we’ll work tirelessly to strengthen these areas, making sure ECSA is always evolving, always listening, and always delivering for students. ensuring that ensure we continue to be Powered by Students, Driven by values, and Committed to Better.