A charity-run initiative is supporting the mental health of up to 240 college students in Oxford and Banbury this September, including those preparing for GCSE retakes and High Needs learners facing distinct challenges.
Self-belief charity I Can & I Am is hosting 20 workshops across Banbury and Bicester College, City of Oxford College and University Centre, and The Leys College during the week of 22 September 2025.
The sessions form part of Activate Learning’s MindGreen initiative, which collaborates with partner organisations to meet the diverse mental health needs of its community.
Workshops take place on two converted double-decker buses, beginning with cooking a pizza to foster achievement and togetherness, followed by activities designed to strengthen resilience and inflate what the charity calls each student’s “balloon of self-belief.”
I Can & I Am, founded in 2015 by former teacher and motivational speaker James Shone, has supported more than 30,000 young people nationwide.
Charity Manager Bex Burton said:
“Everyone should be given the tools and support they need to believe in themselves so they can become who they want to be. Our workshop leaders really enjoy spending time with college students, helping them to recognise their strengths at this crucial stage of life.”
Sarah Price, Chair of MindGreen and Psychology Teacher at City of Oxford College and University Centre, added:
“The UK is currently experiencing a mental health crisis, and we are seeing students arriving at college with varying issues. That makes our work with I Can & I Am especially important. This year we’ve been able to extend the workshops to High Needs learners, ensuring inclusivity for those facing distinct mental health challenges.”
With one in five young people experiencing probable mental health issues and rising stress levels reported in schools and colleges, the charity’s proactive workshops aim to build confidence, belonging and resilience in the next generation.
