College win national mental health and wellbeing award

Nottingham College has won a national Beacon Award for its mental health and wellbeing support offered to staff and students of the college.

Shortlisted as a finalist at 2022’s national Beacon Awards, a team of assessors spent half a day back in January to meet with staff, students and partners about the mental health and wellbeing support the college offers. Following this visit the college was entered into a final, along with two other colleges, and today, at an awards event in London, Nottingham College was chosen as overall winner.

The award acknowledges our response to the pandemic, our enhanced support and resources for students and for our commitment to promoting a range of wellbeing initiatives amongst our staff.

In addition, the College has been recognised for its online provision now on offer to employers and wider communities in our region, which includes a range of Level 2 courses on suicide and self-harm prevention, eating disorders, mental health awareness, and more.

The Beacon Awards recognise best in practice across the sector and this award places Nottingham College at the forefront of proactive wellbeing management.

Research commissioned by the AoC (Association of Colleges) shows increasing levels of mental health challenges amongst young people and adult learners. Without support mental health conditions can limit not only someone’s education or academic potential but can lead to often lifelong struggles with employment and financial hardship.

She went on to say:

“Our teachers and wider support staff are incredibly important to us. Their health and wellbeing is crucial to the success of their learners and to our success as a college. We recognise the value in creating a culture and a working environment that is supportive, positive and that cares, and this award further endorses the wellbeing package we offer to ensure our staff are looked after and supported.”