Nomination for a Natspec Award

Orchard Hill College are thrilled to have been nominated for a Natspec Award in Wellbeing and Mental Health. The Natspec Awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellent practice in the specialist further education sector. The goal is to promote innovation, continuous improvement and raise standards across the sector.

The nomination in Wellbeing and Mental Health was for becoming a Trauma Informed Provision. This has been a whole college project, which aims to support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of the students and staff. The aim is to become a mentally healthy place for all students and staff.

The students have been involved in the design and implementation of this initiative. Across all regions there are mental health first aiders, student ambassadors and unions to ensure the voices of students are captured and the young people are empowered.

Over the last academic year, the college has increased the number of trained mental health first aiders available across the college. Now around 40 members of staff are trained across regions. The college is also starting the process of training students through the use of an accessible programme.

The winners will be announced in an awards ceremony at Natspec’s National Conference on Wednesday 22 June.