Peterborough and Stamford Colleges, part of the Inspire Education Group (IEG) are proudly celebrating its commendation as a College in this year’s AoC Beacon Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores the institution’s exceptional commitment to fostering an all-encompassing environment that prioritises the wellbeing of both its staff and students.
The Beacon Awards, designed to celebrate exemplary practices, that promotes innovation, impact and sustainability in the colleges approach to the Mental Health and Wellbeing of their community .
With established and effective referral pathways and strategic relationships with voluntary sector groups including Mindspace, YMCA trinity, NHS Healthy Minds and Kooth IEG have been able to offer different ways to support students whilst raising awareness of preventive approaches and the benefits of their ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ scheme.
IEGs application was able to demonstrate their comprehensive mental health strategy , underpinned by strong leadership, effective management, and governance support, enabling a culture of positive wellbeing. This includes; the provision of highly effective initiatives such as Free breakfast for staff and students, Menopause Café, Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health Champions whilst offering targeted support and a continued commitment to training and development for staff and students .
Sarah Young, Vice Principal for Student and Staff Experience said, “This commendation from the AoC stands as a testament to IEG’s unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment that prioritises the wellbeing and success of its staff and students. With the ongoing rise in young people presenting mental health challenges we have continued to strengthen the work with external services to offer support and whilst we continue to offer high quality support for students, staff are at the heart of what we do and we are committed to ensuring we support and invest in their wellbeing, creating an environment where colleagues feel ,valued and empowered.”
IEG are delighted that they have successfully reached the AoC Beacon Standard and commended status in recognition of the excellent work they do. The finalists of The NOCN Group award for Mental Health and Wellbeing will be announced at the AoC Annual Conference on November 14th.
With the aim of the awards programme being to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve it can be recognised that such a commendation demonstrates the significant difference IEG is making to the wellbeing of their community.