SWINDON New College has been recognised for the mental health support it gives to its students.

Every year the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards Programme puts forward a list of categories.

This year the college was entered into the category for mental health and wellbeing award and was one of just eight colleges in the country that were awarded a commendation.

Judges said its service demonstrated a high level of innovation, impact and sustainability.

Lizzy Edwards, a wellbeing mentor said: “Our team works so hard and it is fantastic that the college is being recognised.

“Wellbeing is promoted across the college and it is embedded into our ethos, from tutorial sessions to the services provided by college nurses and counsellors.

“To have been commended is just another great way to support the work that the wellbeing team and New College do.”

The initiative at New College was first established in 2012.

It provides an exclusive service with a designated space and mentors on hand to act as advocates for students with identified poor mental health.

A wellbeing room was introduced over five years ago.

This was designed to provide students who were referred to the service a quiet, safe space to access, with wellbeing mentors on hand to act as an advocate for students who need some extra guidance.

The Beacon Awards celebrate best practice in colleges from practical teaching to use of technology.