PRIESTLEY College has been awarded a national accreditation for the work it does to support the mental health of students and staff.
The college in Loushers Lane has received the FE Mental Health Award, Gold Accreditation, in respect of wide-ranging efforts to support its community.
“This is an award for every member of staff at Priestley and reflects the work we do every day for one another and the students,” said Wellbeing Practitioner Caroline Atkinson.
The award is supported by the charity Minds Ahead and the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.
Priestley’s achievement shows it is excelling in all eight competencies.
“We are delighted to receive the award, but it certainly doesn’t mean the work comes to an end or that we stop trying to improve on what we do,” said Caroline.
Priestley was judged as ‘excelling’ in all areas including ‘Leadership and strategy’, ‘Organisational structure and culture’ and its work with parents and carers.
Among the staff activities highlighted were Ceramics for Mindfulness workshops, charity walks and regular communications promoting wellbeing.
Coach Josie Whiteley, who completed the report for the Further Education Mental Health Award, noted how every student had a tutor who was responsible for making sure they had the right support in place for their academic development and wellbeing.
She concluded her report by saying she had ‘no hesitation’ in recommending Priestley College received the award at gold level.
“Mental health and wellbeing has long been a priority at Priestley and will continue to be so for the benefit of everyone in the college community,” said Caroline.
