A BASINGSTOKE college has reached the finals for a national awards ceremony for mental health support and career advice. 

Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), in Worting Road, has been named a double finalist at the 2023 Association of Colleges Beacon Awards for Mental Health and Wellbeing and Excellence in Careers and Enterprise.

The college was recognised for several initiatives created to provide mental health support, wellbeing support, career advice and options for progressing into higher education or work.

Basingstoke Gazette:

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One of these initiatives includes the use of virtual reality programmes to allow students to ‘refine their interview technique’ as well as improve self-awareness and confidence.

The University Centre and the Green Energy Centre have also been launched by the college, with the University Centre providing access to higher education in Basingstoke.

The Green Energy Centre aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in renewable technology, including air source heat pumps, solar thermal energy, and reusing rainwater.

To further the college’s aim to increase mental health support, they have invested £100k into a dedicated support space called ‘The Haven’ where students can access free counselling, or just relax in the quiet space.

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Anthony Bravo, principal and chief executive of BCoT, said: “We believe education leads to better life chances, but it isn’t just the courses we provide that give our students the best opportunities.

“We believe in a holistic approach to further education and strive to provide the best pastoral support for students during their time with us, and career advice that will help our students go on to do whatever they choose.

“We are delighted for this special recognition from the AOC Beacon Awards, which is a testament to the dedication and passion of our teachers and support teams as well as the hard work of our students.”

The AOC Beacon Awards celebrate the 'best and most innovative practices' among UK colleges each year.

Mark White CBE DL, chair of AoC’s Charitable Trust, said: “The AoC Beacon Awards showcase exactly why colleges are so important to every community and why people value them.

"These awards recognise the critical role undertaken by boards, governors and governance professionals developing capacity for sustained improvement in the quality of provision for students.”