College student’s mental health role recognised

A student involved in Derby College Group’s Student Mental Health Society has received national recognition.

The society and the work of A Level student Bhavandeep Bains were among more than 500 entries for The National Societies and Volunteering Awards, which celebrate student volunteering and societies in UK colleges and universities.

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The student-led society won the Wellbeing Award and 17-year-old Bhavan was highly commended in the Extra Mile award.

DCG’s Student Mental Health Society aims to help students learn and share knowledge with each other and instigate conversations to break down the stigma around mental health.

It was launched initially for students at the Joseph Wright Centre and is now being rolled out across all colleges in DCG: The Roundhouse, Broomfield Hall and Ilkeston Community College.

Bhavan drew on her own experiences of mental health issues, bullying and the challenges of being a young carer to help improve services for young people by getting involved in local and national research into the issue, which is then discussed with health professionals.

Now in her second year at college, she has been recognised for her work to help set up the society and being an advocate for student wellbeing.