University shortlisted for prestigious Times Higher Education Awards
Manchester Met recognised for outstanding support for students
Manchester Met has been shortlisted for a Times Higher Education (THE) Award in recognition of the support it gives to students.
The prestigious higher education sector awards have shortlisted the University in the Outstanding Support for Students category.
In 2023, the Office for Students (OfS) reported that almost 30,000 students experienced problems with their mental health.
To address the critical issue of student mental health and suicide prevention, Manchester Met has taken proactive steps to create a supportive campus environment.
In partnership with St John Ambulance, the University launched a pioneering peer-to-peer training initiative - a sector-first approach focussed on proactive mental health support.
Three certified courses are offered through Manchester Met’s award-winning Rise programme and includes a student well-being course for new students, a mental health training certificate for advanced students, and a suicide prevention training course.
The training is freely available and designed to be inclusive and accessible. In the pilot year, 700 students received accreditation, with a further 884 trained the following year.
Dr Lisa Simmons, Faculty Director of Education (Science and Engineering) at Manchester Met, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for our programme. By providing accessible training to students at all levels, we are building a more supportive community where students feel empowered to help one another.
“With hundreds of entries to the THE Awards each year, it’s a testament to the impactful work happening here at Manchester Met. We look forward to the awards ceremony, where we hope to celebrate this achievement further.”
Established in 2005, the THE Awards are a landmark event in the higher education calendar. Judged by a panel of sector experts, they spotlight innovative and outstanding work transforming higher education.
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Edinburgh on November 13.