UCLan ranked 3rd in UK for mental health support

THE University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been ranked 3rd in the UK for the mental health support it gives to students. In the 1st ever University Mental Health League Table, published today (29 June) by HUMEN, UCLan was placed in the top 3 after a survey of more than 7,200 students across 80 Universities. In addition, UCLan came top for the percentage of students who are the most satisfied with the mental health support available to them (79%) while 56% of students surveyed thought the University helps to prevent mental health issues arising thanks to the services provided.

Professor Andrew Ireland, UCLan's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students and Teaching), said:- "We're absolutely delighted to be ranked so highly in this new mental health league table. Supporting our students with their mental and physical health and wellbeing is a key priority for all of us at the University. We recognise the increasing challenges faced by students. We have invested in a new multi-million Student Centre to provide easy access to the full breadth of our student support services on our Preston campus, including:- mental health provision, counselling, student wellbeing and inclusive support. We are constantly seeking to do more and to continually improve and enhance our support, to help everyone achieve their potential."

HUMEN's University Mental Health League Table scores Universities on 5 key criteria to give a score out of 100. It covers student satisfaction with mental health services, student engagement, awareness and access to mental health programmes, University mental health budgets and staff training. UCLan's score was 60, the same as the University of Oxford. In partnership with Advance Pro Bono and GrapeData2, HUMEN's table covers every University across the UK with 10,000 students or more.

River Hawkins, CEO and Founder of HUMEN, said:- "HUMEN's Mental Health League Table shines a spotlight for the 1st time on Universities who prioritise the wellbeing of their students, alongside their academic performance. UCLan outperforms many other highly regarded institutions in that context, and deserves this recognition. Their state of the art £60m Student Centre is a flagship for wellbeing, and they make support and advice easily accessible through their Student Hub. This world-1st ranking surveyed over 7,000 students, earning UCLan their top 3 position."

Meditate on this - Northern launches commuter perks

WITH the average local commute time in Southport over 32 minutes; equating to up to 11 whole days over the course of a year, rail operator Northern has launched a:- 'Perk Up Your Commute' scheme to help its users make the most of their commute time. In response to research showing over 51% of commuters would like to get more out of their commute time, the new scheme includes:- access to meditations, apps to learn a new skill, grab breakfast on the go, or read your favourite magazines on board; all using the free WiFi on board new trains.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern said:- "A multi million pound investment has seen Northern customers benefitting from new and improved trains and better stations across the network. However, while 24% admit to just enjoying some time out to enjoy the views, the new scheme will really benefit the majority who feel they could get more out of their commute time. Unlike car drivers who are limited in how they can use their commute time, the new Perk Up Your Commute scheme is designed to open up a whole host of opportunities to brighten our commuters day, with free access to a vast array of reading materials, apps to learn new skills, apps to help you unwind, as well as free treats as you travel on the Northern network."

To celebrate the launch of the new scheme, Northern is taking to the network with a series of events including:- mediation pop ups in store, tasty treats and the opportunity to win back the cost of your commute. Further details of Northern's new Perk Up Your Commute scheme can be found at:- NorthernRailway.Co.UK.