Solent University has been shortlisted for a national award for it's approach to mental health.

The Southampton based university was shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students category in The Times Higher Education (THE) awards 2020.

Described as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’ these awards recognise the outstanding work going on in universities throughout the UK.

Solent has been recognised for its introduction of a radical new approach to therapy which has drastically reduced waiting times, empowered students and encouraged therapists to do things differently.

The Therapy and Mental Health Team at the university introduced their own interpretation of the radical Single Session Therapy (SST) model to extend the breadth of support available to the students, and make it more accessible.

This model’s introduction has resulted in a 68% increase in the number of students accessing the service, alongside a 62% decrease in waiting times, meaning more students are getting help when they need it most.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton says: "Student mental health is a sector-wide priority.

"Recognising the need to continue to develop and extend the breadth of support available to the student body, and make it more accessible, the team at Solent researched, identified and introduced this new model to great success.

"Student support, both academic and well-being, is a priority here at Solent and we will continue to do all we can to help them thrive, succeed and achieve their absolute potential.

"It’s great to see the fantastic work that our Therapy and Mental Health Support Team are doing recognised in this way."

Following this success, the team at Solent are helping to produce a Toolkit for colleagues in other institutions wishing to introduce the model, and continue to share their knowledge and experience with the rest of the sector.

More than 80 institutions make the shortlist for the THE Awards across 20 categories, which celebrate the full range of university activity.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s award winners will be announced during a virtual event on 26 November.