CONVERSATIONS about sexual and mental health have led to Swindon College winning an award.

The Young People Friendly Certificate of Recognition given by the borough council's public health team has only been handed out to 13 other organisations in the town.

The college’s wellbeing centre supports young people with their mental and sexual health as well as their general wellbeing.

Saxone Trueman is the Student Wellbeing Centre Co-ordinator and is involved with running the Centre.

She said: “This is an honour that means so much to us. It highlights that students have a variety of support that they are able to access whilst enrolled at Swindon College, ensuring our service meets young people’s needs.”

Before the award is given the team looks at many factors including accessibility, safeguarding procedures, knowledge of staff and training, and staff competency in working with young people.

Director of Public Health in Swindon Dr Ayo Oyinloye presented the certificate to the College.

He said: “It’s a pleasure to be presenting this award to the college in acknowledgement of all their hard work that staff have put in to be awarded this.

“There are loads of examples of the fantastic work that has been going on here, we are very proud to be associated with this college and to be able to honour them.

“For us it is about local pride, pride in Swindon and Swindon’s people and that’s what we are proud to associate ourselves with.”