Derwen College, has been announced as the winner of a prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award for its pioneering Sleep Project. The project highlights the importance of good sleep for physical and mental health.

This national award is open to mainstream and specialist further education colleges across the UK, making Derwen College’s success particularly significant.

Project leaders Director of Care and Independence Karen George, Occupational Therapist Lynsey Coyle and Assistant OT Lilliee Dulson travelled to the House of Commons on 4 March 2026 for the awards ceremony, where they were delighted to hear that Derwen College had won the NOCN Group Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The award recognises how the Sleep Project has supported student wellbeing as part of Derwen College’s wider Student Wellbeing Strategy.

The Sleep Project began with the Occupational Therapy team and quickly developed into a collaborative college wide initiative with a focus on the role of sleep in learning, wellbeing and independence. The project brought together Care and Therapies, Independent Living Skills, PSHE and assistive technology, as well as students and their families. This collective approach helped to make healthy sleep a priority for learners in a way that is practical, engaging and accessible.

The work has involved a blend of awareness raising and hands on support, alongside positive environmental changes. Students have taken part in workshops and campaigns focused on routines, nutrition, movement and reducing screentime. The College has also introduced blackout blinds, gentler lighting and tailored support for students who benefit from a personalised approach. These steps have helped learners understand their sleep habits, gain confidence and develop routines that support their learning and daily life.

Winning the NOCN Group Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing highlights the teamwork behind the project and the positive difference it is making across the College. Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported the application or met with judges to share their experiences.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Every year I am blown away by the standard of the Beacon Award entries. They are a tribute to the scale of innovation and expertise in further education colleges across the UK, and the impact they have in their regions. This year, it was harder than ever to decide on just one winner per category.

“I want to say a huge congratulations to everyone who met the Beacon standard, and of course, to our winners. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the communities you serve. I hope you enjoy the celebrations, you should be proud of the work you do and the impact you make on people’s lives.”

Meryl Green, Principal and CEO of Derwen College, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this Beacon Award. Our Sleep Project is a brilliant example of what happens when teams come together with a clear purpose that puts our learners first. Improving sleep has made a real difference to students’ wellbeing and independence, and I am incredibly proud of the staff whose passion and creativity have driven this work forward. This recognition means a great deal to our whole College community.”

 The team look forward to sharing more about the project with other colleges and organisations, including recording a podcast on 10 March. The news comes as Derwen College celebrates and supports Colleges Week (2–6 March), highlighting the vital role further education plays in transforming lives.

Director of Care & Independence Karen George, Occupational Therapist Lynsey Coyle and Occupational Therapy Assistant Lilliee Dulson.