A university has been ranked third best in the UK for the mental health support it gives to students.

The University of Central Lancashire, which has campuses in Burnley and Preston, has been awarded the accolade in the first University Mental Health League Table, published today (29 June) by HUMEN.

The university came top for the percentage of students who are the most satisfied with the mental health support available to them, 79 per cent.

Of the students surveyed, 56 per cent thought the university helps to prevent mental health issues arising thanks to the services provided.

Pro vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Ireland 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 well-being 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 five 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.