Students recognised for overcoming major challenges
Published April 2013
An ex-soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, a single mother and a woman with agoraphobia were among 14 students from the University of Brighton at Hastings who were recognised at this week's annual Hastings and Rother Aspiration Awards celebration lunch.
The aim of the awards, which were made at the university’s new Priory Square building (on Wednesday 17 April), is to support, encourage and recognise students from the Hastings and Rother area who face significant challenges in their day-to-day lives.
The awards, which provide financial assistance to the students to help them continue in their studies, were funded by donations to the University of Brighton in Hastings.
Guests at the event included donors, friends and family of the winning students and both the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor Alan Roberts, and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bruce Dowling, who spoke to each winner about their achievements.
Iain Boyle, who is studying Applied Social Science BA(Hons), grew up in an Army household and served for 11 years himself. He fell ill and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, caused by his experiences in active conflict. He now wants to become a trauma counsellor.
Iain said: “When I was sat at home feeling sorry for myself, I decided I had to do something positive. I made the decision to apply for a university course and give myself the best opportunity to fulfill my dream. Because of my experiences I want to be able to help people so they do not have to deal with the issues alone.”
Claire Brill, a single mother to her 10-year-old son, is studying Sociology and Community History BA(Hons) as part of the university’s joint honours programme. She is in the final year of her studies and plans to use her award as a deposit for a Masters degree in Social History. Claire also volunteers for the Sussex Heritage, the charity which works to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural heritage of Sussex, as part of the university’s Active Student volunteering programme.
She said: “I was looking to study locally. The more intimate environment made me want to study here. Smaller lectures and more one-to-one time have been extremely advantageous.”
Linda Coad studied Contemporary Craft Practice FdA, which is taught at Sussex Coast College and validated by the university. Linda suffers with agoraphobia and a number of physical disabilities which affect her mobility. These make it difficult for her to travel from her home in Bexhill.
She said: “I have great difficulty leaving the house and the only reason I was able to do this course was because my cousin who lives nearby is on the course with me and is very supportive.”
The awards were presented by Annette Shelford, who graduated from the Hastings campus in 2010. Annette has since been heavily involved in promoting the campus and its widening participation agenda through fundraising and alumni engagement activities.
Through Annette's efforts and working with the university's Development and Alumni Office, almost £25,000 has been donated to support this initiative.
