Hugh Baird College students still honoured during lockdown

THIS year Hugh Baird College had to cancel their annual Student Awards Evening which was set to celebrate the success of students from across all areas of the College, recognising them for their hard work and dedication during their time inside and outside of the College.

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak the College had to transition to remote learning and working, cancelling all planned visits and events. However, this did not stop the College celebrating the amazing hard work and dedication shown by the students.

All 25 awards were presented to the winning students either at home or in college. These included the Student of the Year award for Access to Higher Education, won by Adam Rutherford, Adam currently studies on the Access to Higher Education Social Sciences programme after completing his Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification, at the College.

Adam had a challenging journey to get to where he is today, from 2 family losses, at the age of 13, which led him to take on the responsibility of working to provide for his family, alongside battling his own mental health and dyslexia struggles.

Alongside his studies, Adam also volunteers at the Life Rooms Bootle helping those who are also struggling with support and guidance from his own experiences.

Another award presented on the evening was the Student of the Year for Building Services, won by Dilyana Staneva. As well as being a full time student in the College, Dilyana is also a full time member of the Colleges Estates Team.

Over the past 12 months, Dilyana has shown an incredible work ethic to her studies and whilst most students have their lunch break, Dilyana leaves class, changes her uniform and is back supporting the College environment.

In recent events and the impact of the pandemic, Dilyana has maintained her inspirational work ethic, supporting her classmates remotely and continually giving 100% to her qualification.

Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, said:- "During my 1st couple of months here at the College, I have met so many amazing students that deserve the recognition and so much more. I was really disappointed to have to cancel this year's Awards Ceremony, but did not want the pandemic to stand in the way of honouring these students. The learners awarded are in my opinion the best students around, myself and staff here at the College are all super proud of their hard work and dedication put in during their time with us, especially in the recent weeks having to adapt to the new remote way of learning. I wish them all the luck for the future, whether that be going on to university, progressing onto an apprenticeship or gaining full employment within their chosen fields."

Full list of award winners:-

► 14 to 16 College - Daniel Morgan.

► 16 to 18 Maths and English - Declan McCall.

► Science - Deborah Akinso.

► 19+ Maths and English - Rebecca Segar-Williamson.

► English for Speakers of Other Languages - Andre Pinto.

► Foundation Learning - Connor McCormick.

► Learning for Life and Thornton College - Isaac Howard.

► Access to Higher Education - Adam Rutherford.

► A-level - Zac Cook.

► Apprentice of the Year - Luke Townley.

► Floral Design - Stephanie Malone.

► Hospitality and Catering - Ricky Mears.

► Travel and The Visitor Economy - Joseph Robinson.

► Business, Law, Administration and Accounting - Ellie Gillespie.

► Building Services - Dilyana Staneva.

► Carpentry and Joinery - Milosz Bedra.

► Computing and Digital Technologies - Shadi Azizi.

► Engineering, Energy and Advanced Manufacturing - Joseph Hughes.

► Motor Vehicle / Motor Cycle - Ste Wardle.

► Wet Trades and Professional Studies - Sophie Cornwall

► Childcare, Teaching and Educational Development - Alexandra Middleman

► Health, Social Care, Nursing and Dental - Liam Castell.

► Sport and Public Services - Sajeevan Thamilselvan.

► Creative Arts - Hisohanth Ilayathamby.

► Hairdressing, Beauty and Media Makeup - Molly Maguiree.

THE Martin Gallier Project has received ₤31,449 from People's Health Trust with money raised by the Health Lottery North West for a 2 year project, Martin's Man Cave, based in New Ferry, Wirral. Martin's Man Cave aims to create a safe space for men who have been affected by suicide and preventing them from slipping back into a suicidal crisis. This is achieved through informal peer support from participants engaging in support sessions, fun activities like playing darts, cycling, long boating and much more; aimed at reducing their social isolation while promoting positive mental health. Additionally, the Martin Gallier Project also provides the families of these vulnerable individuals with the necessary skills to support them and ultimately save their lives. The project offers accessible and cost effective Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training. The Martin Gallier Project was founded in 2017 by Jessica Gallier, following the loss of her father, Martin Gallier, to suicide in February 2017. The loss of her father raised Jessica's awareness of the lack of suicide intervention skills and suicide support amongst the public. Jessica took her loss and turned it into a motivation to raise awareness and help others.

On the issue of men's mental health, founder Jessica Gallier said:- "Even in this day and age, there is still a huge social stigma when it comes to men's mental health. Through Martin's Man Cave, we wanted to create a support network of men that can learn and support each other in an informal, fun environment, where they can be themselves and receive the support they need."

Martin's Man Cave has recently seen a 10x increase in demand for their services, exacerbated by the current situation of Covid-19, which has brought about many financial, relationship and health pressures; Martin's Man Cave was a safe space for men to join and receive the support they needed during these difficult times.

Jessica Gallier also added:- "Funding from People's Health Trust has helped develop and sustain Martin's Man Cave, especially during the difficult times of Covid-19, when the project was needed the most. The Martin Gallier Project as a whole saw a 300% increase in participants since the beginning of Covid-19, and due to the funds we received, we were able to accommodate all of the participants.."

Project member and 'Man Caver', Lee said:- "During lockdown whilst I was shielding as a vulnerable person and unable to leave the house at all, not even for the hour exercise that was allowed by the Government, I knew my fellow mancavers were only a message away and knowing there was a place I could go and be understood, accepted and reassured, even though it was only a virtual place during this tough time, it saved me from feeling isolated. Being able to see a friendly face during our video chats was a real refresher in the scary world I was facing."

Martin Ellice, Joint Managing Director of the Health Lottery, said:- "We are honoured to support the Martin's Man Cave and play a role in the success of the project, especially during these difficult times when it is needed the most. It is crucial for us to continue to support such life changing projects that aim to support members of our society and give vulnerable people a positive outlook and another chance in life. What Jessica and her team are doing will make sure that her father's legacy lives on forever through changing other people's lives."