news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
November 2009
In this issue:
Supporting World Mental Health Day Exhibition raises awareness p.4
Library wins international award Project scoops Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design award p.7
New Herefordshire HE Alliance established Hopes for raising county's HE participation p.3
Additional student numbers
Worcester receives England's highest increase p.9
FEATURE
RECYCLING SCHEME
to receive
international i Green Award
A
scheme to encourage Worcester students to recycle their waste is in line to win one of the top prizes at this year’s Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice.
The joint initiative between the University and Worcester City Council was launched last year and has seen a number of large green and black bins placed around campus, which are emptied by the City Council as part of its recycling scheme. The City Council and the University worked closely together to design awareness-raising stickers and organised joint visits to all student flats to explain exactly what and how to recycle. Councillor Roger Knight, Deputy Leader, and portfolio holder for Cleaner and Greener City, said: “It’s a great pleasure to work in partnership with such an influential body as the University to manage issues regarding waste in our City. “Projects like this are hard work and it’s difficult to get the message across, but if
we can get students to lead the way and set an example it would be great and it would certainly encourage the rest of us to go that bit further and put all waste in the appropriate bin, maybe even pick some up rather than walk past it.” When the scheme was first introduced the University’s recycling rate rose by more than 120 per cent in halls of residence. Similar visits and information is planned for this year’s students, and anecdotal evidence shows that recycling rates have risen in off campus properties, which was one of the project’s aims. Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, said: “Students are really committed to improving their environment and this scheme has been a huge success. “The University employed four part-time student eco-reps, who are responsible for raising awareness of environmental issues and improving recycling rates. We recognise the long and short-term benefits to the environment, and will continue to work together to find ways to increase recycling
2 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
still further in the future. We are looking to evaluate the impact of our awareness-raising initiatives as well as looking at measuring the tangible benefits.” Representatives of the scheme have been invited to attend the Green Apple Awards Ceremony at the House of Commons on November 17, when the winners will be announced. They will also be invited to join the National Green Heroes, an elite group of environmental achievers who use their experience to help thousands of others – and the environment – around the world. The Green Apple Awards are now in their sixteenth year and attracted more than 500 nominations this year. They are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.
COVER STORY wELCOME
contents COVER STORY Library scoops international award
4
features
welcome W
elcome to a bumper November 2009 edition of News and Views, featuring a swathe of news, achievements, launches and milestones from the past four weeks at the University of Worcester. In fact, so much has been going on recently that, for one month only, we’ve had to double our page count to squeeze it all in.
Inspired Innovation Award was always going to be the focus of this issue, but it rubs shoulders with many other stories that in any other month would have been front cover material. Next month’s issue will have a distinct graduation flavour, but we’ll still have room for your news, so please send it, by November 30, to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
The news that the Joint Worcester Library and History Centre project had scooped a Bentley Be
HE ALLIANCE TARGETS GROWTH
AREAS TO RAISE SKILL LEVELS Herefordshire Council and the University of Worcester have joined forces with local colleges to form an alliance to extend and widen Higher Education participation in the County. The move will help local companies and organisations to prosper by addressing serious higher level skills shortages. Geoff Hughes, Director of Regeneration at Herefordshire Council, said: “Herefordshire Council is working closely with local business, education providers and other organisations and agencies on pooling resources and maximising some of the fantastic talent and innovation we have in the County.” The alliance, known as Higher Education for Herefordshire, has already produced a detailed analysis of university and college courses in the county and surrounding areas, and has carried out further research on the skills local employers need.
The Director of the Lifelong Learning Network for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Debbie Lambert, said: “Herefordshire has some remarkable businesses in really important growth sectors like IT and Design and there is some truly innovative and fresh thinking as to how these companies can develop the higher level skills of their workforce to survive and prosper post-recession. "Employers and their employees are being attracted to relevant, high quality local courses which they can take part-time, so they can earn while they learn.” The Higher Education for Herefordshire Board has organised two conferences in Herefordshire to discuss its proposals to expand Higher Education, and has produced a booklet detailing local opportunities and progression routes.
Recycling scheme set for award 2 Kenneth Clarke MP visits City Campus 5 Additional student numbers 9 Eat yourself fitter and fight off swine flu 13
news HE Alliance targets growth area 3 International scholar explores children's literature 4 Supporting World Mental Health Day 4 Annual Business School Lecture 4 Young cricket coach wins top award 6 Students encouraged to consider a healthier lifestyle 6 Tracing transatlantic routes 6 Flooding expert warns it will get worse 8 Lecturer's professional institute recognition 8 Lisa selected to travel down under 8 Worcester academics conduct early labour survey 10 Silver success for England in Nantes 10 Triathlon Tilly sheds a third of her bodyweight 11 Heart of England Fine Food partnership 11 University joins forces with Cherry Orchard 11 Dementia care specialists gather 12 Spirituality and mental health conference 12 SHA Commissioning Lead spends a day at the University 12 G4S leads the way 12 Richard's sponsored ride 14 TUC backs Worcester interns 14 American student returns after 40 years 14 SPEED students celebrate enterprising year 15 Richard bids farewell 15 Projects help disabled young people into work 15 Students switch off 16 Children go green with University 16 Charitable sea of pink 16
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 3
news
Supporting World scholar explores children’s Mental Health Day literature international
A renowned scholar from Canada is exploring the ways in which children's literature treats national identity and citizenship, during a ninemonth project in the International Centre for Research in Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity. Dr Benjamin Lefebvre has joined Worcester from the Centre for Research in Young People's Texts and Cultures at the University of Winnipeg, as a Leverhulme Visiting Fellow. Dr Lefebvre will be working on a project comparing discourses of national identity in British and North American children's literature, television and film post-1970. “If you take Harry Potter for example,” Dr Lefebvre said, “the books themselves are unmistakably British, and so are all the actors in the films based on them. But the films are produced by Warner Bros, an American corporation that also owns the trademark 'Harry Potter' and controls the merchandising rights attached to the property. “So who 'owns' Harry Potter – the British author or the American corporation? It really depends on which version of the text you're talking about.” The University was awarded a grant from the Leverhulme Trust; one of the largest allsubject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing funds of some £50 million every year. Professor Jean Webb, Director of the International Centre for Research in Children's Literature, Literacy and Creativity, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Benjamin Lefebvre from Canada as the Leverhulme Research Fellow for 2009-2010. “His expertise will enhance the work of the Centre and feed into the development of international research projects. We look forward to a positive and productive time when international research and collaboration will be strengthened and expanded.”
The University marked THIS YEAR’S World Mental Health Day with a special exhibition to help raise awareness of mental health issues.
Art works produced by NHS mental health service users were displayed and a short performance by student nurses completed the presentations. More than 1,000 blue ribbons were also handed out to staff and students. The event was supported by Jayne Gaze, artist and instructor at Shrub Hill Workshop, which nurtures the creativity of local people who have experienced some form of mental ill health. University Mental Health Advisor Dot Tippin, who organised this year’s event, said: “One in four people will experience mental distress during their lifetime, so this day can really help to focus and raise awareness of mental health issues. Many people may have an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression and may not even realise it. This event is all about raising awareness and informing and encouraging the public to come forward and find support should they need it.”
Local businesses gather
to hear how business and
education can work together
Business leaders, academics and representatives from the public sector gathered last month for the University of Worcester’s second Annual Business School Lecture. The main address was delivered by Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors (IoD) at the University. In his address Mr Templeman examined ‘The relationship between the worlds of Business and Education’. Tim Maxfield, Director of Business Development at the University’s Worcester Business School, said: “The University of Worcester has excellent links with the local business community and this lecture provided the opportunity to get together and build on those relationships. “Business and education are inextricably linked and Miles’ lecture highlighted how important it is for both communities to work together.”
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FEATURE
“We were delighted to be able to show Mr Clarke around our new facilities. The development is an exciting one for the Business School as it will allow us to integrate the educational work of the School even closer with the needs of the local business community.”
Kenneth Clarke MP visits City Campus
T
he Shadow Secretary of State for Business Industry and Skills, Kenneth Clarke MP, recently enjoyed a tour of the University’s new City Campus.
During his visit, Mr Clarke heard how the Business School is working with local companies to create a centre of excellence for business, and business education. He said: “Having a university business school in the heart of the City will make a big difference.
Mark Richardson Head of Worcester Business School
Mr Clarke visited the site on Friday, October 16 after giving an address at Worcester Rugby Club that lunchtime. The City Campus has attracted a number of high profile visitors in recent weeks, including the Director-General of the Institute of Directors, Miles Templeman.
“In these modern economic times we need this kind of Higher Education and training.”
“In these modern economic times we need this kind of Higher Education and training.” The former Royal Infirmary buildings in Castle Street are being carefully restored and transformed into a new home for Worcester Business School, which will open in September 2010.
Mr Templeman said: “I was greatly impressed by the potential of the new Campus, not only to provide excellent facilities but to integrate the Business School even more fully into the local Business Community. They are already making excellent progress in this critical business partnership – the new location will enhance this relationship.”
It will include high quality training suites, teaching and office space, and state-of-the-art computer facilities and drop-in space for the use of the local business community.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 5
news
young cricket coach wins top award A first year student has won a top cricket coaching award. Natasha Maharaj-Newman was named Young Coach of the Year – Sussex, at the Sky Sports Coach Awards 2009, run in conjunction with the English Cricket Board (ECB) Coaching Association. Natasha has been coaching young cricket players in her home town of Hastings for four years now. “I got into cricket through my brother and my dad,” said the 18-year-old. “My brother used to play for Sussex and my dad is East Area Community Coach for Sussex Cricket Board. “I coach Hastings Priory Cricket Club Girls and also Sussex U13 Girls.”
Students encouraged to consider a healthier lifestyle LAST MONTH WAS designated Healthy October AS students WERE URGED to consider a healthier lifestyle. The University’s Student Experience Team, in collaboration with the Students’ Union, held a number of events over the month. Organised with the help of nutrition lecturer Justine Bold, and the University’s caterers, Aramark, the event provided advice and tips on healthy eating, promoted healthy meals available in the canteen and gave students a chance to win prizes in a competition. Jenny King, Student Wellbeing Assistant, said: “We wanted to raise awareness about the health and cost benefits to students of giving up smoking, thinking about how much they drink and enjoying a more balanced diet. “We have had a really good response. More than 200 students attended our healthy eating event and we had lots of positive comments, with students saying they had picked up some great ideas, which they were going to try out.” Michael Collins, Students’ Union Vice President Education & Welfare, added: “Students need to ensure they are living a healthy lifestyle while at university and with these kind of events run jointly by the Students’ Union and Student Services we ensure that students understand how important it is to look after themselves.”
tracing the transatlantic
routes of american roots music Natasha, who has just started a Sports Coaching degree, was among just three girls nominated at the awards. “I think cricket is still largely a male-dominated sport, but with the success of England ladies this year, more and more girls are now getting in to it,” she said. “It’s a fantastic sport and there is something for everyone.” Natasha received her award during a ceremony at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester. “I was really surprised to win an award, especially because of my age,” she said. “Most people are usually in their 20s when they get an award because of the experience needed.”
The American Roots Music Conference consisted of a day of lectures at the University followed by an evening of folk and blues performances at the nearby Fold eco-café.
O
ver 80 people from Britain, Europe and the USA attended the event, which was held on 12th September. Dr Jill Terry, the conference’s organizer,
Glyn Harding, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching Science at the University of Worcester, said: “This is an incredible achievement by Natasha and we are extremely proud of her. She has proved that she is developing into being an excellent coach and has the potential to excel during her studies here.” 6 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
said: “The talks went extremely well indeed and the performances were first class. The combination of outstanding live music with an academic conference meant it was really popular.” The conference was highly praised by several distinguished delegates. Professor Ronald Cohen of Indiana University, USA, said: “What an amazing conference. Jill and Neil were certainly successful in bringing together some of the giants in the field. I am only sorry that I didn’t get a chance to meet everyone, although I did get a chance to meet two of my heroes.”
COVER STORY
JOINT LIBRARY AND HISTORY CENTRE
scoops international
award
W
orcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester are celebrating after the design of the joint Worcester Library and History Centre project scooped a prestigious international award.
The £60 million project, thought to be one of the first of its kind in Europe, claimed the Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design title for 2009. Generative design uses new technology to produce different ways of combating construction issues and judges felt the centre demonstrated that better than other finalists from the Ukraine and India. The Library and History Centre was in good company, as one of the other winners was the retractable roof above Wimbledon's Centre Court. The prize was collected by representatives of the project's architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, who worked closely with County Council. The Library and History Centre is a joint project between the County Council and
the University of Worcester, with support from agency Advantage West Midlands and Worcester City Council. The combined facility, being built through a Private Finance Initiative, will draw together the County Council's library services for the city centre with its History Centre, Record Office and archaeologists, as well as library facilities provided by the University. Iain Paul, the County Council's design manager for strategic projects, added: "This award demonstrates the level of technical and design creativity which has been applied to translating our vision for the Library and History Centre into an exciting building which will be an enduring legacy for the citizens of Worcestershire." Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services at the University, said: “This award celebrates the innovative design of this truly unique building.
to attract visitors from across the globe. “We are delighted that the facility has won this prestigious award before it’s even built.” Richard Priest, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios’ architectural software engineer, said: “It’s great to get an award for something that’s not quite so visible as a finished building. “We’re really pushing the limits of the software, looking for new ways of adapting it to improve design ideas." Preparatory work is currently being carried out at The Butts site – the home of the now award-winning centre. Work constructing the main centre building is expected to start in December, with an overall completion date of early 2012 pencilled in.
“The library and history centre will be a landmark feature of Worcester, which will serve the people of the city, the county and members of the University alike, and aims
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 7
news
FLOODING
EXPERT warns
it will get worse LECTURER’S PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTE
RECOGNITION Dr Carl Evans, a Senior Lecturer in Business and Management, has received an award from the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) in recognition of his outstanding teaching.
Carl, who lives in Wolverhampton, said: “I was very surprised when I found out that I had been shortlisted. I initially thought the telephone call to attend an interview in London for the Lecturer of the Year Award was a joke.” Dr Evans lectures on a range of management topics and is a regular contributor of articles to the British Journal of Administrative Management and the Journal of the International Professional Managers' Association. “I try to bring a sense of real-world business to my lectures,” he said. “Not only do I refer to my personal work experiences, but invite visiting experts from local organisations such as Southco and Yamazaki Mazak to contribute to the students’ learning experience. In addition, I arrange various industrial visits for the students.”
P
Flooding, such as that which hit huge parts of the UK in 2007, can only get worse in the coming years, a respected expert explained during a lecture at the University of Worcester.
rofessor Stuart Lane, Executive Director of the Institute of Hazard and Risk Research at Durham University, reflected on the extensive floods of 2007 and how the UK can expect to see further problems in the future.
His lecture, titled ‘Flooding in the 21st Century: why things can only get worse’, was the 58th Lovatt Lecture in Geography. Professor Lane said: “The 2007 floods were some of the UK’s most extensive on record, during a wet, cool summer, and had some of the greatest impacts; one year later, some people in the Severn basin and in the City of Hull had not yet been able to return home. “Flood risk is driven by the interplay of four factors: weather and its relation to our changing climate; how we manage our landscapes, including the historical decision to occupy large parts of our floodplains; social and economic processes, which mean that, in the 21st century, we have more to lose when we are flooded; and, often overlooked, our changing perception as to what constitutes an acceptable level of flooding to live with. “What is different about the 21st century has been the development of floodplains coupled to our growing unwillingness and lack of understanding of how to live with flood events. At least some of this situation may be attributed to the growing emphasis upon regulating out of our daily lives our own ability to become involved in managing those things we have to learn to live with.”
LISA SELECTED
TO TRAVEL DOWN UNDER Lisa Davies, a student nurse from September 2006 who has now qualified as a Registered General Nurse, has been successful in an application to undertake a Transition to Professional Practice programme at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia. Valerie Gorton, Principal Lecturer & International Coordinator, said: “There were 660 applicants for 130 places so this is a real achievement. “Lisa spent a four-week clinical nursing Placement in Adelaide as part of the final year of her BSc Nursing course, proving that University of Worcester students set a high standard and are competent practitioners. “We all congratulate Lisa on her achievements. I would encourage anyone to undertake an Elective if they wish to work internationally in their future careers.”
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FEATURE
AD DITIONAL student numbers
University of Worcester receives highest student number increase in England Worcester will be educating hundreds more people to help take the country out of recession, after being awarded the highest increase in additional student numbers in the country. The University will be able to offer a higher education to 410 more British and European students a year from 2010 onwards, after securing the largest award of ‘Additional Student Numbers’ funding made to any individual University from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
Professor David Green added: “This increase in funding for additional student numbers from HEFCE is a real vote of confidence in the University’s ability to provide interesting, varied and vital courses to meet the needs of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and beyond.”
This welcome news comes as thousands of people across the West Midlands are looking for opportunities to further their skills and knowledge. The University has had a 110% increase in applications over the last six years – 10 times faster than the national increase. This phenomenal growth in interest is attributed to the relevance of Worcester's courses combined with its excellent reputation for teaching.
The award forms part of HEFCE’s support for Worcester’s carefully planned expansion, including the construction of the new City Campus.
Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The University of Worcester plays a major role in the development of Worcestershire and Herefordshire and in particular the support it offers to the business community. We are pleased that this growth is set to continue and look forward to further developing the University and business partnership.”
This award comes on top of a small award of just 50 additional student number places in science and business in July and the successful launch earlier this September of the country’s first Salaried Graduate Internship Scheme helping new graduates to find paid employment during the recession. So far 50 graduates, from a number of different universities, have joined the scheme and found useful employment with West Midlands firms for four days each week, while studying one day a week for a postgraduate certificate in Leadership and Management at the University of Worcester. The scheme has been endorsed by CBI Director General Richard Lambert who said: “Now more than ever, the CBI is constantly looking for new ideas and innovative schemes that give practical support to industry and the wider economy. The Salaried Graduate Internship Scheme at the University of Worcester does just that.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 9
news
Worcester academics conduct early labour survey via popular parenting website
A survey of 2,433 women carried out online at the popular parenting website www.babycentre.co.uk by Senior Midwifery Lecturer Julie Smith and Professor of Perinatal Education Dr Mary Nolan, has found that, while midwives are keen to encourage women to stay at home for as long as possible in early labour, women themselves are often anxious and restless while they wait to be admitted to hospital. The majority of the women did not feel less anxious as a result of telephone contact with a midwife, and remained uncertain as to what they should be doing at home to help progress their labours. The survey results, which were analysed by Dr Jon Catling from the Department of Psychology, showed that the women who were most relaxed in early labour were those who planned to have their babies at home. Women who planned to give birth at a hospital or in a birth centre appear to have been unable to relax because they were worried about the car journey to the maternity unit. Many of the women had fixed ideas about how long labour should last and what the experience would be like. They were surprised when this blueprint did not match the real time-scale and events of their labours. “There is clearly a need for much more realistic antenatal education,” said Professor Nolan, “and for midwives to give women lots of suggestions for remaining calm and relaxed when they telephone for advice in early labour.” The survey has been published as three articles in the August to October issues of The Practising Midwife.
Silver T
success for England in Nantes
his summer saw England’s blind football squad put memories of Beijing last summer well and truly behind them with a successful European Championship campaign in Nantes, France. England powered their way to the final with several impressive displays, before losing out in a tense battle to the host nation. University of Worcester Sports Studies student Keryn Seal and staff member Will Norman were part of the squad which travelled to France. As Will said: “We’ve lost some players post-Beijing, and gained some exciting new talent. We’ve also developed new tactics and we’re looking to play a more sophisticated game, so everything’s new at the moment.”
England cruised through the group stages with compact, composed displays leading to a 4-1 victory over Germany and a 2-0 win against Italy. Their qualification
assured, England rested several players for their final group match with France, allowing the hosts to ease to a 3-1 victory; a result which set up a daunting semifinal tie with reigning champions Spain.
The Spanish had never lost a European tie, and enjoyed an unbeaten run stretching back to 1997. England overcame a tense opening, cruising in to a surprise 3-0 lead with a confident and powerful display. The Spanish fought back doggedly to 3-2 but England kept their composure under incredible pressure to grind out the win. The final itself didn’t hit the heights of the semi; both sides struggling under the pressure of the occasion to produce their best football. France had most of the game, cheered on by a sizeable home crowd, but England held firm, and took the lead at the start of the second half. The French continued to apply pressure,
10 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
eventually drawing level with a penalty. As the tension grew, England nudged ahead again through a penalty of their own. Although only minutes remained, the victory was not yet assured, and so it proved. In a controversial final passage of play, France scored two quick-fire goals to take the lead, and ultimately the title.
A disappointed Keryn said: “We didn’t do ourselves justice today. In the bigger scheme of things we have progressed, and in the long run this tournament will probably look like a success, but today I can’t help feeling that I don’t want another ‘thanks for coming’ medal, we came here to win.” Putting the immediate disappointment of the final result behind them, Keryn and Will are now focussing on the next challenge – the World Cup, which will be staged at a new multi-million pound facility in Hereford in August 2010.
COVER STORY news
Triathlon Tilly sheds a
third of her bodyweight A Worcester Phd student has completed her first triathlon, after losing four and a half stones in less than six months.
C
laire Tillyer, known as Tilly, has dropped three dress sizes since April and came 53rd out of 192 competitors in Stratford's Fun2Tri event in October. She signed up for the event in July and embarked on a rigorous training and eating plan.
“I had always been overweight,” said the 26-year-old, who is a Phd student in the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit. “But in April this year, something just clicked and I decided I had to do something. I started a diet and knew I had to exercise as well. So I started doing some swimming and running, and started going to spinning classes, and then in July I entered myself into the triathlon as a goal. “I’m a determined person and I hate not completing things so I knew I would push myself to train and finish the triathlon.” Tilly, who lives in Faringdon, near Oxford, completed the triathlon, which involved a 400m swim, 23km cycle and 5km run, in one hour, 27 minutes and one second, raising almost £300 for the NSPCC in the process. “It was really hard and I felt sick at the start,” she said. “But I’m so proud of myself for completing it. I have now entered a full triathlon next year so I’m continuing with my training.
UNIVERSITY
JOINS FORCES WITH
CHERRY ORCHARD Cherry Orchard Primary School pupils learned more about their surroundings thanks to a University field trip.
“I train six times a week now, whether running, spinning or swimming. I can’t get enough of it now. When I look back at the way I was, it’s like looking at a different person. I’m so happy now.”
Heart of England
Fine Food partnership
U
niversity students, staff and visitors can now tuck into more local food and drink with nine new firms contracted to supply the Campus.
It follows a meeting between the University’s caterers, Aramark, and the regional food group for the West Midlands, Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF), to get more regional suppliers on board. HEFF’s own unique collaborative distribution channel, the HEFF Delivery Service, will be used to deliver all the products. This will reduce the University’s food miles and subsequently its carbon footprint.
Mark Hughes, Director of Physical Resources, said: “The University is very keen to support the local economy. There is a wealth of excellent local food and drink available across this region and we are delighted to be able to now offer this to our students and staff.” Rachel Berry, HEFF Trade Development Manager, said: “This has been a great opportunity for us to work with Aramark to supply regional food and drink. We’re very proud to be working alongside the University of Worcester, not only in providing fresh, high quality regional produce, but in educating students about local food and drink.”
Geography lecturers Dr Ian Maddock and Dr Heather Barrett took pupils on a series of visits across the city, including a river walk, a study of urban landscape change in Worcester, a visit to the Cathedral and an archaeological tour of the City. Kieran McCarthy, a teacher at Cherry Orchard Primary School, said: “Primary children are naturally excited and interested in the world around them. “Like many other schools we are currently reorganising our curriculum to best meet the needs of our pupils in 2009. “We are hugely grateful to the University for its support in this work. We are sure the initiative will be successful and hope that – despite the work involved – the contact can continue.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 11
news
Dementia care specialists
Psychologists, academics, trainers and consultants from as far as Australia, Singapore, USA, Spain and the Netherlands got together to share experiences and ideas to improve dementia care around the world. The visit was organised by Professor Dawn Brooker, Director of the Association for Dementia Studies.
gather at Worcester The overseas visitors, who are all leaders in their respective countries
Dementia care specialists from across the globe gathered in a practice development tool known as Dementia Care Mapping, at the University of Worcester recently to learn more about were joined by local specialists in dementia care from across the University’s new Association for Dementia Studies. Worcestershire. Together they visited a number of homes in the region caring for people with dementia care and met with staff to hear their experiences. “We invited them to Worcester so that they could see the potential in the work that we are doing here and to foster good relationships that could lead to continued working together into the future,” Professor Brooker said. “Dementia is a growing issue around the world as the population ages and it is vital to help those living with dementia to lead a good quality of life and that their families and staff providing care feel confident that they are using the best approach.”
SPIRITUALITY AND Gilbert, Visiting Professor in Spirituality and Social Work, was the keynote speaker and the event was chaired by Dr Janice Clarke from the Institute of Health and Society. MENTAL HEALTH “We were delighted to have Neil Lockwood, the Chairman of the Trust to open the day CONFERENCE and to take part in discussions,” said Janice.
It was a successful and very well attended day with over 80 participants. Professor Peter
Our photograph shows Mr Lockwood, Professor Gilbert and Janice with speakers Maddy On September 16th the University hosted a Parkes, from Birmingham & Solihull Spirituality and Mental Health Conference Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and for the Worcestershire Community Georgina Beldon, a clinical psychologist Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. from WMHPT. The day provided the chance to find out about this important topic and it was a forum for lots of animated discussion and questions.
SHA Commissioning Lead
spends a day in the life
of the University of Worcester West Midlands Strategic Health Authority’s lead on commissioning numbers for healthcare students recently spent a day at the University to learn more about the way it operates.
Chris Wood, who is the lead on Non Medical Education and Training for the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, said: “I wanted to get an idea of how a university operates and meet those individuals I am in regular contact and communication with. “The facilities at the University of Worcester are excellent. I was particularly impressed with the podcasting of lectures.” Jan Quallington, Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement, said: “We were delighted that Chris chose the University of Worcester to come and have a look at. It is important for us to build a good relationship and to know how each other works.”
12 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
leads the way Worcester Business School has announced the first contract for its Leading to Excellence Programme. The contract is with G4S, a significant organisation and an important player within their own sector and the broader national economy. G4S have signed up to a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management which they will take for a group of senior mangers over the next two years, starting in November 2009. “This represents a tremendous opportunity for The Business School and the University,” said Tim Maxfield, Director of Business and Professional Development. “We are already in discussion with the organisation about other projects.”
FEATURE
Eat yourself fitter and fight off swine flu
Worcester nutrition lecturer, Dr Laurence Trueman, is encouraging people to think more about their diet, as the second wave of swine flu begins to take a grip across the country. but they don’t help us get better. And the In general any foods that are rich in Many people are concerned about the antioxidants will help suppress the predicted swine flu pandemic,” Laurence worst culprits are often your morning virus mutation, but also help limit the cereals; ironically the good old English says. “Although there is probably very damage done to the body. Such foods breakfast may be a far better choice little we can do to stem the spread include all fruits and vegetables, but when you’re ill, particularly if you grill of the disease, you can make slight modifications to your diet that will help instead of fry, and place eggs, mushrooms particularly onions, apples and tea that contain high levels of quercetin, an your body be more proactive in fighting and tomatoes at the top of the list. antioxidant that is targeted to the lungs; off the infection. Your immune system, “Most viruses mutate quickly in the an organ that suffers badly during a like any other organ, needs to be fed. body resulting in your immune system bout of flu. having to deal with a fast moving target. “The simplest way to boost your supply Dr Trueman explained that because Vitamin C can slow this mutation of glutamine (a major food source for the virus infects the upper respiratory process down, helping your immune the immune system) is to eat foods tract, one of the major symptoms system to get on top of the situation rich in protein. Science is now catching is the production of copious mucus faster. up with what mothers have known for that can leave the body dehydrated. centuries; chicken soup should be high “If you intend to take a high dose vitamin “It is thus really important to stay on the menu for those suffering from C supplement always seek medical hydrated by drinking plenty of water colds and flu.” advice if you are pregnant or have or decaffeinated drinks; particularly if other medical conditions; and ladies Laurence says that foods high in refined you are suffering in a centrally-heated be aware that large doses of vitamin sugar have been shown to inhibit parts building. C can compromise the action of the of the immune system. “Chocolate bars and sports drinks may help us feel better, contraceptive pill.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 13
news
Richard’s
sponsored The UK’s first and only Professor of Tissue Viability has completed a 45-mile sponsored bike ride, less than a year after undergoing heart surgery.
P
rofessor Richard White cycled from Tintagel to Truro in Cornwall, raising £2,300 for HeartSWell South West, a charity which supports heart patients and their families.
Richard underwent a quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Graft at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, in September last year after falling ill. Part of his rehabilitation involved rigorous exercise, which Richard extended to his fundraising feat. “I found inner strength from somewhere,” he said. “I did a lot of training and I really enjoyed it. I was helped by a group of close friends who accompanied me.” Professor White was sponsored £500 for the ride by Molnlycke Health Care, for whom he has worked on a number of pieces of research and who sponsored an award for Wound UK, which he won in 2008, but was unable to claim until recently because of his illness.
TUC backs UW
interns
Trade Union leaders have given the thumbs up to the University of Worcester’s salaried graduate internship scheme. Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC, has joined many other captains of industry in welcoming the University's scheme, which is providing high quality work placements open to graduates from all universities. Mr Barber said: “Because these graduates will be paid at least the minimum wage, the scheme ensures that real graduate level work opportunities are available to all regardless of personal and financial circumstances.”
student
returns after 40 years A
n American woman who studied at the University of Worcester almost 40 years ago, recently returned to see how it has changed.
Ruth Van Voorhees spent a semester at the University in 1970 as part of her studies at Trenton State College, now known as The College of New Jersey in the USA. “I was looking at the British educational system and comparing it to the US,” she said. “I absolutely loved my time at Worcester. In many ways it has shaped the life I have today.” During her time at Worcester Mrs Van Voorhees discovered a passion for horses and for Shakespeare, both of which still play a huge part in her life. “Studying at Worcester was a wonderful experience for me, and I’m so pleased to have got the chance to come back,” she said. “I’m pleased to see some of the old buildings are still here.”
14 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
students celebrate an enterprising year Members of the SPEED initiative (Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in EDucation) have recently celebrated a hugely successful year in an awards event held at the Bank House Hotel. The programme has seen them start their own businesses and generate turnover individually of up to £64,000. The scheme is designed to equip budding entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge to launch their own innovative business ideas. The event showcased the development of all the students involved as they each gave a short presentation on their progression from an initial idea, to a money making enterprise. Prizes were awarded for professionalism, sales revenue, most progress and best overall business. Zoe Moore, who won best overall business, is looking to the future as she prepares her film production company for new contracts with a selection of musical artists and one of the largest children’s yoga providers. Another success story was Noel Vance, who turned over £64,000 this year through sales of car parts and has plans to have an annual turnover of £1 million within five years.
richard bids farewell after nine years Friday 30th October saw Richard Evans work his last day as General Manager of Worcester Students’ Union after nine years in the role. Richard was instrumental in developing and progressing Worcester Students’ Union, through setting new policies, staff recruitment, restructuring the Constition and bringing in the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative. Richard is taking his career to the next level, and will begin his new job as the Chief Executive at Birmingham City University Students’ Union on November 7th. The President of Worcester Students’ Union Dave Antell has worked with Richard for over a
year and said: “From when I got elected as Vice President to now it has been a pleasure to work with Richard and has helped made being a Sabbatical in the Students’ Union a wonderful experience. Richard has been an amazing member of the team and he will be strongly missed buy all the Students’ Union staff.”
NEWS
Projects Help Disabled Young People into Work Over the next few months, the Centre for Inclusive Learning Support (CILS) is bringing to a successful conclusion three transnational projects – QATRAIN2, ETTAD and VM2 – which have focused on benefitting disabled learners in Vocational Education and/or Adult Education. The Validating Mentoring 2 (VM2) project sponsored by the European Commission under the Leonardo da Vinci Life Long Learning programme had partners in Bulgaria, Belgium, Scotland and Turkey. This two-year project focused upon developing the employability skills of disabled young people (aged 20-27) through mentoring. With the assistance of the Worcester Branch of Remploy, seven mentees were identified and each one was paired with an employer mentor recruited from the private or public sector within Herefordshire & Worcestershire.
Most mentees had limited experience of paid employment and little experience of the world of work since leaving school or college. Through frequent mentoring sessions over a six-month period, mentees grew in confidence, some secured work placements and one is now an employee of one of the city’s largest supermarkets. Interestingly, both mentees and mentors felt that the mentoring experience had made a really positive impact on their lives. Local companies, particularly through the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, have shown interest in the positive outcomes of the project and CILS is exploring ways in which the mentoring process, as developed, can be further exploited. The culmination of the project was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to all participants by Professor David Green in a ceremony arranged by Charlie Wise, the Project Officer. Please contact Dr Val Chapman, Director of CILS (ext. 5402) for further information on this and other national and transnational projects.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 15
news
OFF
Students switch children
Environmentally conscious students are aiming to combat climate change in a new eco-competition. The Student Switch-Off competition looks to encourage students to be more aware of their environmental impact and find ways of reducing energy use. Halls of residence will compete against each other to see who comes top of the class in energy efficiency. Michael Collins, the Students’ Union’s Vice President for Education and Welfare, said: “It’s a very exciting prospect to be able to get students to engage with environmental issues. Here at the Students’ Union, we will be actively promoting the competition with advertising and talks. The competition is all about their future – the way that they use energy will affect them for the rest of their lives.” The Student Switch-Off competition is run in association with the National Union of Students and funded by DEFRA.
GO
green with
university
Ninety children from a Worcester school have spent the day at the University learning about sustainability and the environment. The pupils, from Christopher Whitehead Language College, also took part in a litter pick between the University’s St John’s and City Campuses. The day was organised by Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, alongside the Duckworth Trust and involved University staff, Community Support Officers, and local councillors. “The main aim of the day was to teach the schoolchildren the impact they have on the environment,” Ms Boom said. “They identified some themes that they could make a really big difference with, such as litter and waste, energy use, transport and recycling.”
Charitable sea of pink for cancer campaign A sea of pink, from the palest to the hottest, welcomed visitors to the University’s Registry Services as part of Breast Cancer Campaign’s Wear It Pink day on October 30th. Staff from Registry Services and Finance made a host of cakes, which were sold throughout the day, plus there was a raffle and Bra Banks around campus for staff and students to donate unwanted items to women in poorer countries. Organiser Joseph Bayley, Admissions Assistant, said: “So many of us have been touched by breast cancer, either by knowing family, friends or colleagues who have been affected, or personally suffering, so we wanted to support this important cause. “I’m really pleased with the support we received from both staff and students who all got in the spirit of the event.” 16 / NOVEMBER 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk