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South Essex College beats the blues with a brew
Students and staff at South Essex College enjoyed tea and talk on ‘Blue Monday’ to help raise funds for Samaritans and showcase support available for those who are finding things difficult.
Set across all campuses, the event was a positive response to the ongoing campaign ‘Time to Talk’ which encourages more people to come together to talk and promote good mental health.
There were contributions of free tea bags from Samaritans and Yorkshire tea to help support the event and information and guidance of where to seek advice.
Collectively the college made £339.77 with all funds going directly to the charity.
Jane Belcher, Head of Safeguarding and Valiant, said: “Brew Monday was an event we wanted to support so we can keep conversations about mental health going throughout the year whilst supporting a worthwhile charity.
“It was great to see so many students and staff across all our campuses come together for a cup of tea, a cake and a chat. Sometimes those small chats are all we need.”
Find out more about the safeguarding team and support available by visiting: www.southessex.ac.uk/services-and-support/safeguarding
For additional support and help go to: www.samaritans.org/
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
