Three Swansea University students have been invited to join the prestigious Council of Deans of Health Student Leadership Programme, designed to nurture and develop the skills of the next generation of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals.
With more than 275 applications, Cerys Jones, Lily Carline and Ellesse Mathias are among only 60 students to be accepted onto this year’s programme, having shown exceptional potential through the Swansea University Student Leadership Academy.
Cerys, a second-year year BSc Nursing (Child) student, said: “My time with the Student Leadership Academy was extremely positive. I thoroughly enjoyed every part, especially talking to people from different healthcare professions and the opportunity to have a coach to help me on my leadership journey.
“It has made me more open to new experiences and is what gave me the confidence to apply for the national Student Leadership Programme.”
The programme, a partnership between the Council of Deans of Health and the Burdett Trust for Nursing, officially started last month with a two-day welcome event in Manchester.
Cerys, Lily and Ellesse, along with their fellow 150Leaders, an affectionate name given to students of the programme, took part in several leadership skills workshops, from inclusivity and compassion to entrepreneurship.
The event also featured talks from programme graduates and senior healthcare leaders, including Professor Alison Machin, Chair of the Council of Deans of Health, inspiring the new cohort to consider healthcare reform on a far wider scale.
Lily, a second-year BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) student, said: "It was incredibly motivating for me, both personally and professionally, as I was being introduced to individuals who had gone beyond the scope of traditional clinical roles and are making a positive impact on the NHS on regional, national and international stages.
“I also found meeting healthcare students from universities all over the country to be a particular delight - one which inspired a new thrall of confidence within myself as a neurodivergent individual who has previously struggled a lot with self-expression and social anxiety."
Ellesse Mathias, a second-year BSc Nursing (Learning Disability) student, added: “It was a very insightful experience filled with compassion, enthusiasm and innovation, networking with like-minded individuals to discuss our similarities and differences as well as common hot topics.
“I have made connections with so many students from all over the UK who I know will be wonderful colleagues within the NHS in the future.”
Mrs Beryl Mansel, Director of the Student Leadership Academy, said: “We are delighted that Cerys, Lily and Ellesse have been selected for the Student Leadership Programme. We are immensely proud to see our delegates actively participate and engage in new challenges, a reflection of the values we aim to instil in them through Swansea’s leadership programme.
“We envision the Student Leadership Academy becoming a dynamic hub where delegates not only cultivate essential leadership skills but also foster a sense of community, collaboration, and innovation. It will be a space where their voices are amplified, where they can develop their leadership talents, and where they can push boundaries to achieve personal and professional success, as demonstrated by Ellesse, Lily and Cerys’ incredible success.”
Find out more about the Student Leadership Programme.
Learn more about the Student Leadership Academy at Swansea University.