Disability Campaigner, David Stanley (CF 2019) recently ran a unique accessible music session at 10 Downing Street. He and his Music Man Project Global Ambassadors delivered a performance workshop to pupils from Westminster primary schools as part of Downing Street’s “Lessons at 10” programme. The Prime Minister’s wife attended the session and the Prime Minister himself came along at the end.
David has also undertaken a concert tour of San Diego and performed at the Royal Albert Hall with His Majesty's Bands of The Royal Marines. Musical theatre and TV star, Michael Ball has become a patron of David's charity. David has also continued his lobbying work by meeting with the Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove MP and Penny Mordaunt MP.
David was also given the Freedom of the City of Southend-On-Sea in recognition of his music education charity for people with learning disabilities. Southend Mayor Stephen Habermel bestowed the honour at a special council meeting on Thursday.
Accepting his honour, David thanked his family and paid tribute to his students, his project team, and to the late MP Sir David Amess who was a keen supporter of the Music Man Project.
Regional Lot Manager (Women’s Estate North Prisons) for Novus, part of the LTE Group, Richard Wakelin cCF 2017), has had an article published in FE News, in response to the Ofsted Report, 'Reading in Prisons, a Year On'. Richard expands on why there are grounds for optimism as reading education in prisons improves.
By Richard Wakelin,
Former teacher, Nina Smith (CF 2023) has appeared in a couple of media outlets this month. Nina lost her younger brother to suicide and recounts her experience and hopes for the future in the articles from InYourArea.co.uk and Leigh Observer and Skem News. Nina will be travelling to Australia and the USA to explore school-based suicide prevention strategies.
By Nina Smith,
Online Journalist and Producer Nishtha Chugh (CF 2016) gave evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry on Ethnicity Transplantations and Transfusion in June 2023. The Inquiry is examining the causes of poor health outcomes for the UK's ethnic minorities with respect to organ and stem cell donation. The APPG took an interest in Nishtha's findings from the US and Israel in particular and discussed potential lessons that could be useful for devising frameworks in the UK. Her research has officially been submitted as part of the evidence to the committee. She is also a member of the steering committee advising this Inquiry. Nishtha's report has also been mentioned in the NHSBT's 2030 Strategy report on Organ Donation and Transplantation in the country.
By Nishtha Chugh,
Community and Volunteer Development Worker Kerry Cressey (CF 2020) was recently interviewed about her research on refugee language learning and integration through host communities by 'Love Sheffield'.
By Kerry Cressey,
