"I have been volunteering with CHIPS at their ware scheme since February 2023, I was honoured to be recognised in a joint nomination for volunteer of the year 2025 for the Ware scheme alongside another volunteer. Whilst at the AGM receiving the award play leaders Helen, Karen and Michelle had some words."

Young Volunteer of the Year 2025 – Ware nomination

We would like to make a joint nomination this year of Lewis Arkell and Miss X. They have both been nominated in the past and have continued to attend very regularly. They are both turning 18 shortly and we are looking forward to them becoming staff.

Lewis has been a volunteer at the Ware scheme since February 2023. His parents used to help at CHIPS some time ago and he wanted to do it too.

Both Lewis and Miss X are able and happy to work with a wide variety of children and have become very valuable members of the team – at times we forget that they are still volunteers! They are both excellent role models for the children and have become confident and shown abilities that I don’t think even they knew they had.

I understand that both of them intend to pursue future employment working with children and this is definitely something that they are suited for.

As you can see from the above it has not been possible to select either of them over the other for this nomination!

I hope you’ve have been well.  

Considering it’s been 3 years, I don’t blame you if you don’t remember me, but my name is Stephen, I was your student during my second year at Harlow college, Level 3 health and social care during 2021/2022.

Today a couple of hours ago, I graduated with a 2:1 in Mental Health Nursing, I’ve been qualified with my NMC for a couple weeks now, but started working at an assessment unit last week.

When I tell you that absolutely NONE of everything that has happened the last couple weeks would have been possible without your support and teaching during those years, pushing me to always complete work to the highest standard and to not slack and go further and beyond to achieve more. A million thank yous will never be enough for getting me to where I am today.

I hope you remain well

With the kindest regards,

Stephen Chintu 

Caroline sent me this

"We arrived and split into groups. The level 2  group started in the planetarium where we learned about the universe and the large hadron collider. We walked through the blustery weather to the festival time marquee where the learners met representatives from AI in education, army, navy, police and more. This was followed by the professional athlete testing workshop where they learned the science of jumping. After lunch we went to the HomeTech simulation & fair, lots of learners delivered babies, intubated models, took peak flow tests and tested glasses that modelled various disease states of the eye. The day finished with a forensic workshop where they fingerprinted themselves and learned the difference between arches, loops and whorls."

Chris also met students in a level 2 applied science class and our inaugural Health Skills Bootcamp students.

Our students helped signpost attendees, ran a stall, collected feedback and serve refreshments. They were fantastic!

Read more here:

New initiative to help support job seekers into paid employment in the health and care sector  - The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Students were excited to hear they will shortly do corporate induction, followed by the care certificate which will give them more opportunities for hands-on experiences in the hospitals.

Taygan Harris PRINCIPAL's AWARD and INCLUSION AWARD

Karim Withey-Yilmaz ENGLISH AWARD

Madison Thomas THE MYRTLE PRODGER AWARD FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Kacey Brown HEALTH AND SCIENCE AWARD

Taygan is a highly deserving nominee for the Jack Petchey Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, resilience, and personal growth. She has been the driving force behind the conception and planning of our upcoming Cultural Celebration Event on 6th May. From the initial idea through to detailed planning, Taygan has demonstrated exceptional initiative, creativity, and commitment. She has worked collaboratively with both staff and peers, ensuring that the event is inclusive, engaging, and representative of the diverse student community. What makes Taygan’s contribution particularly remarkable is the personal journey she has undertaken alongside this work. Despite having a fear of public speaking, she has consistently pushed herself beyond her comfort zone—speaking confidently in meetings, sharing ideas, and presenting plans to a range of audiences, including the EDI Steering Group. Her willingness to challenge herself in this way has not only enabled the event to progress successfully but has also been deeply inspiring to both her classmates and staff. Taygan’s growing confidence and professionalism in meetings have made her a respected voice within the group. She has shown maturity, determination, and a genuine passion for promoting inclusion and cultural awareness within the college community. All of this has been achieved while she continues to navigate the demands of her final year on the Applied Science course, demonstrating excellent time management and resilience.