A Health and Social Care student from Newcastle College University Centre has received a global award thanks to the work she’s done to promote equality in the student community.
22-year-old Loren Allison from Newcastle has been named as one of Common Purpose’s 25under25.
Common Purpose is a not-for-profit organisation delivering leadership programmes for multiple generations of leaders worldwide.
Its annual 25under25 awards celebrates 25 young people from across the world who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to social responsibility, and a dedication to creating positive change. The awards are open to anyone who has taken part in Legacy, the leadership development programme by Common Purpose for 18–25-year-olds who want to become part of a connected generation of leaders with a clear vision for what their legacy will be.
Loren made the coveted list in recognition of her work in promoting equality at Newcastle College, where she is currently studying for a degree in Health and Social Care. Alongside her studies, she has worked to bring students together and celebrate differences and shared experiences through art, and food from places such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Holland, Spain, and Newcastle, including a project. The project, which she started on her initiative, outside of her studies, was recognised by Newcastle College in 2022, winning the ‘Working Creatively in Communities' category at its annual Equality and Diversity Awards.
On hearing that she had been named as one of the 25under25, Loren said: “This is a significant achievement for me, especially given the time and dedication I have invested into my studies throughout my higher education journey. To have had the opportunity to become student wellbeing fellow, employability and learning gain fellow, and Health and Social Care curriculum representative, has been an absolute honour. Whilst the journey has yet to come to an end, receiving recognition for my part in promoting diversity and inclusivity has been incredibly overwhelming, and I am truly in awe of the other 24 amazing winners.”
In addition to her work promoting equality, Loren also founded the college’s Wellbeing Society, which aims to promote open discussions surrounding student mental health.
She explained: “It is not a professional service, and we don’t offer any support – but we can point students in the direction of pastoral mentors, the Central Support Service, academic coaches, and the Twilight Counselling Service. Bi-monthly meetings are typically held where refreshments are offered, and we discuss how we are feeling about upcoming deadlines, structuring our time effectively, overcoming procrastination.
“As a disabled student with mental illness, I am more attuned to the complex barriers and unexpected obstacles life can throw your way. I also understand the value of community during times of adversity or academic stress, because the more we openly communicate our feelings and worries with those who are likely to understand, the more we realise we have much more in common than we may initially think.”
As part of her prize, Loren will benefit from a one-to-one mentoring session with a senior leader, as well as an invitation to speak on future Legacy programmes.