I’ve had high-pitch deafness since birth, probably because I was born three months premature. I’ve never been able to hear certain birds. A shame, yes, but then I’ve never known what I have never heard. Is this an impairment or a disability? I don’t label, but I often disclose, occasionally with the inevitable response; ‘what?’
Lots of people have impairments, both physical and mental. And yet society often frames this as a disability or inability. What we might lack in one department, we often gain in another. Even if there’s no apparent ‘gain’, we all have equal value and worth.
As such, I’m delighted to introduce Vanessa Edworthy who writes an inspiring article about her work as a counsellor at Treloar’s School and College in Hampshire, and how she creatively supports students with communication difficulties. Her ways of working may help those of us in further and higher education, as we have all experienced students with communication challenges.
Grateful thanks also to Elaine Davies who writes about her own lived experience of ‘disabilities’ and tussles with how able-people describe and engage with those less able. Importantly, she touches on the issue of societal judgments which seem to focus more on the ‘can’t’ rather than the ‘can’.
As a trainee journalist, Jodie Wood interviews a student who has suffered from alcohol difficulties as a perceived result of the drinking culture of Freshers’ Week. Her story has ramifications about the wider drinking culture for students and young people.
I’m pleased to feature in our Profile piece Safaa Ramadan, Head of Student Wellbeing and Counselling at Hult International Business School. I think you’ll enjoy her fascinating career journey and cross-cultural insight into student counselling.
Our new BACP-UC division Chair, Louise Knowles starts her Chair’s Report which, going forward, will communicate further plans and developments for the division. Thanks also to Afra Turner for her regular piece championing the importance and value of research. It’s great to hear from Jane Harris and all the work that’s going on within the very active and supportive HUCS community.
As ever, our regular columnists, Sarah Hinds and Michael Pearson chip in with wonderful insight and perspectives. This is Michael’s last column for us as he rightly prioritises new family commitments.
And finally, thanks to our brilliant illustrator Gareth Cowlin who presents a clever insight into the challenges experienced by students with anxiety.
I hope you enjoy this issue!
