We bring you three stories illustrating how Wrexham Glyndŵr University are leading Wales’ education.
Project To Become Country’s First Trauma-Informed University
Head of Public Policy Engagement at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Nina Ruddle (main photo, right) has announced a project aimed at transforming how to approach trauma in Welsh communities. The university’s ambition is to end social inequality across North Wales by 2030.
The First TrACE Institution In Wales
Glyndŵr is working to become a Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experience (TrACE)-informed institution – the first of its kind in the country. The project will happen in partnership with the Welsh Government-funded and Public Health Wales-hosted ACE Support Hub.
Vicky Jones, North Wales Lead for the Hub, added: “It’s not about treating trauma and symptoms, it’s a fundamental approach recognising that adversity and trauma are a possibility for everyone.”
At Glyndŵr, the TrACE-informed model will work alongside the university’s on-going social inclusion work. This work has seen the university rated the most socially-inclusive in England and Wales by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the past three years.
Glyndwr’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Claire Taylor (main photo, left), said: “As the top university in England and Wales for Social Inclusion, this project fits with our commitment to widening access and participation. The TrACEs approach chimes well with our purpose and our approach to civic mission, which is all about tacking social inequalities.”
Sharing Ideas And Knowledge
Dr Caroline Hughes, Associate Dean in Glyndwr’s Faculty of Social and Life Sciences, is the project’s academic lead. She said: “A research-informed approach is imperative. “We plan to connect PhD students who are exploring ACEs and trauma across universities in Wales into a research network, which will create a community of practice where members can share ideas and knowledge.”
As this community grows, the work of researchers such as Tegan Brierley-Sollis, a PhD candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Glyndŵr, who is examining trauma informed-practice, will be crucial.
She said: “Glyndŵr University has honestly changed my life. There is an over-arching belief at Glyndŵr that students can succeed in their studies and make a real difference to their life.
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Fundraising For Book Aimed At Children Experiencing Bereavement
An author from Wrexham is raising funds for a book which will help children experiencing loss and bereavement. Caroline Blair, a Social Work student at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, began working on her book When Clouds Become Rainbows last winter. Subsequently, she has drawn together a manuscript which she hopes to publish this year.
When Clouds Become Rainbows
She said: “When Clouds become Rainbows is a short, rhyming story for young children who are experiencing loss. Undeniably, it can be tough for youngsters to process bereavement and understand what has happened. It is also difficult for adults to have those difficult and complex conversations. I wanted it to be a child-friendly way of explaining and processing loss as it is a difficult subject.”
Caroline has already identified some regional charities she is hoping to offer copies of the books to, including one where she has volunteered since becoming a student.
“I approached Hope House Children’s Hospice as I value the support they offer children and families going through difficult times.”
All For Charity
You can donate through Caroline’s through her GoFundMe page.
Caroline added: “I can’t say I wanted a big reaction personally for the project – I don’t need recognition. It is for charity and I will be satisfied if it helps just one child or family in the future.
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Academic Involved In Online UK Musician Support Portal
Dr Jason Woolley, a Wrexham Glyndŵr University academic, has lent his expertise to developing an online platform. This platform will help musicians to find new ways of working during the coronavirus pandemic.
Interface:Response
The new site, Interface:Response, provides resources and inspiration to help musicians adapt specifically through a wealth of resources, advice and curation. Public health measures designed to slow the spread of coronavirus have especially affected the work of many of these musicians.
Dr Woolley, lecturer in Creative Media Technology will have some research on musicians and employability published very soon. Furthermore, he helped support the project after working alongside UCanPlay, the site’s developers, on curriculum design.
Innovate UK funded The Interface:Response project in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and NYMAZ. Dr Woolley said: “The guys at UCanPlay are certainly aware of my research into Employability in the Creative Industries. My interest as a musician in work and career pathways in the music industry was also useful.
Creative Digital Technologies
“I think my experience with creative digital technologies meant that I could make a positive contribution to the project. A first-hand understanding on the plight of many musicians during the pandemic, particularly those that have fallen through the net regarding Government support, also helped.”
The UK music industry contributed £5.8 billion to the UK economy in 2019. However, figures from UK Music and the Musicians’ Union suggest an estimated reduction of 80 per cent in musicians’ income since the pandemic started.
“I think that every musician should try and engage with bodies such as Interface: Response and the Musicians’ Union. Moreover, achieving this will strengthen their community network. They can also continue to practice their craft and reach their audience while the pandemic emergency continues.”
To find out more about Interface:Response, visit their website.
About Wrexham Glyndŵr University
Founded in 2008, Wrexham Glyndŵr University is a young, bold and vibrant university based in north-east Wales. The university has two campuses in Wrexham, Plas Coch and Regent Street plus campuses in Northop and St Asaph. In addition, in 2017, the university won the silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework for the quality of teaching.
The university drives academic excellence through a wide range of innovative and industry-relevant courses. Examples are Applied Science, Computing, Engineering, Creative Arts, Criminology and Psychology.
In conclusion, Wrexham Glyndŵr has been a Top 100 University in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards in 2019 and 2020. Besides this, the Campus 2025 strategy encompasses plans for new student accommodation. There will also be new car parking and upgraded facilities over the next five years.
We hope you enjoyed reading ‘Wrexham Glyndŵr University: Leading Wales’ Education’. For more articles about Wrexham Glyndŵr University, please click here.
