QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 80 | Page 27

Where are you now? ‘Outstanding Young Communicator’ of the Year Q.M.U.G.A. CONTACTS Bookings Secretary for Madras Lodge Anne Yokes T: 07817 328035 E: [email protected] Social Secretary Dorothy Finlayson 4 Brunstane Road North Edinburgh, EH15 2DJ T: 0131 669 5341 E: [email protected] Membership Secretary Sylvia Northcott 22 Waulkhill Drive, Penicuick, Midlothian, EH26 8LA T: 01968 674161 E: [email protected] Committee and General Communication Maureen Paterson Fettes Court 5/2 Craigleith Road Edinburgh, EH4 2DL T: 0131 332 0047 E: [email protected] Tackling the last taboo Drama graduate Shaun Bell won the prestigious title of ‘Outstanding Young Communicator’ at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Scotland PRide Awards 2014. This national award recognises the achievements, performance and excellent work of young professionals in Scotland’s public relations industry who are making a valuable contribution to the organisations they work for and showing considerable promise as future leaders. Shaun was praised by the judges for being ‘a breath of fresh air’, for demonstrating strong campaign results and having a clear passion for PR. Shaun graduated from QMU in 2011, with a first-class BA (hons) Drama & Theatre Arts with specialism in Arts Journalism. He is now a senior account manager at Stripe Communications in Edinburgh, where he delivers strategic PR and social media campaigns for clients such as John Lewis, the Scottish Government and Young Scot. ❒ QMU graduate becomes Cabinet Secretary for Justice The Former Scottish Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, was recently promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Justice, as part of the new Scottish Government team. Having studied Occupational Therapy at QMU, Michael was a full-time occupational therapist before entering politics. He was elected as the MSP for Falkirk West following the May 2007 elections. Michael continues to take a keen interest in QMU, making annual visits to the University to talk to students and staff in the School of Health Sciences.❒ After nine years rising through the ranks of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Billy Watson now sits at the helm of SAMH, a mental health charity which has been voted Most Effective Charity for the last three years by MSPs. Billy completed his Institute of Health Service Management exams at Queen Margaret College in 1988/89 whilst working as a management trainee for Greater Glasgow Health Board. After a number of roles within the health service, Billy moved into the voluntary sector, working with RNIB for several years before taking up his current position, in 2008, as CEO of SAMH. He is passionate about the progressive organisation and has been working tirelessly for the last six years to dissolve the stigma surrounding, what is regarded by many as society’s last taboo, mental illness. Founded in 1923, SAMH runs community-based activities for people experiencing mental illness and campaigns to raise awareness. It also shapes government policy and promotes good mental health across the population. The organisation employs 700 staff with 40 percent of its workforce having a self-declared mental health diagnosis. Born and bred in East Kilbride, Billy continues to live in the area with his wife and their two sons. ❒ QMYOU / Where are you now? 27