QMYOU Alumni Magazine Issue 83 | Page 31

QMYOU / Development News 31

Supporting transformational journeys

Volunteering with the Regal Youth Theatre Kirsty and Laura volunteering in Sri Lanka

AT QMU , we are keen to do all that we can to help and support our students so that they can maximise their potential during their time here and take up opportunities that will be life changing . We actively encourage and enable participation in extra-curricular activities , including the arts and sports , as well as professional placements , internships and volunteering . There is no doubt that experiences such as these play a pivotal role in shaping what our students will go on to achieve after graduation and ensure that their CV stands out from the rest .

Thanks to the generous support of our alumni , staff and friends , the Student Development Fund and the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund have been created to ensure that all our students have the chance to take part in exciting opportunities that can help to achieve their goals and ensure that they enjoy their QMU experience to the fullest .
Second year student , Matt Swan , is one of a group of QMU Drama & Performance students who received support from the Student Development Fund this year . The group volunteers with the Regal Youth Company in Bathgate which aims to transform young people ’ s lives by enabling them to develop their creativity , social skills and self-esteem .
This collective of young , aspiring actors , directors , writers , musicians , songwriters and artists work together in a protected and creative environment to present a variety of innovative productions . They also run weekly workshops in music and drama to provide young artists with a space where they are free to create , invent and perform work that is relevant to them . The members have the opportunity to bond socially and develop a sense of belonging , while also developing their art .
Matt explained “ The Regal Youth Company ensures that the arts are accessible to young people of all backgrounds with varying levels of experience in music and drama . Our members constantly tell us how valuable our safe , non-judgemental space is to them , as it encourages them to discover a wealth of like-minded friends .”
During the summer of 2015 , Occupational Therapy students , Kirsty Daly and Laura Irwin , took part in a five week volunteer programme in Sri Lanka supported by the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund .
Kirsty and Laura explained that the purpose of the placement was to bring Occupational Therapy practices into the mental health community to aid with rehabilitation . However , in Sri Lanka , mental health is still seen as taboo . Adults diagnosed with mental health conditions , are often hidden away , segregated and residing in hospitals or residential homes without much chance of being integrated back into the community . This makes Occupational Therapy , as we know it , challenging because the main aim in the western world is to enable people to live independently in the community .
Laura commented on the impact this placement has had on her . “ This opportunity has allowed me to develop in a variety of ways , both personally and professionally . It has developed my leadership skills , communication skills , assertiveness and creativity . As a result of this placement experience , I have since been commended on my ability to demonstrate sensitivity to equality and diversity , and to remain calm and act assertively within difficult and challenging situations . This experience has been a humbling , yet truly rewarding one . It has had a significant impact on me personally and has helped shaped me as a budding Occupational Therapist .”
QMU ’ s continued ability to facilitate these student experiences relies on the generous support of our alumni and friends . Students are able to apply for funding for projects at home , through the Student Development Fund , or overseas , through the Vice Chancellor ’ s Fund .
As can be seen from Matt , Kirsty and Laura ’ s experiences , opportunities such as these unlock potential and provide opportunities that genuinely transform lives .
If you would like to support our students please complete the donation form on this page and return it to us at QMU . If you would like more information about recognising QMU in your will then please contact Heather Edie on email : hedie @ qmu . ac . uk or call T : 0131 474 0000 . ❒

QMYOU / Development News 31