(Geography PhD 2022) has been awarded the Contribution to Student Community prize by the at the annual awards ceremony.
Alice has transformed support for student carers at Cambridge through tireless advocacy and leadership, the SU said. She has founded networks, secured funding, and launched initiatives like the Carers Fair, termly support groups, and social media platforms. This work has made student carers visible, connected, and supported, creating lasting structural change and an inclusive community across the University of Cambridge.
Alice, pictured, says: “I am so pleased to have received this award but there are so many others who make this work possible. I would like to especially mention the other members of the Student Carer Working Group: Rachel Bailey (School of Biological Sciences), Jenny Blakesley (Education Services), Gina Warren (EDI Team), Margaret Bailey (University Counselling Services) and Anna Halls (University Counselling Services), as well as Alison Harvey (ESRC CAM-DTP) who has encouraged and assisted with this work right from the very start.
“I would also like to thank my supervisor, Professor Chris Sandbrook, and my Tutor, Dr Rebecca Sugden, for all their support and for celebrating my successes with me. Lastly, thank you to all the student carers who have come along to events, taken part in research and shown appreciation for what we have been doing.”
Alice is determined her work continues, praising the many academic and support staff who are seeking to drive for positive changes.
She adds: “As a personal reflection, through this work I have witnessed the difficulties in creating change across the collegiate University due to its decentralised nature, continuing power hierarchies and the fact that it is steeped in tradition. But there are many, many academics and professional services staff who are incredibly passionate about supporting students and making Cambridge a more inclusive and welcoming space. It feels like some momentum is starting to build and hopefully this will result in practical changes that benefit student carers in the years to come.”
