Animal Science and Early Years students at Nottingham College came together at Basford Campus on 8 June to celebrate the completion of the college's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention Programme.
The event, titled Be the Change: Supported, Confident, Ready, marked the end of a seven-week programme delivered to Animal Science and Early Years students. Throughout the programme, students explored important topics including healthy relationships, consent, personal boundaries, personal safety, wellbeing and the support available within the local community.
The celebration recognised the commitment students had shown over the previous seven weeks and provided an opportunity to reflect on what they had learned. Students, staff and invited guests spent the day taking part in activities designed to build confidence, encourage discussion and reinforce the programme's key messages.
A highlight of the event was a keynote session from motivational speaker, Ubuntu Ambassador and Tutu Foundation UK Ambassador Kheron Gilpin. His talk, Finding Your Power: Resilience, Confidence and Making a Difference, encouraged students to think about the role they can play in creating positive change within their communities. Drawing on his own experiences and the principles of Ubuntu, Kheron also supported a number of activities throughout the day, including workshops, bystander intervention exercises and the closing ceremony.
Students shared personal reflections on their experiences of the programme and the impact it had on their confidence and understanding of healthy relationships. Their contributions offered a powerful insight into the difference the programme has made and the importance of providing young people with opportunities to discuss these issues openly.
Throughout the day, students took part in a range of practical workshops and breakout activities. These included creating awareness campaigns, exploring bystander intervention scenarios, developing personal safety plans and building peer support networks. The sessions encouraged students to consider how they can apply what they have learned as they move on to university, employment and independent living.
One of the most meaningful moments of the event was the Pledge Wall. Students were invited to make a personal commitment outlining how they will help promote respect, challenge harmful behaviours and contribute to safer communities in the future.
The college was also pleased to welcome guest speakers from Nottingham Trent University and The Topaz Centre. Students heard from a member of staff who shared their personal experience of violence against women and girls, helping to encourage thoughtful discussion and reflection throughout the programme.
The event concluded with an address from former Nottingham College student Emily Patterson, who has received national recognition for her work supporting children and young people affected by violence against women and girls. Speaking to students who were sitting where she once sat herself, Emily reflected on her journey and encouraged them to recognise the positive impact they can have on others.
Students who successfully completed the programme were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievement. The day finished with a collective pledge led by Kheron Gilpin and Emily Patterson, bringing everyone together in a shared commitment to helping end violence against women and girls.
Zoë Randall, PSD Tutor at Nottingham College, said:
"Be the Change has empowered students to become active allies and advocates for change. They have developed the knowledge and confidence to challenge harmful behaviours and contribute to a safer future for everyone. I am incredibly proud of them for their engagement, compassion and commitment. I feel lucky to have been able to deliver a programme with such importance and impact."
The programme has provided students with valuable knowledge and practical skills that they can take forward into the next stage of their lives, while reinforcing Nottingham College's commitment to creating safe, inclusive and respectful communities.
