Last Word...

When I was asked to write this piece I felt a little intimidated by being the first member of staff – rather than a Fellow – to be featured in the Last Word. I thought hard about what I wanted to say and the points it was important to put across, and soon realised that I wanted to highlight more than just my role and the Health and Wellbeing team in Clare.

I realised it was right that I pay tribute to those who came before me and to the rest of the community of College staff who make what we do possible, and collectively offer our students that quiet sense of security.

I came to Clare 15 years ago, having previously worked as an intensive care nurse in various parts of the country. I originally trained at Addenbrooke’s, so it was good to come back to Cambridge, ready for a different challenge with entirely new pressures. When I first started at Clare, I was guided by my predecessor, Jan Tobin, whom I know many alumni will remember fondly. I hope over the years I have also managed to foster the ideals Jan set in place and build the same strength of relationships she so effortlessly encouraged. I was moved to see her mentioned in Una Clifford’s (1998) piece about her time at Clare for the 50 for 50 project, as Una’s greatest influence. I encourage you all to read it. Her advice to me when I started here was simple: “Talk less, listen more” – a mantra I take seriously to this day.

The health and wellbeing system I inherited from Jan was pioneering for its time, and Clare owes her a great debt for building the foundations of the care we are now able to offer to our students. However, in the last 15 years, a lot has changed with the landscape of student health. Mental wellbeing is at the forefront of our mind and COVID-19 has only added to those pressures.

Ensuring a high standard of health and wellbeing provision remains a priority for the College. The recently completed Health and Wellbeing Centre, located in Lerner Court and opened in Easter Term 2022, is something to be particularly proud of. I am enormously grateful to the College for providing us with the space, and for those who have provided funding to make it possible to refurbish and equip it. It is a calm, private and accessible suite of rooms that offer a sense of reassurance to students that is difficult to express on paper. The centre allows us to treat students with the confidentiality they deserve, for a range of health issues. As Jan so rightly pointed out, we are there to listen, and the environment allows them to open up.

Working in a College can bring challenges, but many more advantages. The College provides a community to offer support, and helps students feel at home while their own may seem far away. Our team are in many ways a visible face for students to turn to when they are feeling unwell, mentally or physically. However, we are not the only ones available, which is important, as not all will feel happy to approach us directly, or even recognise if they are struggling. The porters, bedders, library staff and College tutors all play their part in looking out for the students. Their role is vital, and everyone collectively helps to ensure we are not working in isolation, so students don’t themselves become isolated. That is the power of community and a real strength built into the collegiate system.

Clare is certainly a unique place to work. I want to end with a few notes of thanks. Firstly, thank you to everyone who financially supports the College and the student experience, in whatever capacity. It makes an incredible difference. Secondly, I want to personally thank current Senior Tutor, Dr Jackie Tasioulas, and her predecessor, Dr Patricia Fara. Their support of me and the health services in Clare have been unwavering. Their dedication to students in the role of Senior Tutor has been an inspiration to see. Finally, thank you to my team (Esther Manning and Naomi Walker) in the centre and to the College staff who do so much behind the scenes, often unrecognised. And, of course, to Jan.