Amazing news! Our health and social care lecturer Andrew Johnson has been shortlisted as a finalist for the NCFE Aspiration Awards in the Educator of the Year category.
He was nominated by colleagues for his work on the recent end-of-life care project.
Health and social care students created and distributed comfort and care packages for health and care providers to give to patients and their families to support them in their final days.
The project was made possible with kind donations from our college community.
“The students gave a lot of thought to both the individual’s needs and those of their loved ones,” said Andrew.
“Palliative and end-of-life care is about making the individual as comfortable as possible during the time they have, thinking about their practical, emotional and sensory needs.
“It is important for people to feel there are things they can do to make their loved one’s final days better.”
The care packages included items such as hand lotions, lip balms, blankets, and personal care products, to meet the patient’s practical needs, along with photo frames, battery operated candles and in some cases crystal angels to support their emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Students embraced the project and it was welcomed by local care providers. As a result, more than 50 packages were donated to local hospitals and hospices.
Shocked to be nominated, and indeed shortlisted, for the NCFE Aspiration Award, Andrew said: “I am absolutely thrilled and so proud to receive this recognition. It’s all down my passion and finding ways to make what can be a very sensitive subject connect with our learners and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves that they can be.”
Lyndsey Smith, curriculum manager for health, early years, access and distance learning, said: “We are extremely proud of this project. It is a great example of what further education can be at its best.
“By bringing creativity, care and strong partnerships together, Andrew turned a challenging unit into something genuinely meaningful.
“It didn’t just support learners, it also made a positive difference for employers, patients, families and the wider community.
“His work shows how education can be both high quality and deeply personal at the same time.”
With six categories, the NCFE Aspiration Awards honour success in all its forms of learners, apprentices, educators and support staff.
Well done to Andrew and all the team and students who played a part in this incredible project.
#AspirationAwards2026
Read more about the comfort and care package project here.
