Change Makers return for a second year

Released: 15.02.21

Plymouth Marjon University’s Change Makers project is making a comeback for its second year, following the success of the programme in 2020.

Seven students have the opportunity to develop their own project, focusing on improving the student experience at Marjon. Each Change Maker is mentored by a staff volunteer to ensure it becomes something that can make a change at the University.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Success, Katy Willis said: “Change Makers is such a positive project for Marjon and I’m so pleased to be working with our Change Makers for the second year.

“They’re filled with enthusiasm and fresh ideas for how we can make the experience of Marjon students absolutely the best it can be. I can’t wait to see what they make happen this year.”

This year’s Change Makers are: Jade Bain, Marie Bradwell, Simon Walker, Lucy Branton, Paula White and Georgianna Gomery. Their projects include improving student experiences of mental health support, disability awareness, and to promoting the identity of men studying teaching courses.

Student Engagement Officer, Laura Butler added: “We have seven enthusiastic and ready to go Change Makers this year, working a great range of projects once again. They’ve jumped in and have already made a fantastic start to their research and I’m looking forward to see what they produce.”

All of the Change Makers have strong reasoning behind their ideas and will be required to document their critical thinking, as well as how their work contributes to Marjon’s values.

Second year BSc (Hons) Business student, Jade Bain commented: “My Change Maker project will give me vital project management experience and I look forward to completing my research and making a difference for students.”

Each Change Maker is assigned 50 hours paid work to plan, research and deliver their project. Once completed, there will be a celebration event commemorating the work of the Change Makers and the results of their findings.

Two notable projects from last year’s Change Makers include The Listening Post, a peer support mental health service, and the launch of Marjon’s very own TikTok channel. The social media account was a finalist for the Best Campaign Supporting Student Wellbeing at the Edurank Think Student 2020.

Marjon is ranked 1st in England for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2021. Check out the university’s full range of courses, here.