The event, on Saturday November 29 welcomes anyone curious about university life. From young people preparing to leave school to adults considering a career change, the Open Day is a chance to find out more about what’s on offer for people interested in full or part-time study.

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University said: “Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a career teaching or working with children, or you feel like a career in healthcare might be your calling, if you’re ready for a change in your life, come and find out how Worcester can give you the step up you need.”

The University has highly rated courses with excellent employment prospects across a multitude of areas, from business and computing to psychology and counselling, and from education and teaching to nursing and midwifery.

Graduates from the University of Worcester have the highest rate of sustained employment, further study or both, for any multidisciplinary university in the UK, according to the Government’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes data 2017-2025.

Professor Moyle said: “The Open Day is an opportunity for you to come and explore the campus, meet staff and ask questions. Our Student Finance Advisors and admissions experts will also be on hand to help you understand how the application system works, particularly if you’ve been out of education for a while.”

She added: “The University of Worcester has mature students across all of its courses, and we have a thriving network of people who return to study later on in their lives.”

The Open Day runs from 10am until 3pm on Saturday November 29 across the University’s Campuses.

Registration for the event is now open. Search for ‘Open Days’ on the University of Worcester’s website, or follow this link to book directly.

For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk

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The event is being held as part of the Our Shared Futures: Climate & Migration Community Film Festival, organised by City of Sanctuary UK in partnership with Counterpoints Arts, Earth Refuge, Climate & Migrant Justice Organising Group.

The Festival, taking place across the UK from November 21-30, coincides with COP30 in Brazil and Climate & Migrant Justice Day on November 22.

The Worcester event takes place on Wednesday, November 26 from 7pm to 9pm in the Charles Hastings building at the University’s City Campus on Castle Street.

Lecturer Elena Lengthorn said it was an opportunity to watch a series of powerful and thought-provoking films and have conversations about these global issues.

At the event, there will also be a formal launch of the University’s new Sustainability Forum, chaired by Elena, which provides a space for the community to come together to discuss a range of issues relating to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

You can book free tickets to the via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-shared-futures-climate-migration-community-film-festival-tickets-1922351036699?aff=oddtdtcreator

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This exciting programme provides a unique platform for businesses and organisations to raise their brand awareness, build strategic relationships, and influence developments across the education and skills sector.

Employers and stakeholders are at the heart of this ambitious programme as the College strives to equip its students with essential industry knowledge, valuable work experience, and meaningful employment opportunities.

By working together, Halesowen College and its industry partners will ensure that the curriculum remains dynamic, contemporary and closely aligned with the evolving needs of businesses.

The PowerPartner Programme offers businesses and organisations the opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of learners through a dedicated skills pledge, that allows partners to share their expertise, inspire the next generation, and support the development of a skilled and confident workforce. In return, participating organisations will benefit from increased visibility and the chance to position themselves as leaders in their field.

Through this collaboration, the College aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, creating a pipeline of talent that will fuel the local economy and beyond. By connecting students with real-world opportunities and insights, the PowerPartner Programme will empower them to thrive in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Jacquie Carman, Principal of Halesowen College, commented:

“We are thrilled to launch our PowerPartner Programme, which represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering an outstanding education that meets the needs of both students and employers. By working hand-in-hand with business, we can ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive, while also providing our learners with invaluable opportunities to gain experience and develop their skills. This partnership is truly a win-win for both education and industry.”

Sarah Moorhouse Chief Executive at The Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said ““Black Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the Power Partner Programme as it represents exactly the kind of collaborative approach the Chamber champions. By bringing together education and industry, Halesowen College is creating real pathways for young people to develop the skills that employers are actively seeking. This partnership model not only benefits students—it strengthens our entire local economy by building a pipeline of talent ready to make an immediate impact.”

Businesses and organisations of all sizes can join the PowerPartner Programme and help shape the future of education and employment opportunities.

To find out more about becoming a PowerPartner, contact: marketing@halesowen.ac.uk

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The RAF Football Association (RAF FA) Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal, Aid through Football sees donated football kit redistributed across the globe, and is organised by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE, and Squadron Leader Mark Smales.

The kit collected from Aggborough includes old and unused items donated by the Harriers Foundation, as well as items collected by Worcestershire County FA from grassroots clubs, who have donated, across the county.

Squadron Leader Mark Smales is pleased to see another Worcestershire club come on board.

“It’s fantastic to have established a link with a club so local to us and are really grateful to Harriers Foundation for reaching out to us through Worcestershire FA,” he said.

“Sending the kit to Africa has become a real passion for so many of us – we know it’s not possible to simply fix the problem of people in parts of the world not having enough, but this is about doing the right thing and doing what you can to contribute, and football is very much a communal language.”

Harriers Foundation Community Engagement Manager, Adam Whitley, expressed delight with getting involved in this initiative.

“Partnering with the RAF to pass on our old kits is a simple act, but one that can make a big difference to lives across the world.

“We’re proud to play our part in football’s global family,” he added.

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Those are just some of the questions an Islamophobia expert from Worcester takes on in his contribution to a new book analysing the mindset of the perpetrators of hate crime.

Dr Mikahil Azad, Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Worcester, wrote a chapter of the upcoming release Hate Crime Perpetrators, New Perspectives from Theory, Research and Practice, in which he focussed on hate crime in the space of mosques.

“A lot of work is done to support victims, and rightly so,” said Dr Azad. “But my research focuses on understanding the reasoning and justifications used by perpetrators. By doing this, we can challenge harmful myths, avoid stereotypes, and begin to engage with the root causes of hate.”

Dr Azad, who is also the Deputy Chair of the British Society of Criminology’s Hate Crime Network, drew from his personal experiences which he gained while carrying out research for his PhD in 2022 and 2023.

He said: “When I was doing my field studies for my PhD, I’d go to sites where people were protesting outside mosques. I’d ask them what was happening, and why. Many were very open to talk about why they were protesting.”

“Some individuals felt their spaces or communities were being taken over, often influenced by far-right narratives,” he explained. “Many blamed ethnic minorities for broader social issues like unemployment or housing shortages.”

The book is released during November, which is also Islamophobia Awareness Month.

In his chapter, Dr Azad highlights that tackling hate crime requires more than enforcement, and calls for education, community dialogue and a shift in public attitudes.

He said: “By understanding the mindset of those who are the perpetrators of these different types of hate crime, we can see what’s wrong. We can debunk myths and overcome these obstacles as a society and actually take on our real issues.”

The book, Hate Crime Perpetrators- New Perspectives from Theory, Research and Practice Volume II, is published by Palgrave Macmillan and available from Wildy & Sons Ltd.

To find out more about criminology courses at the University of Worcester, visit our website.

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This November, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity is calling on our amazing local business community to get moving and to try and match those miles in support of our Hold the Moment – Maternity Appeal.

You can run, walk, cycle or move any which way you choose, and every penny raised in sponsorship will enhance and improve Maternity Services across Worcestershire.

Anyone can join in, whether it’s a family walk, a team challenge with colleagues, or a solo run.

At the end of the month, we’ll combine everyone’s miles, to see if together we can match the total distance travelled by our county’s Community Midwife team each month caring for families. That’s a whopping 41,400 miles (so we’d better get moving!)

Every year, over 4,500 babies are born at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and the county’s maternity teams are there through every moment of joy, challenge, and heartbreak. Our Hold the Moment – Maternity Appeal aims to raise £223,000 to enhance care and comfort for families, funding improvements that go beyond core NHS provision.

Funds raised through the appeal will support:

• Buddy beds so partners can stay close during those first precious nights.
• Specialist jaundice meters in the community, giving newborns faster, gentler testing.
• Welcoming maternity spaces that bring calm and comfort at life-changing times.
• An expanded Bereavement Suite, including a new memory-making room for grieving families

Laura Gregory, Community and Events Fundraising Officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity said: “This challenge aim to brings our community together for something truly special. Every mile represents the incredible journeys our midwives take – both on the road and in supporting families through life’s most precious moments. We hope to see lots of people getting involved”

How you can take part:

• Sign up via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/midwifemiles
• Move your way – walk, run, cycle, swim, or dance your miles throughout November.
• Track your progress with Strava, Fitbit, or simply jot them down and update your page each week.

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Ben Monk and Joshua Prior, both Film Production graduates, won Best UK Short Film / Featurette at the Realtime International Film Festival in Worcester for their mockumentary-style film Celestial Intersect.

Originally submitted in a non-competitive category to secure a screening, the film impressed judges so much they nominated it for an award. It went on to beat 69 other entries. Ben and Joshua hope the recognition will help open doors as they develop the project further.

“It’s a huge thing for us, we’re so happy,” said Ben, 22, from Dudley. “They were listing all the shortlisted films, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it took two or three minutes. When I heard ours in there, I thought it was good to be among the best at the festival.”

He added: “The standard was incredibly high, so to win was a complete shock. Being nominated was an honour in itself, but winning takes it to another level.”

The Film Festival, now in its 10^th year, showcased the work of filmmakers from more than 50 countries.

Ben said: “It didn’t hit me until the drive home that the film has been shown to people from different countries and shown around the world as it was on the Festival website. It’s mind-blowing.”

Celestial Intersect follows fictional ghost hunter Richard De’Vaughn, as he investigates local folklore and ghost stories around Worcester. Created as part of their degree over nine months, the film blends improvised interactions with unsuspecting members of the public and paranormal experts with behind-the-scenes footage in a mockumentary style.

Made with a documentary feel, scenes were often shot in a single take, which the filmmakers believe sets it apart from other similar works. Influences include The Office and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Ali G character.

Joshua plays Richard De’Vaughn and remained in character throughout the Festival, including during the acceptance speech, capturing fresh footage for the ongoing project.

“It was very surreal,” said Joshua, 23, from Hereford. “Filmmakers from Romania, Argentina, Nigeria and the USA came up to us saying they loved the concept. It was amazing seeing people outside the UK really get it.”

He added: “People were quoting lines and complimenting the gags, seeing that kind of genuine interest was fantastic.”

The pair hope to pitch the concept to producers and ultimately turn it into a television show. Interest in the project continues to grow on social media, with several filmmakers from the Festival now following their channels.

Having both recently graduated with PGCEs in Further Education also from Worcester, Ben now works at a TV station in Redditch, while Joshua teaches at Kidderminster College.

To see clips of Richard De’Vaughn in action, visit the YouTube channel ‘Richard De’Vaughn’.

To find out more about the Festival visit the website: www.realtimefilmfestival.com

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Held in the University’s conference suite, named in Joel’s honour, the evening included a special address by his mother, Suzanne Richards MBE and has already raised more than £2,000

The evening featured reflections on ‘Walking the Camino’ from the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green CBE DL, who recently completed the 280 km walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, along the world-famous ‘Portuguese Camino’ to raise funds for student scholarships and hardship support.

Worcester student Summer Green, no relation to Vice Chancellor David Green, also spoke at the event after she was made the UK’s only ambassador to the Camino.

Joel was a much-loved member of the University community when, at just 19, he became the youngest victim of the Sousse massacre in 2015, in which his uncle and grandfather were also murdered.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the newly established Joel Richards Scholarship Fund, which will support University of Worcester students in gaining national qualifications in such areas as coaching, refereeing, tutoring, first aid, and other valuable areas, focussing on those in which Joel had a strong interest.

The fund will also support students in need from Joel’s former schools, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School, and Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury, who go on to study at the University of Worcester.

Professor David Green said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported the creation of the Joel Richards Scholarship Fund.”

“The launch evening was a great success, with an inspiring address from Suzanne Richards MBE and a marvellous contribution from student Summer Green, the UK’s first ambassador to the Camino.”

He continued: “It was a pleasure to share the experience of walking the Camino and to answer so many questions, all expertly compered by University colleague Justyn Surrall.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone involved, and Buen Camino!”

If you’d like to donate to the Joel Richard’s Scholarship Fund, the easiest way is to do so via Just Giving.

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The team kicked off with a CPR drop-in afternoon at Hoople’s Auxilium House offices, where representatives from local businesses, Hoople colleagues, and a group of students from Herefordshire College, came along to learn vital life-saving skills, including how to locate and use a defibrillator.

Later that day, the team attended the Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School’s Careers Evening, where pupils and parents were given the opportunity to try out CPR and have a go at the 100 chest compressions in a minute challenge.

To round off the month, the team spent the day at Maylord Orchards, in Hereford city centre, to encourage shoppers to have go at learning life-saving techniques. As it was half term, many of those having a go at CPR were children and the team were impressed by how quickly they picked up these vital skills.

Well done to the team for their dedication and hard work in supporting this important campaign, helping to create potential life-savers across the community.

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Netball Super League franchise Birmingham Panthers have appointed Worcester graduate Holly French as Lead Coach for the new Under 23 Development Hub to be hosted by the University.
Holly, who has also recently been named Head Coach of the England Universities programme, will be working alongside her current role at the University, further strengthening the link between the University and the West Midlands franchise.
She said: “I’m really excited. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help shape a new pathway for ambitious athletes at such an important stage in their journey.” The University is set to host the Under 23 hub for the 2025/26 season, with the ambition that this will grow into a long-term relationship with Panthers, supporting high-level women’s netball and creating opportunities for young adult players in the region.
The hub is designed to attract talented netball players from the Panthers franchise region across the West Midlands and feed into the senior levels of the Panthers programme.
Having joined the University as a student in 2023 for a Master’s in Sports Coaching, Holly was captain of the University Netball 2nd team and was in the University’s Sport Performance programme. Alongside playing, she was Assistant Coach for the Severn Stars Under 21s.

Holly already has experience in the Birmingham Panthers set up as assistant coach to the Under 17s squad last season.
Holly said: “I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and a modern, athlete-centred approach to coaching, alongside my experience in player development and performance environments, to create an atmosphere that challenges, supports, and inspires growth.
She added: “My hope is that the hub becomes a place where players can develop their skills, raise their standards and take confident steps towards senior and elite-level netball.”
Birmingham Panthers formed in 2024 and competed in the Netball Super League 2025. Initial trials for those looking to join the new Under 23 hub, set to be based at the University of Worcester Arena, are on Thursday, November 6.
Lerverne Barber, Head of the University’s School of Sports and Exercise Science, said: “We are very proud of Holly, and to see the success of one of our Sports graduates.”

She said: “We know that Holly’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable to these exciting young players coming through the development programme, helping them to achieve their highest potential.”
“We have long had a strong netball offering at the University,” added Lerverne. “It’s great news that expertise from the University will be shared with the franchise to help develop talent in the region, strengthening our connection with Birmingham Panthers.”
Siân Lawrence, Franchise Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Holly French will be continuing her journey with the Birmingham

Panthers this season as Lead Coach for the Development Hub at the University of Worcester.”
Sian added: “Holly’s extensive coaching experience, from her time with Severn Stars to her fantastic work with our U17 NPL squad last season, makes her the perfect fit to guide and inspire the next generation of Panthers talent. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have in developing these players.”

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