The first Sustainable Communities Foundation Degree is underway at Sheffield Hallam University. Eighteen students started the course in January, 10 of which received a bursary from Integreat Yorkshire.

Kerry Bentley, Asset Base Development Support Officer, Sheffield Community Enterprise Development Unit (SCEDU); Jocelyn Hunter, Calderdale Cares Manager, Action Halifax; Les Roberts, Property Services Officer, South Yorkshire Housing Association; Patricia McCullough, Team Co-ordinator, Integreat Yorkshire; Karen Morris, Self Employed, Write the Vision; Wendy Wells, Support Manager, Hillsborough Forum; and Valerie Boulding, Project Manager/Tutor, Sheffield Women's Education and Training are among the 10 students to receive a bursary from Integreat Yorkshire for this 3 year part time course.

The course has attracted people from diverse backgrounds and all have varying reasons for studying the course. Kerry Bentley says that she applied to the course, as it would fully compliment her work at SCEDU and Sheffield City Council, where she works 2 days a week on secondment. Les Roberts is returning to studying to be more involved in the building of communities, engaging a wide range of people whose input will be the driving force that will create neighbourhoods not just housing estates. Wendy Wells is looking to develop her knowledge, tools and confidence to bring about communities which are truly sustainable in all areas. Valerie Boulding believes the Sustainable Communities Foundation Degree will give her new skills to support the projects that she is already involved in, and provide her with a greater awareness of other impacting issues, with the wider picture covering all areas, that need to be addressed to improve the society we live in.

“We are delighted to be making these bursaries available, as it is these people that have the ambition necessary to make a difference and with this course they will have the tools to achieve their ambition.” Richard Motley, Programme Director, Integreat Yorkshire.

For more information on this course please click here.