Worcester Law Student Earns Community Engagement Prize

A Worcester woman who overcame challenges as a care leaver has won a prestigious award for her commitment to the local community.

Caitlan Thorpe, 22, who is studying her LLB Law degree at the University of Worcester, was selected to win the LLB Prize for Community Engagement for her work to support those in the community around her.

“It has been a privilege to have the chance to serve my community as a children and families worker for the Oasis Community Hub in Warndon,” she said. “To have the University recognise the importance of vital community provisions that I get to play a part in delivering is extraordinary.”

Caitlan explained that her journey to studying law had been a challenging one.

“As a care leaver living out of my local authority’s boundaries I have faced many challenges, some harder than others,” she said. “The postcode lottery of care leaver support has been the source of many of those challenges, with support workers unequipped and many not even knowing about the implications of care leavers living out of area.”

She said the support she has received had played a big role in her overcoming the obstacles she has experienced: “Through the support of my wonderful dads and my partner, I have managed to overcome these barriers. I hope for changes to be made to public policy to ensure these barriers are eliminated for future care leavers, as many are not so lucky to have such an incredible support system around them.”

Caitlan said she hopes her award demonstrates the positive impact people can have when they get involved in their local communities.

“I hope the recognition of my community engagement helps to highlight some of the important roles and opportunities for people to serve their communities” she said. “I hope there is growing support for community workers across the charity sector to be able to continue the important work which we do.”

Academic prizes at the University are supported by generous philanthropists, including the University’s distinguished Honorary Fellows, local employers and many successful graduates of the University.

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “Academic prizes show how hard a student has worked during their studies, and they’re a wonderful way to celebrate the individual achievements of students.

She added: “We’re incredibly proud of all of our prize winners, and we hope that receiving this award will not only recognise their dedication and commitment but also help them as they take the next steps in their careers and further studies.”