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Phoebe Hall, 21, from Brinnington, Stockport, was awarded ‘Student Nursing Associate of the Year’ at the acclaimed Student Nursing Times Awards 2025 last month.

Now newly qualified and working as a nursing associate for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, a mental health, learning disability and autism NHS trust in Greater Manchester, Phoebe has shared more about her journey into nursing and her inspiring goals for the future.

Motivated by a close family member’s experience with schizophrenia and having seen the impact mental health can have on accessing healthcare, Phoebe knew she wanted to work in healthcare from when she was very young.

Figures show that adults living with a severe mental illness – such as schizophrenia – have a life expectancy 15 to 20 years lower than the general population.

It is stark figures like this that drive Phoebe’s passion of being part of a positive change. She explained: “I’ve seen firsthand the impact having a mental illness can have on physical health, and the barriers this then creates with accessing the right care for their needs.

“I’m determined to use my career to help bridge the gaps that exist within healthcare to ensure people access support they need to live a healthier and longer life.”

However, without having traditional A-levels, Phoebe could not apply for a nursing degree. Instead, she enrolled in a nursing associate apprenticeship, provided by the �׸���Ƭ, in 2022.

The programme focuses on equipping learners with essential skills for the evolving healthcare landscape, prioritising student success and satisfaction; a focus which sees it get consistently high ratings in the National Student Survey (NSS). Since 2017, programme leaders have expanded the reach of the course, attracting apprentices as well as direct-entry students.

The �׸���Ƭ works closely in partnership with Pennine Care NHS, and during her studies Phoebe gained invaluable hands-on experience across a wide range of services — from inpatient dementia wards, community mental health teams, and child and adolescent mental health services.

Speaking on the partnership and the benefits it brings, Annie Dixon, head of education and workforce at Pennine Care NHS said: “Partnering with local universities and delivering apprenticeship programmes in this way enables us to open doors for individuals who may face barriers to traditional higher education. It offers a valuable ‘earn while you learn’ route that’s not only more accessible, but often better suited to different learning styles and life circumstances.”

As well as celebrating Phoebe’s win at the Student Nursing Times Awards ceremony, the University’s Nursing Associate programme also took home the prestigious “Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year” award, and “Teaching Innovation of the Year”, for the team’s groundbreaking work to introduce podcasting as an assessment tool.

Karen Heggs, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the �׸���Ƭ, said: “Congratulations to Phoebe on this fantastic award. Her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and her contributions to elevating healthcare standards are truly inspirational and we are very proud of her. She is an inspirational student and nursing associate.

“This marked part of a record-breaking year for us as a university at the Student Nursing Times Awards, where we were shortlisted an incredible 20 times and won a total of five awards. Our wonderful staff and students make such a valuable contribution to our university and beyond, and it’s brilliant to see their dedication recognised in this way.”

Phoebe is also a finalist for ‘Learner of the Year’ in the upcoming Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2025, and the GM Skills Awards 2025.

When asked why others should consider getting into nursing, Phoebe said: “It’s so rewarding, eye-opening, and no two days are the same. I’ve grown in both my personal life and professional life, and I am so thankful for every opportunity I have had so far.

The award I have received is such a welcome compliment and I am truly delighted to be able to showcase this amazing career to others. If you’re thinking of doing it, just do it.”