Tina – Providing care, support and transforming lives at Preston College

In January 1977, Tina and her family moved from Suffolk to Preston and Tina enrolled at Preston College to continue studying for her A-Levels in English, German and French.

“When I started at Preston College there was a bit of work to do to transfer over my learning from the other college where I started my A-Levels. The Fulwood Campus was still undergoing building work at the time and I had some lessons down at the Park School Campus.”

After finishing her A-Levels Tina pursued her career and would later return to Preston College as a Receptionist in Student Services in 1993.

“I saw the job advertised in the paper and it sounded ideal. It was local, three hours a day, term-time, and would fit around my family life. I was interviewed by Mike Turner who would later become my mentor and taught me so much about what a difference support and education could make to people’s lives.”

Tina began working in Student Services and was the first point of contact for students and tutors looking for support.

“It was so fulfilling. You interacted with so many different people and you helped them however you could. There was a real caring side to the role and I knew this is what I wanted to do. To work somewhere where you could make a difference, somewhere you helped people and supported them to gain an education that could lead them to transform their lives.”

Over the years, the Student Services team grew and played an increasing role in supporting students to achieve their full potential providing vital pastoral support alongside academic learning. The expansion of the team also opened opportunities for Tina to take on more responsibility.

“One of the first expansions of the team saw the grants team join us and we had a service hatch on to the corridor through which we would hand out grant cheques.

As my children grew up, I started working more hours which gave me more experience and opportunities. I managed processes for the work placement coordinator, for careers guidance and the counsellors. I also undertook a Level 2 in Counselling to develop the knowledge and skills to identify, help and refer students who needed extra support.

During this time, my line manager Mike Turner was the Designated Safeguarding Lead and I often assisted in cases.”

Mike Turner worked at Preston College for many years and was approaching retirement when he had an accident that required him to be away from work. Tina found herself having to step up into managing Safeguarding cases and the team in a more senior capacity.

“It was a challenging time but the team pulled together and continued to provide students with the support they needed. Safeguarding was something that I supported Mike with and I was happy to put myself forward to take it over when he retired. Mike had some advice for me that I have never forgotten and that was “You can’t take everyone who is upset home with you.”

Tina now works as the Student Services Manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead and has been instrumental in the development of the department alongside the implementation of the College’s Trauma Informed Approach.

“The trauma informed approach grew out of the increase in asylum seekers who had experienced massive trauma. I am really proud that the College implemented this and that we are a College of Sanctuary. Everyone deserves a chance to learn and an opportunity to transform their lives through education.”