UWTSD teaches parents Criminology

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) are working with a group of parents from Awel Y Mor Primary School in Port Talbot, offering four-week ‘steppingstone’ courses that cover a range of skills.

In April, learners began a four-week “Crime, Harm and Community” programme developed and delivered on behalf of UWTSD by Criminology Lecturer, Dr Bridget Kerr. Participants developed critical thinking skills and were taught the latest ideas within the field of Criminology. They also learnt how to make sense of power, crime and harm in their local community and how to take some of that power back.

Prior to this course, the group had completed a “Living Life to the Full” four-week course to improve wellbeing and resilience, delivered by UWTSD’s Widening Access Department, which taught a range of life skills based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Elizabeth Watkins, one of the adult learners who has completed two UWTSD steppingstone courses said: “I enjoyed taking part in both courses with UWTSD because it gave me a new perspective on things I wouldn’t normally think about.

“The ‘Living Life to the Full’ course helped me shift my mindset away from negative thinking, and showed me I could achieve things if I broke them down into chunks, one step at a time. Learning about Criminology has changed my view on what crime really is and how I see things in everyday life. I look forward to more courses with UWTSD and developing my skills further.”

Donna Williams, UWTSD Widening Access officer, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with parents at Awel y Mor. We have built a strong connection with the group, and within a short space of time our courses have helped individuals identify their own strengths and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.

“I am excited to offer even more learning opportunities in future – some have already signed up for UWTSD’s June Art masterclass – and to bring new learners onto our campuses. Engaging with people in our communities is essential to raise aspirations and to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing Higher Education and further learning.”

Dr Bridget Kerr said: “The most exciting aspect of teaching is that it’s very much a two-way street. It’s a privilege to engage communities in Criminology, get them involved with cutting-edge theories and evidence that has real-world relevance, and to develop aspirations, interests and confidence as a stepping stone to further learning.

“In addition, participants’ diverse experiences and insightful perspectives feed into, enrich and invigorate my own thinking around how we understand and respond to critical issues such as ‘crime’ and ‘harm’ in our communities, in academia, and beyond.”

Further Information

Ella Staden

Press and Media Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: ella.staden@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07384467078