Latest news with #WrexhamUniversity
Business News Wales
5 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Young People Help Shape £20m Vision for Wrexham's Future
Youngsters in Wrexham have shared 3,600 ideas as part of a £20 million plan to revitalise and shape the future of the city. Hundreds of young people from across the city have had their voices and suggestions heard in a consultation as part of a project being masterminded by Wrexham City Board. The board, which is chaired by Rachel Clacher CBE, the founder of Wrexham-based Moneypenny, was formed after the UK Government announced in 2023 that Wrexham was one of 55 places across the country to receive £20 million of funding under a 'Long-Term Plan for Towns programme', which will invest in local people's priorities over a 10-year period. Following the announcement, the board has carried out a number of consultations including one called Just One Thing, where they asked people to tell them one thing they'd like to see improved in Wrexham. The findings from the consultation will help the board to decide where to focus its energy and attention in the coming months and years. Rachel met a group of Year 6 pupils at Victoria CP School in Wrexham where they discussed ideas around areas such as parking, tourism, shopping and activities for young people. Headteacher of Victoria School Debbie Eccles told the youngsters involved in the consultation: 'Your voice matters.' She added: 'This project is an authentic experience for the children to have their voices heard. 'They have some fantastic ideas and it is important that these form part of plans for Wrexham's future. We are thrilled to be involved and for our children to have the opportunity to influence the future of Wrexham. 'They have all been so excited and have a range of views not just on things like local attractions and shopping, but a lot are worried about issues such as homelessness and healthcare provision which has been really eye-opening. 'Their suggestions are heartfelt and it's clear that the city's children can see areas where it is struggling.' Across Wrexham over 35 schools and community groups took part in the Just One Thing consultation, resulting in more than 1,500 people sharing ideas and more than 3,600 unique insights gathered. The ideas were analysed by experts at Wrexham University and organised into key themes. Natalie Edwards from the Civic Mission at Wrexham University has been heavily involved in the project and joined the group discussion at Victoria School. She said: 'Initially we asked children to put their ideas on postcards to send back to us. We had an amazing response with over 3,000 lines of ideas. 'The influence of our young people is so important; engagement with young people is truthful, heartfelt and completely authentic. 'Children are very empathetic and have real concern for others and want to help those who are struggling. I have been really impressed with their maturity. It is young people who can help give us the answers we need.' One Year 6 pupil involved in the consultation said she felt immensely proud to have had the opportunity to have her voice heard. Sophia, 11, said: 'I feel really privileged to be involved and have a say on our community. It has also been a great opportunity to meet people from different walks of life in Wrexham. 'I think we need more homeless shelters in the city centre to give those who are struggling a better chance of getting help and work. It makes me sad seeing people suffer, and more shelters could help stop people having to live on the streets. It could make a lot of people a lot happier. 'I love theatre and I have known since the age of three that I want to be an actress and there are some great opportunities for me here. But I think more sports halls and wellbeing centres could be beneficial for other youngsters.' Wrexham City Board is independent and brings together a range of elected leaders, business and community representatives from all over the area. Its vision is a 'thriving, playful and vibrant city centre' and the board says that it is committed to ensuring that its plan reflects the voices of the community, and places the wellbeing of future generations at its heart. Rachel added: 'We've been inspired by the energy, creativity and hope that people have brought to the process. 'This work is just the beginning. As we develop our long-term plan, we are committed to deepening our listening, involving even more voices, and building a plan that truly reflects our community – while putting the needs of future generations at its core. 'As a board we want to make sure that everything we do is informed by the young people of Wrexham. 'The Just One Thing project gave us a loud and clear message that there are key areas that matter to our young people. They want the city centre to feel safer for everyone, they want to see improved transport links and they want more to do in the city centre. 'Thanks to our consultations the board now has a clear direction of travel on how to spend the £20million funding. 'We want to create a long-term meaningful and sustainable legacy which has been shaped by young people in the city – a vision by the people for the people of the city. 'The board is representative of the city, and for them to hear the voices of our youngsters is very powerful. We are all really excited about how this is building around everything else amazing that is happening in Wrexham.'
Business News Wales
5 hours ago
- Health
- Business News Wales
Wrexham Academic Welcomes Launch of New National Youth Work Body
An academic leader at Wrexham University has hailed a new national body for youth work in Wales as an 'exciting step forward' for the profession and young people it serves. Dr. Simon Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences at Wrexham University, has welcomed the announcement made by the Welsh Government. An experienced youth worker, Dr Stewart has said the new body will 'support a collective pursuit of excellence in youth work in Wales'. Dr. Stewart is also a member of the Youth Work Strategy Implementation Board, which provides advice to the Welsh Government on achieving a sustainable delivery model for youth work in Wales. He said: 'This is an exciting step forward and extremely welcome news for youth work in Wales, as the new national body will strengthen the sector by supporting innovation and collaboration, and in turn, ensure the long-term sustainability of the profession. 'The new body will not only be crucial for the visibility of youth work nationally and internationally but it will also support a collective pursuit of excellence in youth work in Wales. 'It's also pleasing that this news was announced during Youth Work Week – the annual celebration of our vital sector. 'Speaking on behalf of colleagues on the Youth Work Strategy Implementation Board, we are delighted with the Cabinet Secretary's decision and this builds on the work of the previous Interim Youth Work Board, headed up by Keith Towler – and now current Board, which Sharon Lovell, Joanne Simms and myself are part of and who have been on this journey for more than seven years as part of both boards.' Dr. Stewart also said the new organisation will be 'fantastic' for workforce development in Wales. 'It will not only elevate the collective voice of youth work but it will also support continued workforce development for those working in the sector,' he said. Announcing the plans, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: 'Given the breadth and diversity of youth work provision across Wales, I'm delighted to announce plans to create a new central body for youth work in Wales, to unify the sector, support collaboration and amplify its impact on young people. 'This exciting new organisation will make sure that the many talented young people, youth workers, and organisations in the youth work sector in Wales have the structure, leadership, and advocacy they need to thrive.' There are still some places remaining for the September 2025 intake of the Youth and Community Work Masters programme at Wrexham University, you can find out more about the course here .
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Nursing at Wrexham Uni ranked top in UK for satisfaction
The latest Complete University Guide 2026 places the university's nursing programme at the top of the national rankings for student satisfaction, as well as joint first in the UK, and first in Wales, for graduate prospects. Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, said: "I am thrilled that nursing at Wrexham University has been ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction, as well as joint first in the UK for graduate prospects in the Nursing subject league table, in the Complete University Guide 2026. "We are enormously proud of our strong reputation for student satisfaction, here at Wrexham – and these latest rankings demonstrate that our staff go above and beyond to support and empower our students in all that they do." Wrexham University offers BN (Hons) Nursing degrees in adult nursing, children's nursing, and mental health nursing at both its Wrexham and St Asaph campuses. Professor Yates said the recognition highlights the university's commitment to its 2030 Vision and Strategy. READ MORE: Wrexham's River Island shop among those set to be closed by the company He said: "This recognition speaks directly to the core of our 2030 Vision and Strategy, which is rooted in delivering an exceptional and inclusive student experience, as well as preparing our graduates to thrive in their chosen careers. "In professions such as nursing, where compassionate, skilled professionals are in ever-increasing demand, we are proud to be leading the way nationally. "Congratulations to our nursing colleagues, who work tirelessly to provide an excellent experience for our students." Earlier this month, Wrexham University was also named top in Wales for overall student satisfaction, and joint third in the UK out of 130 higher education institutions. The university currently has places available for its adult nursing and mental health nursing degree programmes starting this September. An open day will take place on Friday, August 15, from 10am to 2pm. For more information, visit
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
A Welsh university's nursing degrees have been ranked top in the UK
A Welsh university's nursing degrees have been ranked top in the UK The university's nursing degree has ranked highly in a prestigious guide that looks at all universities across the UK A Wrexham University nursing student with a patient (Image: Wrexham University ) A Welsh university's nursing degrees have been ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2026. The Guide has also ranked Wrexham University joint first in the UK – and first in Wales – for graduate prospects in the nursing subject league table. Wrexham also ranked top in Wales for student satisfaction overall in the guide, as well as joint third in the UK for the same metric out of 130 higher education institutions. Wrexham University offers Nursing BN (Hons) courses in adult nursing, children's nursing and mental health nursing at its Wrexham and St Aaspah campuses. Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor, said he was "enormously proud" of the result and that his university has worked to widen participation in marginalised communities locally. Wrexham University Vice Chancellor Professor Joe Yates (Image: Wrexham University ) 'We are enormously proud of our strong reputation for student satisfaction, here at Wrexham – and these latest rankings demonstrate that our staff go above and beyond to support and empower our students in all that they do," he said. 'This recognition speaks directly to the core of our 2030 vision and strategy, which is rooted in delivering an exceptional and inclusive student experience, as well as preparing our graduates to thrive in their chosen careers. In professions such as nursing, where compassionate, skilled professionals are in ever-increasing demand, we are proud to be leading the way nationally. Article continues below 'Congratulations to our nursing colleagues, who work tirelessly to provide an excellent experience for our students.' Wrexham and the University of Wales Trinity St David are the only two of Wales' eight universities not to post deficits in their most recent financial reports. Professor Yates told the Commons Welsh Affairs Committee earlier this week that his university works hard to "reach out to communities across Wales" to have a "transformational" impact on individuals and communities, but this brings extra cost. He was joined by vice chancellors of all eight universities in Wales to give evidence on pressures on funding. You can read more about what they told the committee here. Questioned by MPs Professor Yates told the committee Wrexham takes a high number of students with "recognisable disability" as well as high numbers from mainstream schools and people who are the first generation in their family to study for degrees. "What that means for our university in particular is reaching out into marginalised communities trying to widen participation and I know that's a mkssion shared by colleagues (at other universuties in Wales). Article continues below "That brings additional cost and additional investment and to give you a flavour of tha 19% of my students recruite from home, in terms of Wales, have got some sort of identifiable disability. "Also we recruit a really high number of students from state schools and also students who are the first in their generation to come to university."
Business News Wales
25-06-2025
- Health
- Business News Wales
Nursing at Wrexham University Ranked Top in UK for Student Satisfaction
Nursing at Wrexham University has been ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2026. The Guide has also ranked the institution joint first in the UK – and first in Wales – for graduate prospects in the Nursing subject league table. Wrexham University offers Nursing BN (Hons) courses in Adult Nursing, Children's Nursing and Mental Health Nursing at its Wrexham and St Asaph campuses. Earlier this month, the university celebrated the news that it had been ranked top in Wales for student satisfaction overall in the Guide, as well as joint third in the UK for the same metric – out of 130 higher education institutions. Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor, said: 'I am thrilled that nursing at Wrexham University has been ranked top in the UK for student satisfaction, as well as joint first in the UK for graduate prospects in the Nursing subject league table, in the Complete University Guide 2026. 'We are enormously proud of our strong reputation for student satisfaction, here at Wrexham – and these latest rankings demonstrate that our staff go above and beyond to support and empower our students in all that they do. 'This recognition speaks directly to the core of our 2030 Vision and Strategy, which is rooted in delivering an exceptional and inclusive student experience, as well as preparing our graduates to thrive in their chosen careers. In professions such as nursing, where compassionate, skilled professionals are in ever-increasing demand, we are proud to be leading the way nationally. 'Congratulations to our nursing colleagues, who work tirelessly to provide an excellent experience for our students.' Some places are available on the University's Adult Nursing and Mental Health Nursing degree courses, which are starting in September. You could be eligible for a fully funded NHS bursary to support your studies, find out more here . Whether you've not quite decided where to study or even if university is right for you, come and see what we have to offer at our next open day, taking place on Friday, August 15, from 10am to 2pm. Book your place here.
