For the second year running, the educational achievements of patients at St Andrew's Healthcare Essex were celebrated at the annual Student Awards Day.

Across the entire charity, people being treated at St Andrew's Healthcare are supported and encouraged to gain qualifications in a range of vocational and academic subjects.

The Adult Education team work with each individual to ensure they are supported to learn in a way that meets their own personal goals and interests.

The Essex event was a chance to celebrate service users’ achievements over the past year. Fifteen people were recognised for their hard work, with nine service users receiving Open College Network (OCN) qualification unit certificates.

 Aida Atkins, Adult Education Teacher said: “It’s all for our wonderful patients who worked so hard throughout the year and achieved so much! There were a few tears, but seeing their proud beaming faces makes it all worth it and is wonderful to be a part of their journey.”

"I would like to thank all our service users for the assistance and enthusiasm they showed in getting ready for this event, such as making decorations, laminating and delivering posters. Special mention to everyone involved in our STAG magazine, which is distributed to staff and patients across our Essex hospital. Every issue contains incredible pieces of creative writing, poetry and reviews all written by our service users."

The day also featured goodie bags, karaoke and ice-creams, as well as live music from talented staff consisting of singing, guitar and the Djembe which is an African drum.

For more information about St Andrew's Healthcare's Education offerings, click here.