Author shares life experience with Fife College students and staff at welfare event – FE News
Author Aidan Martin recently shared his life journey with Fife College students and staff at the Carnegie Conference Center in Dunfermline.
Aidan, the author of Euphoric Recall, a memoir about his recovery from extreme trauma and addiction while growing up in West Lothian, described his experiences with suicide, violence and serious mental health issues.
Open and honest about his struggles and how he overcame them, Aidan has worked with educational institutions in Scotland, including learners in prison, talking about his book and the themes it contains, such as substance abuse, trauma, education and rehabilitation.
Aidan then returned to school, studying social care and social science before recently completing his Masters in Social Work at Glasgow Caledonian University.
As part of the College’s Stress Reduction Week, the event with Aidan, which was also streamed online, was attended by over 250 students and staff.
Organized by the Health and Wellbeing team, Stress Reduction Week hosted several in-person and online events, in partnership with organizations such as NHS Fife and Togetherall, to help support students.
Aidan said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be the guest lecturer at the wonderful Fife College. To be part of such a progressive and forward-thinking environment, discussing serious topics that have never been more culturally relevant, was poignant.
“But doing it in such a warm and inviting environment shows that the tide is turning in our society. We create positive change together. Thank you to all the amazing staff and students, in person and watching virtually, for making this possible.
Carol Hunter, Health and Wellbeing Advisor at Fife College, said:
“It was a privilege for the college to have Aidan speak with our students and staff as part of our Student Stress Reduction Week.
“After being introduced to Aidan and reading his book, I knew instantly that students and staff would benefit greatly from hearing about his story.
“Aidan delivered such an open and honest discussion about addiction and trauma, but with humour, hope and inspiration – the feedback from the event was phenomenal. We are now looking to bring our session content to more students , including our learners in prison. We look forward to working with Aidan again in the future.
The College is also set to hold its first-ever wellness conference next month (June 17). Open to anyone interested in wellness, the event will also take place at the Carnegie Conference Center and feature talks from 10 inspirational speakers and booths from 30 wellness-related organizations. There will also be three wellness-related activities that attendees can participate in.
Attached photo : (left to right) Angela Grindle, Student Engagement Coordinator at Fife College Students’ Association (FCSA), Carol Hunter, Health and Wellbeing Advisor, Aidan Martin, Fiona Morrison, Fife College Employability Advisor and John Blakey, Senior Advisor – Welfare Guidance at Fife College is pictured during the recent conversation with Aidan Martin at the Carnegie Conference Centre.
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