From peer mentor to trauma specialist and PhD researcher, Tara's journey from the Public Services course to running her own counselling business is nothing short of inspiring.
Tara chose the University of Central Lancashire for her BA (Hons) in Public Services because the course met her needs. “I picked the Public Services course because of the breadth and depth of the subject and the flexibility of choosing a range of optional modules to tailor the degree to suit my interests."
She added, “It is very applied and practical, as it covers a whole range of public services, from government, police service, social work, and the NHS.”
During her studies, Tara volunteered as a peer mentor and received the Peer Mentor of the Year award, something she is very proud of.
After graduation, Tara pursued an MSc in Psychology at the University, where she delivered lectures and helped at a hate crime conference. Alongside her studies, she also volunteered for Preston Samaritans. In 2017, she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor award for helping the community. She also has excelled in sports and represented Gibraltar in the Island Games in Gotland 2017 and Gibraltar 2019.
With a keen interest in mental health, Tara went on to study for a PGCert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She then enrolled in a full-time PhD at the University. Her research focuses on the qualitative exploration of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) in female military veterans.
"At the University there will always be lecturers and student services to share your downs with, so you don’t have to go through it alone."
— Tara Kenyon, BA (Hons) Public Services and MSc Psychology graduate
Reflecting on her time at University, Tara said: “My lasting memories will always be how supportive and helpful lecturers and the student services were. I will also remember all the friends I made in table tennis and the STFSC gym.”
Tara now runs her own business as a Trauma Specialist and Counsellor in Gibraltar, offering in-person and online counselling and veteran support. "I was able to do this with the advice from Propellor, who pointed me at the right direction," Tara said.
She also works part-time in a hospital as a Clinical Auditor. In her role, she follows up with patients, submits data, analyses it, and shares results in division meetings.
Tara also remains dedicated to her passion for sport. In her spare time, she trains with her local athletics team in short-distance sprinting. She also continues to volunteer in St John Ambulance as a community first responder.
When asked for advice for future students wanting to study public services or a related field, she said: “Keep to a broad degree first to widen your perspective. Then you can develop more of an understanding of what you want to specialise in within the degree or at postgraduate level. If you are thinking of further study, it is a marathon not a sprint with its ups and downs.”
She continued: “At the University, there will always be lecturers and student services to share your downs with, so you don’t have to go through it alone.”
