University representatives take all mentoring prizes at South Wales Reaching Wider ceremony
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY student mentors have been recognised for the outstanding support they have provided to school pupils after sweeping the board at this year’s South Wales Reaching Wider Mentoring Awards.
In a strong field featuring competition from Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea mentors took home all of the mentor awards.
The award winners were:
Most Inspiring Mentor (Winner) – Serena Ketty
Most Engaging Mentor (Winner) – Owen Davey
Most Inspiring Mentor (Runner-Up) – Casi Jones
Most Engaging Mentor (Runner-Up) – Lucy Perry
Reaching Wider works with pupils, families and adults from some of the most deprived communities in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, as well as care-experienced young people and carers across the region. The programme delivers a range of learning and attainment-raising activities designed to help participants access higher education.
Its mentoring scheme matches current university students with learners aged 14 to 19, providing online one-to-one support. Mentors offer advice and guidance on everything from revision and study skills to career pathways and life after school.
Weekly topics include funding, interviews and study techniques, helping mentees develop confidence and skills for their future.
Judges praised Serena Ketty for going above and beyond to engage with mentees, describing her as a brilliant source of support. Owen Davey was commended for his commitment and willingness to take part in additional opportunities wherever possible.
Serena said: “Being part of the mentorship programme has allowed me to make a difference in young people’s lives. It’s been so rewarding to see the positive steps they’ve taken towards their futures.”
Owen added: “Just being nominated for the award was an honour, especially in my first year as a mentor. Winning was amazing. None of it would be possible without the amazing Reaching Wider team which works to make the projects possible and supports us with the training and feedback forums.
“Making sure every mentee finishes with more confidence in themselves and knowledge about what opportunities are available to them has been my focus and it’s great to see it recognised and valued.”
Widening Participation and Reaching Wider Lead Alice Davies said the awards highlighted the impact student mentors have across the region.
“It’s fantastic to see our mentors recognised in this way – their commitment really does make a lasting difference to young people across the region,” she said.
“Our student leaders really are the best asset we have. There’s something very powerful about hearing from someone close to your own age, with shared experiences, talking honestly about what university is like.
“They work with young people from primary school onwards, building confidence and broadening aspirations. For many of these mentees, the mentoring programme is the final step in a journey that started years earlier.”
The keynote speaker at the awards ceremony was Musharaf Asghar, who became well known after overcoming his stammer on the TV programme Educating Yorkshire.
More information about Reaching Wider can be found through Swansea University.
