CANDIDATE STATEMENTS 

North East 

Daniel Johnstone 

Hi, my name is Daniel, I am an apprentice student paramedic currently studying at Teesside University. I am putting myself forward as the North East Representative as I believe the last 8 years employed within an ambulance service has given me the solid understanding of the roles within the ambulance service and how the progression of the paramedic profession and how the College of Paramedics is helping to steer the path. I commenced as an ECA, working my way up through the service pathway in various roles and believe this brings an invaluable and unique perspective to the student council role. 

My passion lies supporting my peers both within the service and in university. I periodically support interviews for the service and help organise and deliver “Restart a Heart” sessions. Previously I have worked within the prison service and feel that this has given me the essential personal attributes to listen to and act in the best interests of those looking towards me to lead. 

I would really appreciate your vote for me to have the privilege and honour of representing you in the North East and know that I will always remain accessible and supportive for you my peers. 

Clare Ebison 

I’m a current second year student studying Paramedic Practice at Teesside University. As a mature student I bring a wealth of experience from my past career, and life experiences and would love the opportunity to use those lessons to help continue the work of the Student Council in improving the experiences and training of future paramedics. 
  
I have been a volunteer on my local Coastguard team for just over 7 years, and have been second in command of the team for the last 3.5 years. This has given me the chance to develop proven leadership and communication skills, and an ability to have the tough conversations when needed, and am not afraid to question issues, and help empower peers to have a voice. 
  
My healthcare journey started in 2015 when I gave up work to be a full-time carer for my husband for just over a year, through that I got to see and experience the results of both good and bad examples of healthcare in our region. We should never underestimate the impact we can have on patients and their families; I believe in helping students have the chance to develop into the best paramedics that we can. 

North West 

Caitlin George 

I would love to be considered for this role, as I am passionate about shaping the future of paramedics. I have previously been a cohort representative, so I have experience advocating for groups of people. I am a friendly face who will listen to your concerns and make sure that they are heard. I am a strong communicator who is a confident speaker, and am happy to get stuck in! I genuinely care about the future of students, and paramedics, which is why I would love to be part of the student council. I believe that I am an approachable individual who will value the opinions of other students, as well as promoting the best possible environment for their development, and education. 

Samuel Storey 

I would like to be apart of the student council because it would be a privilege to advocate for my fellow students. This is an excellent opportunity to support my peers, share ideas, and inform students about the College's work. Moreover, I am passionate about promoting and improving student experiences and being a member would be the perfect opportunity to do this. I can achieve this by building relationships between universities in my sector, with the aim to create solidarity where ideas and thoughts can be shared between university students and the College. I would take pride in representing students to make a positive change in the North West. 
  
I believe I am suitable for the role because I am eager to developing my leadership skills. This is an essential role of a student council member because it will enable me to connect with and support my peers, as well as, motivating others to achieve there goals. I believe as an aspiring leader, I can help build a relationship between students and the college to ensure students interests and ideas are heard. I want to be an advocate for positive change and I am committed to achieving this. 

Joshua Evans 

I find myself a very passionate person when it comes to being a bridge for people to voice their opinions through, as well as suggest change. In recent times, the ambulance service has gone through a lot of change, yet, student voices still aren't really heard. I'd love to change that and be a part of something new and innovative. 

I am currently a student representative for my cohort at my university, and I love helping people implement their version of change, and make their opinions heard, however, I'd like to take this to the next level and do this regionally with students all across the northwest, to help them have more faith about the career they may wish to pursue within the ambulance service in the future, and have their thoughts and opinions broadcasted to those at the highest level, so they really can see what impact they have now and will have in the future throughout their time practising. 

Holly Supple 

As student paramedics its important to have clear role models and ideas to aim for when you become qualified. I am very passionate on making sure everyone who wants to achieve their dream within the paramedic role has a fair opportunity to do that. Getting people to understand that as students what we see on the road can be very scary and sometimes the correct support is not present, so changing this so that everyone feels they can continue on the course and fulfil the role they want to do. 

South East 

Raphaela Deas 

As a student paramedic, it is extremely important to me that student voices are heard both within the NHS and in university settings. Student paramedics give an invaluable insight into the future of the ambulance service, and bring fresh eyes to our services. As a student, we have a unique ability to recognise failings within the service when it comes to students, and this is something that I am passionate about being able to give my voice to and help to change.  

As a course representative for my university cohort, I have experience in raising issues that student paramedics are experiencing with placement and with teaching and being able to voice our concerns not only to our trust but also to the university. This has given me experience in speaking up for my peers, delegating information as appropriate and really understanding the issues that come to light. It is with this experience that I believe I hold the necessary skills and passion for this role, as student welfare and representation is something that I believe I have the power to stand up for and fix. Student paramedics are the future of our trusts and services, and deserve their voices heard. 

Lauren Corti 

As a 2nd year student, I would love to be more involved in decision making and creating opportunities for students all around the country. I am truly passionate about Paramedic Science and having the chance to make a positive influence on a course that I genuinely care about would be an incredible opportunity. 
  
Currently I am the representative for my year group at university- I discuss any issues or concerns brought up by peers with course leaders to ensure resolutions and improvements. I would love the chance to expand this further. With a particular interest in mental health, I understand the difficulties that students can face while at university or on placement and this would be a focus of mine if selected. I feel that mental health in Paramedic Science is an area that needs further representation to provide the support that students deserve. 
  
I would truly dedicate myself to this role and aim to make positive differences for all students! I’d bring a friendly, approachable face to this role to really ensure that our voices as students are heard and represented. 

Holly Tighe 

I am running for the position of student representative for the College of Paramedics because I am enthusiastic about advocating for my classmates' needs and concerns. As someone highly devoted to the paramedic profession and the student community, I feel I can serve as an effective liaison between students and the council. 
  
My previous experience includes being involved in student-led activities, which has helped me develop good communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. I am approachable, a good listener, and always open to comments, which I feel are necessary for portraying varied viewpoints. I am also really interested in increasing student well-being, improving educational experiences, and tackling challenges that impact our development as future paramedics. 
  
As a student, I understand the issues we encounter, whether they are connected to school requirements, clinical placements, or work-life balance. If elected, I would like to raise these concerns and solve them together with the council. My objective is to improve the entire student experience by creating an open and friendly atmosphere and encouraging chances for growth and engagement in the paramedic field. I'd be honoured to represent my colleagues and contribute to our overall success. 
  
Georgina Heron-Edmends 

For me the role of Student Member Representative goes beyond representing Student Paramedics today; it is about actively and responsively shaping growth and change within healthcare as a whole. I am applying as I believe, I can make a positive difference by advocating in my peer's best interests by engaging and investing in a channel that fosters communication and change. My experience of advocating stems around leading and participating in youth forums and fostering environments for youth voice, bringing light to young volunteer's experiences and beliefs within a charity and in Parliament. These experiences have allowed me to develop my leadership, communication and collaboration skills by creating strong relationships with key stakeholders and representing diverse groups whose voices often go unheard. These skills are essential for facilitating and participating in a meaningful space between student paramedics and the wider College of Paramedics. Through working with fellow council members and student paramedic societies, I will ensure that the concerns and aspirations of my peers are communicated and acted upon. This role is an invaluable opportunity to continue my learning and journey as a student paramedic whilst honouring and representing my fellow student paramedics in building a more inclusive and forward-thinking profession. 

Meghan Hughes 

As a brand-new, eager student paramedic, I am keen to represent my fellow students on the College of Paramedics Student Council. With previous experience as a healthcare assistant, my role as a community first responder for SCAS, and my background as an associate director of a recruitment company, I bring a diverse set of skills in leadership, communication, and patient care. As someone who is neurodivergent with dyslexia and ADHD, I understand the unique challenges many students face and am passionate about ensuring everyone's voice is heard, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

I am running for Student Council because I believe in nurturing a supportive, inclusive environment where student paramedics feel empowered to succeed. 
 
My compassion, leadership skills, and experience in healthcare and recruitment have equipped me to effectively advocate for students. I am committed to acting as a role model, offering peer support, and maintaining open lines of communication between students and the College. Through collaboration with council members, I aim to further the interests of all student paramedics and ensure that student voices and ideas are represented at every level. I would be honoured to serve and make a positive difference for everyone in this important journey. 

West Midlands 

Andrew Lee 

I am currently Subject Representative for Paramedic Science at Staffordshire providing a link between students and tutoring staff at the university. I am also involved with WMAS trying to develop a student network to support students either within or undertaking placement through the trust. I would like to extend myself to supporting students from across the region. 

Richard Whittingham 

I believe I possess the right skills, values and personality traits to become a student member representative, and feel that this will be a massive opportunity for me to develop those skills, along with gaining new ones, furthermore, I am excited by the thought of meeting and interacting with other professionals, COP members and students like myself. From my experience as a student rep for my university peer group last year, I understand the importance of being an effective communicator, along with being approachable, amicable, considerate, relatable, and trustworthy, and I understand the responsibility of being the students voice. Being a student member representative for the college of paramedics would mean I can transfer and expand on my previous experience into this role. This opportunity also gives myself the chance to make new friends along with important connections in social networking and help in achieving my personal ambitions. I would be proud to be a advocate for the college of paramedics and to play the important part in the communication between paramedic students and the college. If chosen, I will take all responsibilities seriously and with professional conduct.  

East Midlands 

There were no candidates for the East Midlands. 

Wales 

There was only one candidate for Wales. PJ Kinsella is therefore elected unopposed. 

Military 

There was only one candidate for Military students. Salieu Jobe is therefore elected unopposed. 

South West 

There was only one candidate for the South West. Khalid Alqahtani is therefore elected unopposed. 

London 

There was only one candidate for London. Christopher Tuzcu is therefore elected unopposed. 

 
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