PhD Student

Course Start: October 2024
Supervisor: Prof Gurch Randhawa
Second Supervisor: Dr Erica Cook

Thesis Title

To explore the low uptake of Palliative and End-of-Life care for Eastern European communities living within the BLMK and Hertfordshire area.

About Me

Growing up I played football professionally until I experienced a career ending injury. I then started my academic journey as a mature student at The University of Bedfordshire, studying Education with Psychology. During this time, I found my passion for psychology and enrolled on a master’s course in Applied Psychology (BPS Accredited).

It was during my Applied Psychology course that I discovered my passion for health research. This was reflected in my dissertation, where I conducted my second qualitative study. My project explored the use of continuous glucose monitoring for T1 diabetics, who engaged in risk taking behaviour.

This project inspired me to proceed further with health research, and I enrolled in a second master’s doing Health Psychology. During this course I completed a range of assessments that included a mini systematic review, presenting and a third qualitative research dissertation. My dissertation explored bereaved mother’s experiences of engaging in group-based specialist counselling therapy, delivered by Petals after experiencing a Termination of Pregnancy for Medical Reasons.

Study Summary

Accessing end of life care is important for people to ensure that individuals and their family are supported in the best way, during a difficult time in someone’s life. Having access to palliative and end-of-life care increases the quality of life during this time, whilst also offering provision and emotional support to carers and family members.

Research has identified that within the UK, there are barriers and a lack of access to end-of-life care services within certain communities, in particular, Eastern European communities. It is important that the reasons for the lack of uptake of these services are understood.

Gaining this evidence will allow professionals and stakeholders to support individuals within these communities to gain access and better educate them on the services available to them.

Qualifications

Health Psychology MSc - University of Bedfordshire

Applied Psychology MSc - University of Bedfordshire

Education Studies with Psychology (BA Hons) – The University of Bedfordshire

Previous Experience

Public Health Support Officer – Luton Borough Council – March 2024-October 2024 Therapeutic Residential Support Worker – January 2022-March 2024