Laylah Walker-Ennis, a second year BSc Psychology, Counselling and Therapies student, was awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Community Engagement Award at Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards (Thurs 21 May) for her dedication to and development in the Enactus project.

The Enactus project is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.

Laylah is an active member of the Enactus project and dedicated her time to the development of an innovative project and runs key life sessions in partnership with Community Led Initiatives (CLI), a local charity for people who have struggled, or are struggling with, substance abuse.

Speaking of winning the award, Laylah said: “It was an honour to win this award and I am thankful for the support and encouragement from the Careers and Employability team that played a major role in helping develop my project idea for the Enactus society.

“Enactus provided me with the platform to demonstrate my passion to help others and I'm grateful for the recognition of my work in the community.”

My sincere congratulations to all the finalists & winners of the 2020 Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards & Peer Assisted Learning Awards Delighted to be part of this awards scheme and sorry we can't be together this year to celebrate #BedsVCSEA2020 https://t.co/AsuZ3CxyDp

— Lord-Lt Bedfordshire (@LLieutenantBeds) May 21, 2020

The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, recorded a video message for the award where she recognised Laylah’s dedication. The Lord-Lieutenant said: “I have always had the upmost respect and affection for [the University of Bedfordshire] and I have never been prouder of how staff and students are reaching out in so many ways to support our sustain our communities.

“Laylah is a compassionate and genuine student who cares about making a different in the community. Her project has strengthened the relationship between local charities and the community. My sincere congratulations to you.

"My congratulations also to all those who have been nominated for awards today, you are all winners in my eyes, and I hope you will continue to excel in your studies. To the staff at the University of Bedfordshire, thank you for your expert and compassionate guidance to students which are entrusted to your care.”

Christopher Bridle, Head of School for Psychology, extended his congratulations to Laylah: “It is fantastic Laylah has been recognised for her hard work. She has volunteered her time to do the project along with all her other studies.

“What has been particularly impressive is how Laylah has taken the skills and knowledge she has gained whilst studying at university and took it out into the community.

“Laylah embodies the vision of our School – our vision to be recognised for our community engagement, high quality teaching informed by internationally excellent research and life-changing practice, and a transformative student and staff experience'. Well done Laylah.”

For the full list of winners from the Vice Chancellor's Student Experience Awards 2020, please click here to visit the Awards page.

The Lord Lieutenant Community Engagement Award is presented every year to recognise, promote and celebrate the work of individual students or groups of students who have made a tangible and outstanding contribution to communities within Bedfordshire and have advanced the mission and values of the University.