An inspirational Lowestoft College student has won a prize at a regional awards ceremony for her work on her Level 2 Diploma in health and social care.

Judy Hawkins was presented with the European Social Fund Award at the ceremony which was hosted by NAICE, the national voice for lifelong learning. Ms Hawkins was put forward for the award by her health and social care assessor Liz Hadridge after starting course when she began a new job in the care industry at St Georges Residential Care Home.

Having been out of the educational setting for a number of years, Ms Hawkins was lacking in confidence but since starting the course, she has been able to overcome her lack of self-belief and went on to produce excellent work.

Ms Hawkins, who was presented with a certificate and £200 to be put towards future training, said: 'Liz helped me to overcome my lack of confidence and supported me during some difficult times, she believed in me but more importantly encouraged me to believe in myself and my own abilities.

'I was surprised to have been nominated but even more surprised to have won.'

Ms Hadridge added: 'Many learners achieve their goals. However Judy not only overcame her apprehensions about undertaking the qualification and her ability to do so but went above and beyond in her efforts, consistently producing her assignments and undertaking assessments to a high standard, never cancelling appointments and demonstrating high standards of care in her work.

'For these reasons I had no hesitation in nominating Judy for the award and was thrilled to hear she won.'

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