June 22, 2023

UOW nursing student awarded scholarship to make a positive impact in mental health care

Alison Thomas named recipient of Recovery Camp Nursing Scholarship 2023

Dedicated University of Wollongong (UOW) nursing student, Alison Thomas, has been awarded the Recovery Camp Nursing Scholarship for 2023. The scholarship aims to support and empower aspiring nurses.

Recovery Camp is an evidence-based program where attendees spend five days and four nights, undertaking therapeutic recreation activities. Camp is a shared learning experience, focused on fostering connection and hope to fight stigma. It provides empowering, lived-experience-led education for nursing students and recovery for people living with mental health conditions.

Ms Thomas said she was drawn to apply for the scholarship because of her own experience with mental health illness and having two children with special needs.

“I would like to think I can relate to other people with similar issues,” Ms Thomas said.

“I aspire to pursue a career in mental health, specialising in either adult or child care. I definitely feel drawn to the mental health industry and am very interested in it.”

^{Recovery Camp Nursing Scholarship 2023 recipient, Alison Thomas}

The Recovery Camp Nursing Scholarship provides Alison with the financial support of $1000 per year for three years, assisting with various educational expenses, including textbooks and placement-related costs. Additionally, the scholarship offers an invaluable opportunity for Alison to attend Recovery Camp as part of her nursing clinical placement requirements, with all program expenses covered.

"It will help me tremendously in my nursing journey to help with costs associated with textbooks or when on placement. I'm also very much looking forward to attending placement at Recovery Camp and believe I will get so much out of it,” Ms Thomas said.

Dr Christopher Patterson, co-founder and Director of Recovery Camp, emphasised the significance of supporting student nurses.

“At Recovery Camp, we've seen the real impact of quality education on students and people with lived experience of mental ill health,” Dr Patterson said.

“Offering scholarships like this allows us to support future health professionals like Alison, who can create real positive change in their careers.”

Recovery Camp, established in 2013 as a research project by UOW academics, has since evolved into a social enterprise revolutionising the clinical placement of health students. By reducing stigma and supporting mental health recovery, Recovery Camp plays a vital role in preparing future healthcare professionals for their careers.

Recovery Camp warmly congratulates Alison Thomas on being selected as the recipient of the Nursing Scholarship and is excited to follow the positive contributions she will make in the realm of health care and beyond.