Tutor Shirley’s health push

Photo: Darren Robinson

TUTOR: Shirley Rainey: “I feel passionate about the fact that a lot of students don’t reach their full potential because of issues such as their health.”

A TUTOR at Oldham Sixth-Form College who swopped hard drives for healthy lifestyles has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Shirley Rainey (42), from Dobcross, is an IT tutor but has been working hard on improving health for staff and students at the college.

She voluntarily led the Healthy College Agenda, based on a Department of Health initiative.

Since beginning the project in September, last year, Shirley has organised a Healthy College week and invited representatives from different health agencies, such as the Stop Smoking service, mental health and sexual health, to the college to run workshops.

She also set up the Health Zone college intranet, which is filled with health advice for staff and students, and organised a college team for the Oldham Race for Life charity run in July.

Mick Walsh, college vice-principal, nominated her and said: “Shirley has undertaken all of this and more with an infectious sense of enthusiasm and has motivated a significant number of students and staff to improve their health. As she says herself, she believes staff should be role models to the students here and Shirley has been an absolutely ideal role model.”

Shirley said: “I feel passionate about the fact that a lot of students don’t reach their full potential because of issues such as their health.

“The Healthy College week has had far-reaching and long-lasting effects with students saying they have passed on advice to relatives and friends. I’m planning another healthy college week this academic year. Even if I affect just one person with my work, then it is worth it. I’m surprised by the nomination but it is very nice to be recognised.”