Counselling Student Receives Recognition in New Years Honours List

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The New Years Honours List may have been most publicised for the omission of various members of Liverpool FC after their triumphant European Champions League Campaign last season.

The list also saw a student, Colin Ling, studying for the Professional Diploma in Counseling at Filton College in Bristol awarded an MBE for thirty years service in the Royal Navy. This years Honours list pays tribute to outstanding achievement and service right across the community and the nation as a whole. Based on recommendations made to the Prime Minister and published on New Year’s Day, Colin is set to accept his MBE at Buckingham Palace on February 15th.

Colin’s Route to Filton

Colin has remained in the Navy for longer than the required term. He has served some eight years over the standard 22 years of engagement, and has decided that he is still not quite ready to retire, although he has been considering his future career after life in the forces for some time already. With a background in Engineering, Colin has always had an interest in counselling, and when a fellow officer suggested in 2003 that he would be a good counsellor he began his studies.

Colin is now a graduate from the Introduction to Counselling and from the Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills, and is also a second year student on the Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Course at Filton College, Bristol. He is able to do this thanks to receiving a day release from his post at Abbey Wood MOD.

Thrilled to Bits!

Colin was delighted at the news. He said: “I am thrilled to bits. My family was informed by letter that I had received the MBE and when it was officially posted in the national papers my grand-daughter took all the press cuttings into her primary school to show her teacher. She has been really excited ““ as have the whole family.”

Colin has also been active in the voluntary sector. As part of his studies he has been doing voluntary work placement at “Off The Record ““ Bristol”, an organisation which provides free professional counselling and advice to young people aged 11 – 25 years. When asked about his future career intentions, he said: “Counselling work in the probation or prison service and eventually I”d like to have my own practice in Sunderland – where my family are.”

Jethro Marsh

Congratulate Colin in the FE Blog

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