Accord supports Charlotte to complete PhD on student mental health
A psychology researcher whose studies were funded by Accord will be conferred with her PhD this summer, having passed her final exam.
Dr Charlotte Rose Horner, daughter of long-time Accord rep Susan Horner, first contacted the union three years ago. She had been accepted to study at the University of Leeds, contingent on funding, and wanted to enquire about whether her research into students’ mental health could be supported through the union’s learning funds. She was thrilled to hear that Accord would offer support throughout her three years of study for the PhD.
Charlotte said:
I was absolutely floored by the generosity. If I hadn’t had so much support, I don’t think I could have done it because I wasn’t in a position where I could have afforded to be a student full-time and work full-time to support myself.
Charlotte’s PhD focuses on how the Covid lockdowns affected students experiencing mental health struggles. She spoke to over 20 students across the UK, interviewing them remotely during the academic year when restrictions were in place.
Describing her research, she says:
I was basically trying to figure out how the different environment was affecting their mental health and their learning, and how they were trying to cope with that and manage on a day-to-day basis. And there was a lot of discussion about how people were feeling so lonely and finding it difficult to be productive and motivated. People felt let down a lot of the time and I think a good thing about the research was that it let people feel heard for the first time, which was really important to me.
The social value of Charlotte’s research was an important factor in Accord’s decision to offer a significant level of support. While the lockdowns were challenging for everyone, there has been widespread recognition that it was a particularly hard time for young people whose education was disrupted.
Having completed her PhD, Charlotte has now started a research post at the University of Leeds, as part of a project called Fresh Start, which aims to develop a new therapeutic intervention for young people who self-harm.
She emphasises the difference Accord has made, both to her career and to those who benefit from her work, saying:
I wouldn’t have been able to do my PhD at all without the support and without that PhD I wouldn’t be working where I am now, looking at how to support people. I can never really get across how thankful I am because it has genuinely been life-changing.
Accord's Lifelong Learning Fund provides support to members who want to learn new skills, from flower arranging to a master’s degree – you can apply for a grant whatever you fancy doing on your self-development journey. The fund will provide grants of up to 50% of the cost of courses and training materials, up to a maximum of £500. One of Accord's fantastic member benefits. Find out more below.
