Work-Related Experiential Learning (WREL)

Our CEO, who is also Visiting Professor at York St John, London Campus was invited to set an assignment brief as part of the Work-Related Experiential Learning (WREL) to encompass a practical and academic group task on a contemporary public health issue, framed within a simulated workplace environment.

The Brief: Healthy Futures UK

Students had to put themselves in the role of a public health officer working for Healthy Futures UK, a fictional but realistic multi-agency organisation focused on community health, health equity, and culturally inclusive practices. The executive team tasked them with designing a campaign or intervention to address a public health issue that:

• Focuses on a specific population group (e.g. young people, older adults, marginalised communities, migrants, racialised or indigenous groups, people with long-term conditions, etc)
• Is underpinned by real evidence, academic theory, and public health models
• Communicates effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Reflects inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive approaches, with attention to decolonising health promotion practices.

WREL Component

Each group had the opportunity to present their poster in a live showcase with peers, staff, and Sonia Aitken, CEO of Pain Association – a national charity that delivers self-management pain education in the community.

It was important to demonstrate that the content is underpinned by the inclusion of relevant academic theory, concepts, and models where appropriate, as well as contemporary insights into public health applications. These had to be accurately cited and referenced according to York St John Harvard Referencing throughout.

Congratulations to the winners of Group 5 – Omonivie Ihenyen, Sampath Yedla, Eugenia Dudu, Endurance Enagbae, Riddhi Patel, Ukamaka Ozoh, Oladipo Esan.  Their poster and presentation were identified as clear winners with the following observations and feedback:-

• From a public health campaign perspective, great punchy title which will resonate with the public.
• It addressed barriers and gaps in service provision
• It addressed the evaluation element along with measurable recommendations
• Concise conclusion
• Great balance of graphics, evidence, research