“I am so surprised and extremely grateful to be receiving this bursary. Your generosity will allow me to take advantage of every opportunity to pursue my passion. At present, I am in my first year of Filmmaking at the University of Sussex. This bursary means I can purchase editing and screenwriting software which will be immensely beneficial to my studies and vital in my future career. It will also greatly help with funding my first short film.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Prison Service Trust for the generous sum of £500. I am currently studying Cinematic Arts at Ulster University Belfast. In this course I will be covering various aspects of film making as well as making my own films. This money will be useful as it will allow me to purchase a quality camera that will improve the quality of my films. ”

“I'm currently in my second year of studying History and Politics at Queen's University. This bursary will help me greatly with living costs during the Christmas period. "Seeds from a withered ear with wheat shall fill the valley. ”

“I am currently studying Business Management and Spanish in Manchester. This bursary will be a big help. I plan on using it to subsidise my placement year in Spain. It will help go towards accommodation fees and allow me to focus more on my studies. ”

“I'm currently in my final year at the Glasgow School of Art, studying Textile Design and specializing in Woven Textiles. This bursary will allow me to invest in my own collection of yarns and materials for my work this year, which I am taking inspiration from the architecture of Northern Ireland to influence my designs. This bursary will also provide a huge support as I fundraise to exhibit my final collection as part of the New Designers exhibition in London in June 2024. Thank you! ”

“My name is Susanna, I am 20 years of age, and I am in my second year at Durham University studying for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. I am very grateful for this bursary as it will assist with living and travel expenses along with my university hockey fees. I also have hopes to partake in a placement year next year which focuses on sport and technology, with particular emphasis on the use of VAR in football. This bursary will prove extremely beneficial in helping me achieve my goals and so I am very thankful. ”

“Hello, my name is Andrew, and I am in my final year of study for my bachelor’s degree in Archaeology at Queens University. My ambition upon graduation is to become a marine archaeologist, which involves the discovery and exploration of ancient underwater artefacts. This bursary will assist my ambitions helping to fund my diving qualifications as well as covering some university living expenses.”

“We are very thankful for this money so please pass onto the board our sincerest thanks for this to help eve at uni. Eve is studying a degree in animation and this bursary will her pay for software equipment and travel expenses to get to uni and back every day. With the cost of living this is very much appreciated as a family. She will make sure it goes to good use and has purchased herself some recording equipment and film making package with some of this. ”

“I’m currently intercalating, doing a master’s degree in clinical anatomy before returning next year to complete my medical degree. The bursary given will help me pay my tuition fees for the year along with buying the required textbooks for the year. ”

“I am in my first year at Manchester Metropolitan University studying Geography and writing to thank the Prison Service Trust for awarding me this bursary. I was really happy to hear I had been awarded a bursary and I plan to put this award towards an upcoming filed trip that I have to complete as part of my degree. Thank you again for this bursary.”

“I live off-campus and typically walk most places. The fund will help me travel with ease as I will be able to get taxis and buses to shops, my classes and places I need to go to carry out my assignments. I am also going to be able to buy nice food for myself and take care of my needs without stress during Christmas time. I am very grateful! ”

“I am in my final year of a BEng in Computer Science at Queen's University Belfast. I think it's great that the PST have this bursary available to support children of prison officers. This bursary will help me with day-to-day expenses while studying such as food, rent etc. As well as study materials such as stationery and textbooks. ”

“I am writing to thank you for the bursary that will help fund my study of biomedical science at Queen’s University. I was overjoyed to learn that I had received the bursary as it will allow me to purchase new computer equipment to learn and attend University during these strange and challenging times, with almost everything being online through various platforms where a computer is a necessity. The bursary has also allowed me to purchase new books necessary for my course.”

“I am currently in my final year of mental health nursing. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been astronomical on my studies, clinical practice and personal life. I would like to thank the PST for this bursary which will be going towards my accommodation but also my parents who have supported me from the beginning. ”

“I was surprised and delighted to be selected for the Mable Hempton bursary. I am currently in my fourth year of study working towards my Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ulster. The generosity and support received from the PST is of great help and encouragement as I proceed with my studies in the forth coming year. Thank you for your kindness and I wish you all a safe & happy new year ”