The Wheatley Foundation, Wheatley Group’s charitable trust, helps people living in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities attend university or college.
Emma Reed, a DGHP tenant from Lockerbie, is one of those – and she is coming to the end of her first year of a BSc in adult nursing.
The mum-of-one said: “I’ve always wanted to help people. I worked in retail for ten years, but I was made redundant and that spurred me on to change career.
“The bursary has been invaluable. I was able to buy a new laptop which I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. It also helped with the cost of text books and travel. I’m learning to drive, as public transport isn’t always available at the end of a 12-hour shift.
“Most importantly, it’s taken away a lot of financial worry and means I can spend more of my spare time with my son Jack instead of having to take on extra part-time work.”
Since the programme was launched in 2017, Wheatley has awarded 276 bursaries, worth up to £1500 each.
The bursaries are available to people living in homes owned by one of Wheatley’s social landlords, including DGHP.
Chairman of Wheatley Foundation, Professor Paddy Gray OBE, said: “The scheme has enabled hundreds of people to go on to further education for the first time and get the qualifications they need to find a job.”
Applications are open until June 30 – for more information, and to apply, email [email protected]
