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Higher Education - Social Care (Children & Adults) and Counselling


Meet the team

  • Sam Lloyd-Parry- lecturer in FDA Children, Young People and Society, BA (Hons) Social Care Studies.

    “I am a qualified nurse, midwife and health visitor. I went to  university as a mature student and attended Cardiff School of Art and Design, graduating with a  degree in Interior Architecture.I joined the college and completed my PGCE teaching qualification.

    I was bitten by the studying bug and completed a MA in Professional Education, Development and Training, followed by a PhD in Education.The best thing about my job is seeing students develop confidence in their own abilities, and achieving things that they were not sure were possible! We have small groups and a friendly, supportive approach.”

  • Jane Spencer- lecturer in BA and Foundation Degree Social Care Studies

    "I have been a  lecturer on the BA and Foundation Degree Social Care Studies courses for the last 10 years. Before joining the college, I worked in the social care sector. I started as a support worker in a care setting before moving on to qualifying as a social worker. 

    I have seen so many students who have benefited from achieving both the Foundation Degree and BA, and gone on to study further in social work, nursing, teaching, social care management and probation. I believe very strongly that studying a university degree with Coleg Sir Gâr is a positive choice which can make a big difference. We offer a degree close to home in a really friendly environment!.”

  • Karen James- Programme Director and lecturer in FdA and BA(Hons) Social Care Studies

    “I am a qualified mental health social worker. In 2008 I started my PGCE with the University of Wales and started working for the college at the same time  (I’d also just had a baby so I really understand the juggling that adult learners need to do when returning to education!) I started working in social care 30 years ago and have had many different roles! My main passion is mental health,  complex needs and behaviours that challenge!

    For the last 15 years I have seen people achieve things they never thought were possible. Adults who had been out of education for a really long time coming back to study and gain degrees! But, it’s not just about the qualification. It’s about gaining confidence, self-belief and realising their own potential. Many had negative experiences in school and were not given the right opportunities and they gained a chance to show that they can do it!”

  • Nicky Abraham- Programme Director and lecturer in Children, Young People and Society.

    “I have a BSc. in Sociology from the University of Bath and a PGCE in Education. I am currently reading for a Masters Degree in Education and can certainly empathise with students that are juggling work, family life and studying. I have lectured in Higher Education for several years and prior to this, taught as a primary teacher in both Swansea and Carmarthenshire . 

    From my experience, whether you are continuing studies or returning to education after some time, all students find the experience of studying higher education at Coleg Sir Gâr highly rewarding. I enjoy supporting students to develop their skills and discover talents they never knew they had! Higher education opens doors to new career choices and the experience of studying at this level gives students the confidence to go on to do other things. "

  • Helen Ryan- lecturer for the FDA in Children, Young People and Society and FDA in Social Care Studies

    “I have a Degree in Social Care Studies and am currently doing a Masters in Childhood Studies. I have a passion for teaching and find it very rewarding. I have dyslexia and use this as a strength rather than a barrier to teaching. From my experience, whether you are continuing studies or returning to education after some time, all students find the experience of studying higher education at  Coleg Sir Gâr  highly rewarding. 

    I enjoy supporting students to develop their skills and discover talents they never knew they had. Higher education opens doors to new career choices and the experience of studying at this level gives students the confidence to go on to do other things. We value our students’ experience and endeavour to break down any learning barriers that students may have on starting the course."

  • Nicola Williams- part time lecturer in FDA Children, Young People and Society

    “I worked as a Nursery Nurse for 3 years while my children were young and as they got older I decided to return to education . I enrolled on the Access to education course in  Coleg Sir Gâr which then led to me completing my B.A in Early Education. After graduating with a 2:1 I was lucky enough to gain employment in Coleg Sir Gar and do my PGCE to allow me to teach in the college.

    I am a great believer in the power of higher education as I have experienced it first hand. It allowed me to gain confidence in my own ability and improved my future employment prospects. It’s an amazing feeling to now support students on their academic journey and watch them move into new and exciting careers.”

    Inspiring Learners

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    Get in Touch

    Graig Campus
    Sandy Road
    Pwll
    SA15 4DN
    01554 748000
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    Coleg Sir Gar is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 08539630 and is a registered charity No. 1152522. 
    The registered office is at The Graig Campus, Sandy Road, Pwll, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4DN