BGU Counselling student recognised in award

This year will see the first cohort of students graduate from the Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) BA (Hons) Counselling degree programme. All of these students have undoubtedly done extremely well, but one student out of this group has shone through - not just in her academic work, but with her level of resilience. Naomi Dimberline has, throughout her four years at BGU, faced some personal challenges that would be incomprehensible to most of us. Those who have worked with Naomi during her time here, know that her determination and strength of character has been unshakable.

As a department, they decided to create an award in recognition of this achievement making Naomi the first recipient of the ‘Frankl Award.’

The award is named after Viktor Frankl, who was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor. His book ‘Man's Search for Meaning’ details his experiences in a Nazi concentration camp and describes his belief that finding purpose is essential for psychological health. His ideas have influenced psychotherapy and existential philosophy; focusing on the emphasis of resilience, hope and the human capacity to find meaning in life's most challenging moments. Naomi has been dedicated to her newfound purpose and the resilience to see it through.