Mourant announces winner of 2020 Jersey Psychology bursary

Mourant has announced the winner of its annual Psychology essay writing competition, which this year placed a specific spotlight on how to achieve and maintain positive mental health, influenced by the wide-ranging impact of the pandemic.

Now in its third year, the 2020 Mourant Psychology Essay Competition received a record number of entries from year 13 students in Jersey studying Psychology either at A Level or through the International Baccalaureate. The competition challenges students to write a 1000 word essay on a topic relating to mental health in psychology.

The winner, Elizabeth Binet from Jersey College for Girls, impressed the judges with her thoughtful and well evidenced essay that explored the positive effect of exercise for reducing depressive signs and symptoms in children. Elizabeth talks about her inspiration for this subject and how she plans to use the awarded £350 bursary and £200 cash prize in a celebratory video produced by two Jersey students.

Mourant Partner and supporter of the initiative, Sarah Huelin, said: "With the consequences of the pandemic shining a spotlight on the importance of caring for our mental health, the focus on positive mental health for this year's competition was particularly relevant.

"The topics debated were both fascinating and thought provoking and we congratulate Elizabeth and runners up, Mary and Joshua, on their achievement and engaging in the dialogue on this important issue. As an employer, we're committed to supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of our people and the wider community. This competition provides an excellent platform to encourage young people in Jersey to consider, talk openly and share their thoughts on mental health."

Second place in the competition was awarded to Mary Bichard from Hautlieu School for her essay that considered the extent that stigma and help-seeking behaviour is a barrier for university students in looking after their mental health and third place was awarded to Joshua Ashworth from Victoria College who explored the positive impact of intergenerational practice on elderly people’s mental health in care homes.

The competition entries were judged anonymously by Rachel Baxter - Senior Adviser, Standards and Achievement CYPES, Dr Michelle Vaughan - Principal Educational Psychologist and Service Manager for Psychology & Wellbeing and Carli Garraghan - Chartered Forensic Psychologist, Jersey Prison Service.

Head of Psychology at Hautlieu School, Adrian Moss and competition co-ordinator, said: "We're delighted to have received a record number of entries this year across a broader number of schools. It's a real testament to an increased interest in the subject of psychology and the issue of mental health, particularly during these unprecedented times.

"This competition enables students to think independently, demonstrate an extension of their knowledge of Psychology in the area of mental health and also grow in personal ability and confidence. I'm therefore grateful for the continued support from Mourant in opening up the dialogue on this important subject."

This year, in the absence of being able to host a formal awards presentation due to social distancing restrictions, a video celebrating this year's Mourant Psychology Essay Competition has been produced by two Hautlieu media and photography students, Madeline Jule and Micah De Gruchy. To hear what the event organisers, the judges and winner Elizabeth Binet had to say about this year's competition, view the video below.

To read the winning essay by first prize winner, Elizabeth Binet, click here.