NTU has received the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award – in recognition of the commitment towards continuous improvement in the area of mental health and wellbeing.
Created by Student Minds, the UK’s student mental health charity, the UMHC Award Panel Assessment team commended NTU on its “strong working relationship with local NHS services, and the excellent work of the Student Voice Committee”.
It also recognised NTU’s staff training, the ongoing inclusion of students in change processes and the variety of checklists and frameworks in place to support the University community.
Steve Denton, Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham Trent University said: “I am delighted that our extensive mental health and wellbeing support for our students and staff has been recognised through the award of the Mental Health Charter. I am particularly pleased that Student Minds acknowledged the close collaboration and engagement with our students and our NHS partners in the design and delivery of mental health and wellbeing support.”
NTU first started on the path to achieve a UMHC Award back in 2021 and was one of the first members to join the programme. It is still only part of the third cohort to seek out and qualify for an UMHC Award.
Following the recent success of the Netflix drama, Adolescence, Masculinities Scholar and Senior Lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dr Ashley Morgan discusses masculine toxicity.
Ashley said: “The rise of the ‘manosphere’ in the 2020s marked a significant cultural shift. What began as fringe online forums has evolved into a widespread network of influencers, podcasts and social media personalities promoting hyper-masculine ideals, often under the guise of self-improvement or so-called ‘male empowerment’.
“As these narratives gain traction among impressionable young audiences, particularly boys and adolescents, the lines between confidence and aggression, mentorship and manipulation, have become increasingly blurred. This raises urgent questions about the impact of digital culture on male identity and emotional development.”
What is masculine toxicity? Is it new? What are the signs? Was Adolescence a catalyst for conversation and reminder of society’s responsibility to protect young boys from harmful online content?
Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Head Coach of Women’s Rugby, Lisa Newton, has been crowned British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Coach of the Year after a season that redefined excellence within the University’s rugby programme.
Under Newton’s leadership, the Cardiff Met women’s team surged to victory in the BUCS Women’s Super Rugby Championship, securing the coveted title of national champions. Her player-centred approach has also guided several squad members into the international arena, with several students winning caps for their country – underscoring her ability to nurture talent for the highest levels of the game.
Beyond match day triumphs, Newton is known for her commitment to athlete welfare and education. She has been instrumental in advancing understanding of women’s health across Cardiff Met Sport, ensuring players receive holistic support both on and off the field.
Michael Peacock, Head of Performance Services at Cardiff Met, praised Newton’s impact, saying: “Lisa exemplifies what high-level coaching and leadership should look like; driven, empathetic, and deeply committed to the development of the whole athlete.
“She has demonstrated genuine humility and vulnerability in her development of both herself and the environment. Her ability to lead with both excellence and care has been transformational for our women’s rugby programme and the wider performance environment at Cardiff Met.”
Lisa Newton’s influence now extends well beyond silverware – she is shaping a stronger, more empowered rugby community at Cardiff Metropolitan University, one that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
A mature student has achieved first-class honours at Cardiff Metropolitan University and secured national recognition as an ’Undergraduate of the Year’ finalist.
Warren Abraham, 52, made the decision to retrain as a teacher following the death of his wife during the Covid-19 pandemic, having previously worked as a teaching assistant. Determined to build a new future for himself and his young son, he enrolled at Cardiff Met and quickly stood out for his academic strength and resilience.
Throughout his time at Cardiff Met, Warren immersed himself in opportunities to develop professionally and connect with peers, including mentoring younger students. As a mature student with real-world experience, he became a positive role model within Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy – earning the nickname of ‘Dad’ among his cohort.
He was also recognised in the highly competitive Undergraduate of the Year Awards, where he was shortlisted from over 5,000 applicants across the UK in the ‘career changer’ category. The Undergraduate of the Year Awards is run by Target Jobs and rewards the best students in the UK.
The Career Changer award celebrates individuals who have made significant shifts in their careers and demonstrated excellence and determination in the face of challenges. As part of the finalist event, Warren had the opportunity to meet other shortlisted students and public figures, including Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea.
As part of his final year at the University, Warren won a first-class grade for his final project exploring the experiences of left-handed children in education. Drawing from his own observations and personal interests, he investigated the often-overlooked challenges that left-handed pupils face in classroom environments predominantly designed for right-handed learners.
Warren credits his academic success to the support of his late wife’s family, who have played an essential role in helping him raise his son. Their help with childcare and tuition finance allowed him the time and peace of mind to focus on his studies.
Now preparing to enter the classroom as a fully qualified teacher, Warren is particularly drawn to working with upper Key Stage 2, year groups he finds both challenging and deeply rewarding. He explained: “With older pupils – especially in Years 4, 5, and 6 – you really have to earn their engagement. They’re beginning to form their own ideas and test boundaries, so building that connection takes effort, but that challenge is what makes it so rewarding. I’m excited by the opportunity to make a lasting impact at such a crucial stage, just as they’re preparing for the big leap to secondary school. It’s a pivotal time in their lives, and I want to be someone who helps them navigate it with confidence.”
Crossing the Wales Millennium Centre stage at Cardiff Met’s graduation ceremony in July, Warren looks forward to being joined by his son and parents-in-law for the big day.
A mature student who was diagnosed with dyslexia during her degree and overcame a number of personal setbacks is graduating from Cardiff Metropolitan University this week.
Having worked as a hairdresser since leaving school at 16, Kelly Bichard, from Barry, went back to university in 2021 to study BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Cardiff Met after some personal health conditions inspired her to change career.
Kelly, now 44, said: “At the age of 30, I underwent a hysterectomy. It was during this time and after visiting a private nutritionist to see what I could do to make my own lifestyle healthier, that I became really interested in working in healthcare. I wanted to be able to give something back and make a difference.”
During her second year of university and at the age of 42, Kelly was diagnosed with dyslexia – a learning difficulty that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling.
“My dyslexia was never picked up at school and I never noticed it as I managed to do well in my GCSEs – I think I found coping strategies on my own. It wasn’t until I came to university that I noticed I was different to other people on my course. I would procrastinate on coursework, try to start the work but be unable to get the words down on paper, and everything seemed to take me so much longer.
“It felt like a relief to be diagnosed with dyslexia. I have had so much support from student services at Cardiff Met who arranged for an in-person test to place which took around two hours and consisted of a number of small tests which then confirmed my diagnoses. The test was also funded by the University. I now have some great coping strategies that I didn’t have before – there is so much support available.”
Kelly was also forced to take a break from the degree in her final year in 2024 and is graduating a year later than planned, due to ill health in her family affecting her anxiety, returning in 2025 to complete the final semester of her course.
Ali Birrane, Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Kelly has been a joy to teach. Her hard work, dedication and persistence to complete the course, despite having multiple challenges, and obstacles to overcome throughout the degree are testament to her character.”
Kelly says she is now keen to find a hospital-based role and credits the three clinical placements during her degree for helping her to decide to secure a role in an acute environment.
Kelly added: “I have really enjoyed the course. And the clinical placements have been a great way to experience a real case load in a hospital and get a good understanding of what life in the profession will be like once you graduate. By the end of the clinical placements, you feel a real sense of responsibility.
“To other students thinking of going back to university, or who may be wondering if they can do it – I would say that you can. Even though certain parts can be stressful, there is great support available, and anyone can do it if you really put you mind to it!”
A new report reveals how internet memes have become powerful tools in the global fight against information disorder during the war in Ukraine.
The Complex Web in Memetic Warfare, by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the UK and Aarhus University in Denmark, explores the role of the North Atlantic Fella Organization (NAFO) – a grassroots online movement using humour, satire, and visual storytelling as a form of civic resistance.
NAFO emerged in May 2022 as a volunteer-driven network supporting Ukraine, with members signalling their belonging with the use of a Shiba Inu avatar. Operating primarily online and without central leadership, NAFO has grown into a global movement – engaging thousands of individuals worldwide in what members describe as “digital volunteering.”
Their activities include countering Russian propaganda, fact-checking misinformation, reporting online accounts and posts, fundraising, and boosting public morale through memes.
The report, funded by the British Academy and Leverhulme Trust, draws on a global study which featured a survey of 255 NAFO and affiliated participants, 39 in-depth interviews, and extensive digital content analysis.
Findings show that memes are not just for entertainment, but are being used to shape public conversation, mobilise international support, and challenge disinformation. NAFO’s use of humour has proven especially effective in reaching disengaged audiences, raising awareness about false information through coordinated actions, and flipping the dynamics of online debate.
Participants also reported improved digital literacy, becoming more skilled at identifying false narratives and navigating complex online environments.
The research also looked at the motivations of the group members for engaging in political warfare, finding that it lay deeply rooted in personal values, emotional responses, and a shared commitment to civic resistance. Members also described feeling anger, frustration, and helplessness after Russia’s invasion and, for many, NAFO offered a tangible way to channel these feelings into meaningful action.
For many Ukrainians, seeing meme-based support from around the world provides emotional and psychological reassurance, reinforcing a sense of global solidarity.
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However, the report also highlights ethical concerns around the use of graphic imagery. While some participants believe such content is necessary to expose the realities of war, others view it as potentially harmful. Despite differing views, there is a shared understanding of the need for a moral code in digital activism.
“Russia has weaponised memes as part of a broader strategy of offensive information warfare – using troll farms, state-controlled media, and AI-generated content to spread false and misleading information as part of their strategy to sow confusion,” explained Dr Tine Munk, lead researcher and Senior Lecturer in Criminology at NTU’s School of Social Sciences.
“In contrast, Ukraine has embraced humour as a defensive tool. The government, civil society, and online influencers use memes to reach wider audiences, lift public morale, and discredit Russian propaganda by making it appear absurd and untrustworthy.”
Dr Ian Mahoney, co-author and NTU Senior Lecturer in Criminology, added: “NAFO’s community efforts blur the lines between activism, advocacy, and online subculture. Memes are becoming a form of soft power in warfare – no longer fleeting internet jokes, but tools with real-world consequences and political impact.”
To better understand and respond to the growing influence of memes in shaping public opinion, researchers and governments are encouraged to invest in tools that can trace how memes spread and influence audiences.
The report recommends further exploration of how memes can be used as positive forces in digital activism, especially in conflict and war zones where information is often distorted. NAFO’s success in using memes to support democratic values and counter disinformation highlights the potential of such strategies to engage the public and reduce political apathy. Governments can learn from this to better connect with citizens and promote civic participation.
The report also calls for stronger media literacy efforts and clearer ethical guidelines for using memes, especially as AI-generated content becomes harder to detect. Social media platforms should improve content moderation by combining AI tools with professional oversight and user reporting systems. Features like content blurring, autoplay controls, and graphic content filters should be strengthened to give users more control and reduce harm.
Ultimately, a coordinated approach involving researchers, governments, platforms, and civil society is recommended to ensure memes are used responsibly and effectively in the digital age.
A team of biophilia experts have developed a ‘green’ office with more than 20 plants and a green wall in order to monitor whether, and in what ways, people working among greenery develop improved health.
Participants will have their heart rate and blood pressure monitored while working in the green office, and this will be compared to their measurements while working in a separate office space which features no plants.
The project is led by Professor Emeritus Derek Clements-Croome, who is also a visiting professor at NTU from University of Reading, with Dr Yangang Xing, an associate professor at NTU, and Dr Tatsuya Matsuoka, a visiting scholar at NTU from Shimizu, Japan.
Dr Matsuoka said: “While it’s commonly believed that being surrounded by nature is good for your health and wellbeing, we’re keen to design a methodology which can prove whether or not this is the case in an office environment.
“When you consider how many people work in offices around the world – whether onsite or from a home office – the implications for people’s wellbeing could be considerable.
“And with increasing interest in healthier work environments, our findings could help shape how offices of the future are designed and maintained for long-term health benefits.”
The study is taking place until December this year and will result in published research which will be open for the public to read free of charge.
The chosen plants are selected based on related research carried out by the North American Space Agency (NASA) for their air-filtering abilities, primarily for their capacity to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
They include tall plants such as the kentia palm, barrier plants like the sansevieria, as well as snake plants, monsteras, the Dracaena Janet Craig and more.
A series of short tests of 30 minutes per participant will take place this summer before 24 hour tests will take place later in the year for a more detailed analysis.
Participants will wear Google Fitbit 6s to monitor their blood pressure and heart rate and be asked a series of questions about their experience of working in both environments.
Their wellbeing outside of the office, including quality of sleep, will also be monitored as part of the later study.
Dr Matsuoka is working at NTU for a period of 12 months before he returns to the Institute of Technology at Shimizu Corporation in Japan.
The plant scaping was done in collaboration with the Benholm Group, a company in Falkirk which specialises in interior plant scaping to support biophilic design.
Research supervisor Professor Clements-Croome said: “We are connected to nature and it affects us deeply in many ways physically and mentally. At a fundamental level, nature makes an impact on the brain and hence decision-making.”
Research supervisor Dr Yangang Xing, of NTU’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, said: “Biophilic design may not only support employee wellbeing but could also enhance productivity and job satisfaction over time.
“We hope that this study will pave the way for further international collaborative research into optimising inclusive biophilic design and will inform better designed work places to support human health, well-being, and contribute to one-planet health over time.”
Cardiff Metropolitan University has been ranked as the top university in Wales for employability once again.
The latest Graduate Outcomes survey, released today, shows 94.4 per cent of Cardiff Met graduates are in some form of work or further study 15 months after graduating.
This places Cardiff Met first in Wales, ahead of Swansea University with 94.1 per cent and Cardiff University with 93.6 per cent. Cardiff Met also topped the Graduate Outcomes survey results in 2024.
The Graduate Outcomes survey is an annual survey sent to all Higher Education leavers in the UK 15 months after they finish their studies. Owned and operated by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency, it’s the UK’s biggest annual social survey and captures the perspectives and current status of recent graduates.
Professor Julia Longville, Dean of Teaching and Learning at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “These are really pleasing results for Cardiff Met. It’s fantastic to see so many of our students, 74.8% in total, progressing into graduate level employment or further study which is an increase compared to last year despite a challenging labour market.
“As we are celebrating graduation this week, watching our students cross the stage, knowing that many of them are heading into fulfilling careers, it is incredibly rewarding. These results truly reflect the hard work of our students and staff, and it’s great to see it all pay off.”
61% of Cardiff Met graduates also remain in Wales to work, and the vast majority of these are in the Cardiff Capital Region, demonstrating the positive impact the University’s graduates have on the local economy. Outside Wales, Bristol and London are the next most popular destinations for Cardiff Met graduates to find employment.
Originally from Newport, Matt left school at 14 without any GCSEs and found himself living in a bedsit funded by social services.
However, it was during a daily walk to the YMCA – while unemployed at the age of 16 – when Matt saw an Army recruitment advertisement that inspired him to enlist, marking a pivotal turning point in his life.
Matt, 43, is now Founder and CEO of Rebel Lion Advertising and Marketing, based in Cardiff with offices in London, Manchester and New York City. The company works with high profile clients including the Football Association of Wales, Britvic, London Palladium and Marshall Arts Entertainment. Red Lion achieved a seven figure turnover in year two.
Having held senior positions in the UK advertising industry, Matt founded his first creative advertising agency, S3 Advertising, in 2011, which he grew into a multimillion pound national business that was later sold through a management buyout.
Matt has highlighted how the pivotal Army recruitment advert showed him first-hand the impact communications can have and how it was his inspiration to go into advertising.
On receiving the Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Matt said: “To be honoured by Cardiff Met in this way means more than I can explain. I didn’t finish school. I didn’t go to university. I came from care, joined the Army, and built my life through resilience, mistakes and discipline.
“This Fellowship isn’t just for me, it’s for every young person who’s been told they won’t make it. You don’t need a perfect past to build a powerful future. You just have to keep showing up.”
In 2021, Matt’s entrepreneurial flair also saw him appear on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, where he secured investment for and raised the profile of his skincare brand, MESOA. His appearance on the show also gave him the opportunity to discuss male mental health, having struggled himself over the years.
In his first business, S3, Matt launched the S3 Academy which partnered with Welsh universities to give students work experience and develop their skills in a real-world setting. Around 300 graduates went through the academy over four years, with more than 10% of these securing permanent jobs with his company. So far, Matt has employed over 100 people in Wales, 50% of these originally started at his academies.
During the graduation ceremony at Wales Millennium Centre, Matt gave an inspirational speech to students from the School of Management: “As I stand in front of you today, not as someone who had it easy, but as someone who earned this moment, I say this to every graduate. You are enough. You are ready. No one gets to define your limits but you. There is no perfect route. There is only the route you build. Lead with your heart. Lead with your fire. Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose yourself. And whatever stands in your way, face it.”
Matt has won multiple national awards, including the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Creative Industry in 2017, 2018 and 2019 plus industry awards issued by The Drum and the RAR Digital Awards.
Professor David Brooksbank, Senior Dean of Cardiff School of Management said: ”Having faced a challenging start in life, Matt exemplifies what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He has made a significant impact on the Welsh business community, building an outstanding commercial track record as a serial entrepreneur leading multimillion pound organisations.
“Matt is deeply passionate about developing people and inspiring younger generations to thrive, regardless of their background. It is a great honour to present Matt with an Honorary Fellowship, and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Alongside his business success, Matt has been awarded industry fellowships with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). He has also been accepted into The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as a Chartered Companion.
Now living with his family in the Vale of Glamorgan, Matt enjoys supporting causes which align with his values; including a year volunteering for the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association as Director of Communications and a partnership between his brand, MESOA Skincare and Brotectors, helping to break the stigma around men’s mental health.
This week, students from Cardiff Metropolitan University will graduate at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Over 3,200 students from more than 90 countries will attend the July graduation ceremonies which take place from Monday 14 July to Thursday 17 July.
Professor Rachael Langford, Cardiff Met’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “Graduation week is a standout moment in our University calendar – a special time to celebrate the achievements of our students. It’s a chance for us to warmly welcome graduates, along with their families, friends and supporters who have been by their side throughout their academic journey.
“On behalf of the entire University community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone graduating this week. Your success is the result of years of dedication and perseverance, and we are extremely proud. As you step into this exciting new chapter, we wish you every success and look forward to welcoming you into the Cardiff Met alumni family.”
Cardiff Met’s July graduation ceremonies see undergraduate and postgraduate students from the UK and overseas, and from all five academic Schools (School of Art & Design, School of Education & Social Policy, School of Management, School of Sport & Health Sciences, and the School of Technologies) graduate with degrees and awards from the University’s 299 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes of study.
