Journalism student honoured for charity work
An aspiring journalist who interns on a hyperlocal news website has been honoured for her work with a homeless charity.
Sophie Swain, a student at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, was named student volunteer of the year at UCLAN’s Volunteering and Community Leadership Awards 2024.
Second-year journalism student Sophie is also a community intern at Blog Preston.
Sophie’s award was for her work with homelessness charity Emmaus as a social media volunteer.
She first started in January 2023 and has since helped the charity gain increasing attention in the fashion and furniture on sale in the charity’s three shops in the city — growing the charity’s TikTok following by 563% in the last 12 weeks alone.
Ed Walker, founder and co-editor of Blog Preston, said: “It’s no surprise to us to see Sophie recognised for her commitment and talent.
“She’s quickly become an important part of our team and has all the attributes of a great local news reporter.
“Able to empathise, quickly spot a story and dig into what’s happening.”
