Having experienced the impact of learner support first-hand, Biomedical Science student Louisa Healey now helps others access the same opportunities through her role as an Academic Support Worker with The Learning Support Centre (LSC). Driven by her passion for inclusive education, Louisa is committed to removing barriers and empowering students to thrive at university.
Louisa’s role is varied, but every aspect of her work has the same goal: helping students access university life on an equal footing.
As a Support Worker, she provides assistance in practical laboratory sessions, note-taking support during lectures and mobility support for wheelchair users navigating campus. With a background in Biomedical Science, Louisa is able to bring subject-specific knowledge into her work, particularly when supporting students in science-based courses.
“My role is quite varied, but the thread running through all of it is removing barriers that would otherwise stop someone from fully being a student and experiencing university how everyone else does.”
Whether she is supporting a student in a laboratory environment, taking notes during a lecture or helping someone access a classroom, Louisa sees her role as creating opportunities for students to focus on learning rather than the obstacles standing in their way.
Louisa’s path into learner support was shaped by her own experiences as a student.
After receiving support through The Learning Support Centre herself following an ADHD diagnosis, she said:
“I have a first-hand understanding of what a difference the right support can make for someone at university, and equally how isolating it can feel when the support isn’t there.”
Encouraged by her own mentor, Louisa realised she had the qualities needed to support others and was inspired to apply for a role with LSC.
What started as a job opportunity soon became something much more meaningful.
“When I looked into the role, it just felt like a natural fit for me. I was excited about it rather than just getting a job alongside university to make money.”
Throughout our conversation, Louisa highlighted how small changes can have a significant impact on a student’s experience.
From accessible facilities that aren’t functioning properly to the extra mental energy required to navigate lectures, assessments and campus life, she has seen how seemingly minor barriers can quickly become major challenges.
“These are the little things that make a huge difference to someone’s day.”
Her experiences supporting wheelchair users and neurodivergent students have reinforced the importance of paying attention to details that others may overlook.
For Louisa, inclusion is not only about awareness. It is about taking action and creating environments where students can participate fully and confidently.
Many of the support roles Louisa undertakes happen quietly in the background.
As a note taker, she may not always have lengthy conversations with the students she supports, but she knows the impact her work can have.
“I know the mental energy that goes into being in a one-hour lecture, processing everything, staying regulated and keeping up with what’s being said. Being able to take that one thing off someone’s plate is bigger than it might look from the outside.”
She describes herself as a “silent cheerleader” – someone working behind the scenes to help students succeed without drawing attention to the support itself.
This discreet approach can be particularly valuable for students who may feel self-conscious about receiving support and prefer assistance that allows them to participate naturally alongside their peers.
What makes Louisa’s perspective unique is that she has experienced learner support from both sides.
As a student, she continues to benefit from regular mentoring sessions that provide guidance, accountability and a trusted space to talk through challenges.
“It’s really nice having that point of contact. Someone you can genuinely vent to who will help you move forward from a situation.”
Having experienced the value of that support herself, she brings empathy and understanding into every student interaction.
She understands that success at university is not always about academic ability. Sometimes, it is about having the right support network around you.
When asked what sets The Learning Support Centre apart, Louisa didn’t hesitate.
“What stands out to me is that inclusivity here isn’t just a policy on paper.”
Having experienced LSC as both a student and a support worker, she believes the organisation’s values are reflected in everyday practice.
“There’s a real effort to understand the whole person and not just the academic challenge in front of them.”
For Louisa, one of the most important aspects of LSC’s approach is recognising that university life involves much more than coursework and assessments. Students bring unique experiences, strengths and challenges, and effective support considers all of these factors.
Of all LSC’s values, the one that resonates most strongly with Louisa is Empowering.
“I’m not doing things for people in a way that creates dependency. I’m removing barriers that would otherwise stop them from doing it themselves.”
She believes there is an important difference between simply accommodating someone and enabling them to succeed.
“There’s a big difference between being managed and being enabled.”
Whether she is taking notes, supporting practical sessions or helping students access campus facilities, her focus remains on helping learners build confidence and independence.
When asked what advice she would give to someone entering the field of learner support, Louisa’s answer centred on empathy.
“I really try to put myself in other people’s shoes.”
She explained that while shared experiences can be valuable, every student’s needs are different. The most effective support comes from listening, learning and understanding each individual’s circumstances.
“Putting yourself in someone’s shoes and asking what you would want someone to consider about you in that situation makes a huge difference.”
It is a simple philosophy, but one that perfectly reflects the inclusive and person-centred approach at the heart of her work.
Louisa’s passion for inclusive education shines through in every aspect of her role. Drawing on both her professional and personal experiences, she helps students overcome barriers, build confidence and fully engage with university life.
Her story is a reminder that meaningful support is often found in the small actions, thoughtful adjustments and genuine understanding that make students feel seen, valued and empowered.
👥 Want to meet more of the People of LSC?
Read more NMH support staff stories →