Edinburgh Leisure is celebrating one of its own as Josh Ward, Swim Teacher at its iconic Leith Victoria Swim Centre, scooped the Rising Star Award at the recent Scottish Leisure Network Group Awards.
The Scottish Leisure Network Group (SLNG) is a not-for-profit organisation for leisure and sport providers in Scotland. Founded in 2003, its purpose is to help members, such as local authority leisure trusts and university sports departments, share best practices, provide industry guidance, and develop benchmarking processes.
Josh’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Starting out on Edinburgh Leisure’s Positive Destinations programme – an employability initiative supporting young people from deprived areas – Josh faced significant challenges. Surrounded by negative influences and lacking financial support, his future could have taken a very different path.
Instead, Josh embraced the programme, earned his lifeguard qualification, and began his career as a Leisure Attendant.
Recognising the need to create a positive environment for himself, Josh made the brave decision to transfer to a venue further afield, away from peer pressure. That move marked a turning point.
With encouragement from his manager, Josh trained as a Swim Teacher, gaining his Scottish Swimming Teaching Qualification. Two years on, he’s not only thriving but inspiring others.
“Josh is a fantastic role model for our team and for the young people who come through our programmes,” said Louise Bathgate, Manager at Leith Victoria, who nominated him for the award.
“His journey shows what’s possible when someone is given the right support and opportunities. He’s passionate, committed, and always goes the extra mile for his swimmers and colleagues.
“Josh’s approach to swim teaching reflects the values of our organisation, creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality experiences for all his participants. He is known for building strong relationships with children and adapting his teaching style to meet individual needs.
“He has played a key role in supporting both participants and less experienced staff, particularly through our Care-Experienced and Active Communities programmes. His patience and ability to connect with others make him a trusted and respected member within his team.”
One customer commented said “Josh is doing a great job running the Skills & Development and Master’s swim classes. He’s always friendly, encouraging, and brings great sets for us to swim. His feedback on technique has significantly improved my swim times.”
Josh’s success comes as sportscotland celebrates Role Models in Sport this December, highlighting individuals who inspire others to get active and achieve their potential. Josh embodies that spirit – from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted and respected Swim Teacher who makes a real difference in his community, said Jack Martin, Coaching Workforce Manager at Edinburgh Leisure.
Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of career pathways, from entry-level roles to specialist coaching and teaching positions. Josh’s story is a powerful reminder that a career in leisure isn’t just a job – it can be life-changing.
Find out more about careers with Edinburgh Leisure at:
A mental health campaigner who devoted his career to helping men through difficult times has been named among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) Alumni Awards.
Ian Hounsome (above), who completed both an undergraduate degree and PhD at ENU, has been recognised with the Impact Award for his work with the charity Andy’s Man Club.
Formed in 2016 in honour of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at the age of 23, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide network of support groups for men to speak about their mental health.
Ian first attended a meeting in 2021 after fleeing an abusive relationship. He went on to volunteer for the charity, and is now area lead for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders.
Ian said: “I first came to Andy’s Man Club because I needed help. I was living in a one-bedroom homeless hostel with my teenage daughter and surviving off foodbanks. I was feeling very low.
“I had heard there was a group in Edinburgh for men to talk. I had no idea what it was called but I thought I’d go and have a look from the outside on the way to the pub to drown my sorrows.
“I showed up week after week and began to open up about my problems, and I realised that I was not alone. Understanding that other men have problems really helped me.
“I’m in a much better place now. I’m now clean and sober and have permanent housing with my daughter and we both work full time.”
Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus is now one of dozens of venues that host Andy’s Man Club meetings every Monday evening. It provides men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.
The selection panel for the ENU Alumni Awards praised Andy’s willingness to inspire others through his own vulnerability and his efforts to break down social stigmas.
Ian added: “I’m humbled winning this award, but it’s also validating.I sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, but this shows that I am doing the right thing.
“However, from an Andy’s Man Club point of view, we’re rewarded every time a new guy shows up to a club. When someone turns up and it means they might not take their own life, that’s the best accolade.”
Ian will be presented with his award alongside fellow Alumni Award winners during a ceremony at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 6 November 2025.
Excellence Awards
The 2025 Alumni Awards will also recognise five leading Edinburgh Napier University graduates across fields such as biotechnology, product design and computer science – with each receiving an Excellence Awards.
Angela Scott was part of the history-making team that cloned Dolly the Sheep. Since graduating from ENU in 1992, she has worked on key stem cell projects, including cancer research and stroke treatment, and co-founded TC Biopharm.
Angela said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award because my time at Edinburgh Napier had a big impact. It was a stepping stone to a change in career path that allowed me to do so much more.”
Swapping Merchiston for Hollywood, Product Design alumni Jack Lennie has forged an impressive career in special effects working on a long list of blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and Wonder Woman.
Alongside his wife and fellow ENU alumnus Kate, he also produces the popular We Are Makers magazine and podcast.
Jack said: “It’s really cool because my wife nominated me without me knowing. I tell people all the time to stop and take stock of all the cool things you’ve done, but I have never done it myself until now.”
Ogochukwu Okoye is a kidney disease expert who completed her PhD at ENU in 2024 – and is now a Visiting Professor. She is the founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to support people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.
Ogochukwu said: “My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact.
“It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding.”
Advocate Bilaal Shabbir has achieved notable professional success since graduating from ENU in 2018.
After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023 – and is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket and padel.
Bilaal said: “It feels indescribably special because it’s a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”
Computing science teacher Toni Scullion used her passion for encouraging more girls into the subject to set up award-winning charity dressCode.
She is also co-founder of the Ada Scotland Festival, which champions gender balance in tech and computing.
Toni said: “I’m so overwhelmed. I left Edinburgh Napier with more than a degree – it changed the trajectory of my life.
“The University played such a big part in my journey and receiving this award feels like everything has come full circle.”
Rising Star Award
André Agius, a 2021 alumnus of ENU’s MFA Directing programme, has been named the winner of the, which recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate who is one to watch in their field.
André has already amassed a burgeoning stage CV – putting on shows in his home country for The National Theatre of Malta and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, a four-week run of Philip Ridley play Radiant Vermin in Brussels earned glowing reviews and standing ovations. This year has seen him direct Lysistrata at the Scottish Institute, followed by Chef which toured around Scotland. He is currently in rehearsals for Blood Wedding in Glasgow.
The Alumni Awards selection panel highlighted André’s outstanding career success so far, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Reacting to his award, André said: “I’m very grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for the training they provided me and it’s hugely satisfying as an alumnus to have your work recognised by your alma mater.
“It confirms that I’m going in the right direction.
“I feel like I’m hitting chapter 2 of my career, and this is a good opening sentence.
“The creative industries is an industry of rejection, but ‘no’ is not a closed door. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit somewhere else.
“I grew up watching National Theatre Live broadcasts at my local cinema, and it would be a dream to direct a show at the National in London. The Lyceum in Edinburgh also holds a special place for me – I did an internship there whilst studying at ENU.
“To have my name on a poster as director would be incredible.”
You can read more about all the 2025 Alumni Awards winners here.
‘Being kind doesn’t cost anything’ – Former nurse and lecturer Isabel Dosser has won the 2023 Alumni Impact Award
A former nurse and lecturer who set up a charity offering free toiletries to people in need is being honoured by Edinburgh Napier University.
Isabel Dosser founded Dignity Boxes following her retirement in 2018, in response to rising levels of poverty. Her charity’s work continues to this day, amid increasing demand, despite having to undergo cancer treatment during the Covid pandemic.
Having studied at ENU to gain her teaching qualification, and subsequently lectured in nursing at the University for 15 years, the 67-year-old has now been awarded the 2023 Alumni Impact Award in recognition of her remarkable career. Born and raised in Glasgow, her time teaching followed 30 years of work as a palliative care nurse.
The charity collects toiletry donations and offers them in areas around Edinburgh and the Lothians experiencing deprivation, including seven schools, allowing those in need to take what they cannot afford from a Dignity Box without having to ask anyone.
The number of organisations asking for a box has doubled since the cost-of-living crisis began, while donations have halved.
Isabel said: “I am very surprised but delighted to receive the Impact Award as I don’t think I am anything special.
“I just do what I do and have always loved learning and taking a chance on something new. I am happy receiving the award if it means that I am encouraging others.
“Age doesn’t matter if you really want to do something. If you have an idea then give it a go but take all the advice and help that is offered.
“When you feel despair and frustration, just remember why you started – and remember being kind doesn’t cost anything.”
Since founding Dignity Boxes, Isabel has been supported by Edinburgh Napier to help it reach as many people as possible. Students, staff and alumni are among its 35 active volunteers, two former University colleagues are on its board, and a graphic design class was enlisted to design the logo.
The Alumni Awards committee, which aims to recognise graduates who are making a difference in their community, praised Isabel for epitomising Edinburgh Napier’s values as an inspiration and a role model.
Isabel added: “Life is full of challenges, professionally and personally, but I am by nature a positive and pragmatic person. I am fortunate to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who have helped me through difficult times.
“This was never needed more so than during Covid as I was diagnosed with cancer. The charity’s board of trustees and volunteers were amazing and kept the charity going while I was undergoing treatment. I have now finished my treatment and am monitored regularly.”
Also honoured in the 2023 awards is Daniel Crehan, who has won the Alumni Rising Star award.
Despite only graduating from the BA (Hons) International Festival & Event Management two years ago, he now works at student housing company Yugo, managing 10 sites across the UK and Ireland, and is Chair of the Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal (ESCA).
Daniel said: “I didn’t expect to win the Rising Star Award and was delighted to even be nominated. It was particularly nice to receive this from Edinburgh Napier University because I consider everything that I’ve accomplished to be a domino effect from my time at ENU.
“There are so many incredible people on my course alone that make me go, ‘wow’, but this award has forced me to stand back and go: ‘oh, you’ve actually achieved quite a lot yourself, Daniel’.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Isabel Dosser and Daniel Crehan are role models for Edinburgh Napier students and inspire the entire ENU community. I am delighted to award them these accolades.
“Isabel epitomises Edinburgh Napier’s values. As CEO and Founder of Dignity Boxes she is making a huge societal and community impact by providing free toiletries to those most in need.
“She also champions the University by providing our students with invaluable experience via workplace learning opportunities and collaborates with numerous departments at the University.
“Daniel graduated only a couple of years ago but already has had career success. I’m impressed with his dedication to enriching the lives of those living in student accommodation in the UK and Ireland.
“Most extraordinary is his involvement with the Edinburgh Students’ Charities Appeal. Daniel is Chair of the 150-year-old charity and expertly guided the organisation through its post-Covid recovery.”
