Harrison Nash, Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award Winner

Originally, I was set on a career in marketing—I’d planned to study media and literature and had even started working with my dad, who ran a marketing business in London. But during my gap year in 2007, I went on a volunteer trip to South Africa that completely changed everything for me. I had planned it as a way to broaden my horizons before university, but I had no idea just how much it would shape my future.

While I was out there, I worked with children who were in desperate need of care and protection. I remember asking myself—how do these young people, who have been through so much, get taken to somewhere safe? Who makes that happen? That’s when I realised the vital role social workers play. You cannot move a child from a harmful situation into a safe, supportive environment without a social worker being part of that process.

During my time in Gqeberha, South Africa — particularly while working in a residential youth centre — I became acutely aware that much more could be achieved with long-term commitment rather than short-term volunteer stints. That realisation is what initially drove me to start fundraising. When I received feedback that setting up a registered charity would be the most effective way to continue the work, I began the process of formally establishing Maranatha Care Children, which was officially recognised by the Charity Commission in 2010.

The charity focuses on supporting children in residential care, and I have been primarily based in South Africa ever since. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the long-term impact of sustained investment in a child’s life — watching them grow into independent, resilient young adults. To also attend such milestones as their graduation events especially fill me with pride. Over time, we have expanded our reach, including launching a rural community project that supports family preservation programmes.

One of the things I am proud of is maintaining relationships with our children as they become adults, some of those that I first met when I was just 18 myself. I’m still in touch with many of them, and seeing where they are now is incredible.

More recently, I have been exploring ways to share and replicate aspects of our model in the UK. I was particularly struck by how limited the support is here for young people over 16 — and especially over 18. In South Africa, our programmes continue supporting young people into their early 20s, with tailored aftercare if needed. I have started conversations with stakeholders in the UK about how some of what we’ve developed could be adapted here, and now that I’m back, I’m hopeful those ideas can start to take root and make a difference on both sides of the world.

Emotionally, the work can be incredibly challenging — especially when you build strong attachments with the children and witness the trauma some of them have endured. There have been many difficult moments, including during COVID, when I had to be the one to break the news to children about the loss of a loved one. Those conversations are heartbreaking, but I have learned to manage my emotions in a way that allows me to stay grounded and be the support they need in that moment.

Exploring alternative therapeutic approaches, such as play therapy, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our interventions. It is essential that children are active participants in decisions that impact their lives, and as practitioners, we need the skills and sensitivity to facilitate that involvement.

Over the years, I have learned that sometimes the most powerful tool you can bring into a session is your presence. The ability to simply sit in silence and give a child the time they need to process their thoughts is a skill in itself — one that doesn't always come naturally but can make a huge difference. It’s often in those quiet moments that real breakthroughs occur. For me, being based in an environment where the children I worked with also had different home languages – in my own instance including isiXhosa and Afrikaans – meant that effective communication would also need to include non-verbal aspects as well as humour. Engaging with children on their level is always crucial – and at times, happiness, joy and laughter can transcend any language barrier!

One memory that stays with me is of three brothers who had been abandoned and arrived at our centre, aged four, five and six. They understandably did not speak any English at that time and had never seen a white man before — they were certainly apprehensive at first! But today, they are fluent in three languages, including English, and have become some of the most well-adjusted and loving children in our care. Watching that kind of growth and transformation is what makes this work so rewarding.

Every accolade I have received is ultimately shared with the children and young people I have worked with over the years — they are the true resilient heroes, and it is their journeys that have shaped mine.

Their strength and determination have not only inspired my commitment to social work and charity but also continues to fuel my passion for creating long-term impact.

I am always grateful when the work is recognised, not for my own sake, but because it provides a sense of validation for the cause. It gives supporters and donors confidence that this is a mission worth backing. More recently, becoming an Honorary Lecturer in Social Work has been a proud and humbling experience. It has given me the opportunity to contribute to the University of Plymouth community in a new way — by sharing my international perspective and frontline experiences with students. I hope to keep building on that, expanding my involvement both within the university and the wider city.

Reflecting on how the social work landscape has changed since I studied at Plymouth, one of the biggest shifts I have noticed is a more meaningful and organic focus on issues like culture, diversity and identity. These aren't just checkboxes anymore — they are becoming central to the way we educate, practice and think about social work. I see students who are more curious, more open and more willing to learn about the complex backgrounds of the people they’ll one day support.

The needs surrounding our charity’s work are vast and ongoing. We continue to support children and young people throughout their residential care journey, and while some may transition into community placements, many others — particularly those with more complex needs — require additional services that come at a financial cost.

Support from the UK, especially from individuals and also organisations here in Plymouth, can make a tangible difference to what we can achieve in South Africa. I am hopeful about building more long-term partnerships that can contribute financially on an annual basis, helping us plan and sustain the work more effectively.

Now that I’m back in the UK, I’m also keen to offer value in other ways. I'm exploring opportunities to facilitate training or offer consultation on social work issues where my experience can be useful — particularly around areas like youth transitions and care leaver support. For example, in South Africa, we have had success with an independent living model that supports young people up to the age of 21 and beyond, providing aftercare when needed. I believe similar programmes could be highly effective across the Southwest and more broadly in the UK, and I would be excited to contribute to those developments and empower local practitioners working in this space. I do feel my well-placed to provide guidance around residential care in general, as well as upskilling social work practitioners with important practical skills that are needed for engaging with young people.

I’ve always been drawn to classic mottos and motivational quotes — even the ones that might seem a little clichéd! In my office, I have a mural that reads: "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars." It’s a reminder that ideas should not just sit gathering dust. If there is something you feel passionate about, take steps to turn it into reality!

Our goals may shift and evolve over time, but if you recognise a need and believe you can be part of the solution, do not procrastinate. Start. You might be surprised by the impact you can have — not just on your own journey, but in truly transforming the lives of others.