CCCU alumnus Lee Woolcott-Ellis (RFTV Digital Media, 2003) has been awarded the British Empire Medal [BEM] in the King’s New Year’s Honours 2025 for services to Mental Health in Transport. To commemorate this extraordinary achievement, we reached out to Lee to share his story.

Tell us about your current job.

I serve as the Mental Health Lead at Southeastern Railway, where I am responsible for managing and supporting a team of BACP Accredited Mental Health Advocates and Trauma Risk Management Practitioners. I authored and developed the UK Rail Industry Mental Health Charter, which I implement in collaboration with the Rail Safety and Standards Board; to date, over 130 companies within the rail sector have endorsed this charter. Additionally, I provide direct one-on-one support to managers and colleagues. My qualifications include training in counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.

What made you want to choose this career path?

I have accumulated over 20 years of experience working within the railway industry, which spans 35 years. In 2005, I was appointed as the CCTV/On-Train Surveillance Manager at Southeastern, a position I secured due to my Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) from Canterbury Christ Church University. In 2013, I received a diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) following an extensive course of therapy, which was a result of unresolved childhood trauma. This experience sparked my interest in mental health and wellbeing support for others, leading me to pursue further training in this field. In 2018, I successfully developed and implemented the Colleague Mental Health Advocate Programme at Southeastern.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is reconnecting with colleagues I’ve supported in the past, sometimes after several years. Most times I encounter them, I’m greeted with warm smiles and heartfelt updates about their successes and growth. Hearing about their achievements and witnessing the positive impact of our shared experiences fills me with joy. These moments genuinely highlight the meaningful connections we build in our professional journey.

How does it feel to be awarded the British Empire Medal [BEM]?

Receiving the correspondence On His Majesty’s Service, which informed me of the Prime Minister’s recommendation for the honour of the British Empire Medal, represented a significant milestone in my life. It required several days for the magnitude of this recognition to truly resonate with me. My family takes great pride in my professional accomplishments and contributions.

What are your goals for the future?

I take great pride in my team at Southeastern and the dedication and enthusiasm they demonstrate in the colleague support programs we implement. My objective is to enhance the value of our initiatives and establish a legacy of best practices in psychological support for colleagues within the industry.

If anyone reading is thinking of working in your field, what advice would you give them?

I strongly advocate pursuing a career in public transportation, particularly within the railway sector. My experiences in this field have allowed me to connect with remarkable individuals and build lasting professional relationships. Furthermore, I emphasise the critical importance of mental health support as a fundamental component of health and wellbeing in the workplace. For those interested in this domain, obtaining the necessary training and qualifications is essential to securing a position. However, the combination of passion, commitment, and a comprehensive understanding of the effects of diminished resilience or declining mental health will enable one to make a more significant and meaningful impact.

How did you come to study at CCCU when you did? Why RFTV Digital Media?

I was privileged to be among the inaugural cohort of students at Canterbury Christ Church University when the Thanet campus was first established. I was one of the first fifty individuals to enrol at this campus after engaging with a CCCU information stand at the Broadstairs Water Gala in the summer of 2000. I subsequently enrolled in the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Multimedia Technologies and Development, which paved the way for my Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Radio, Film and Television (RFTV) Digital Media. This academic pathway was particularly appealing due to the exciting advancements in digital media during the early 2000s, including the digital compression of media, improved video codecs, and enhanced compression techniques, providing both stimulating and challenging learning opportunities.

What is your fondest memory of your time at CCCU/Canterbury?

My time at Christ Church was a remarkable journey filled with enriching academic exploration, the warmth of camaraderie, and a profound sense of achievement. Each lecture and discussion allowed me to delve deeper into my studies, and the friendships I forged there brought a vibrant energy to my days. Graduating in the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral was a highlight, as the magnificent architecture and historical significance made the moment truly unforgettable.

How did your time at university impact on your life and career post-education?

Upon returning to academic pursuits after a brief career in policing and the railway sector, it became necessary to make several adjustments. The transition from a writing style focused on reporting factual information to one that emphasises persuasive and creative expression significantly influenced my professional endeavours. My confidence and proficiency in presenting during interviews and in business contexts were notably enhanced by my experiences at the University.

What does being a CCCU Alum mean to you?

I take great pride in being an alumnus of CCCU. This achievement represents a significant recognition of my commitment to achieving a high standard of education. I consider it a prestigious distinction that reflects my dedication and effort in my academic pursuits.

What made you want to tell your story?

Encouraging individuals to cultivate self-belief and pursue their passions for personal development and growth is crucial. Sharing our narratives and experiences lends credibility to this endeavour.