On Saturday 7 June, Canterbury Christ Church University proudly hosted its 10th anniversary Alumni Gala Dinner, welcoming over a hundred distinguished alumni and guests back to campus. The event marked a momentous occasion, honouring their lasting bond with the University and celebrating the remarkable contributions they’ve made since graduation.

The Alumni Gala Dinner serves as the stage for the Alumni Awards ceremony, in which our best and brightest nominees are recognised as winners in one of five categories. Following nominations in 2023 and 2024, it was finally Alex Richardson‘s (Certificate of Higher Education in Health and Social Care, 2017, BA (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health), 2021) year, winning in the Rising Star of the Year category.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Alex launched a heartfelt initiative aimed at enhancing students’ bedside manner and offering companionship to those feeling isolated and vulnerable. Backed by the University’s Career Development Fund, he transformed this passion project into an official charity, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the local community and earning the prestigious Kent Wellbeing Service Delivery Champion Award.

Driven by compassion and relentless commitment, Alex and his dedicated team continue to fundraise with warmth and enthusiasm. His unwavering resolve, visionary leadership, and impactful achievements make him a true standout—an inspiring force whose star is undoubtedly on the rise.

How did it feel to learn you’d been nominated for an Alumni Award?

I don’t do this work for recognition. I do it because I believe in creating something meaningful and making a real difference. That said, I’d be lying if I said being nominated doesn’t feel good. It’s incredibly humbling to be recognised alongside such inspiring and accomplished people. In 2023, I was proud to be a shortlisted finalist, so to have the chance to return to this brilliant event is something I’m truly grateful for. More than anything, it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey so far. And of course, it gives me a great reason to take my amazing wife out for a well-earned night together.

How does it feel to have won?

To be nominated was an incredible feeling. But to win? That was truly something special. The competition in 2023 was tough, and it only gets tougher each year because so many amazing, game-changing people are involved. For me, winning an award like this is not just about personal recognition. It brings attention to the work we are doing at Keep Talking Services. It helps us stand out, opens new doors, and creates opportunities we might not have had otherwise. Since receiving the award, we’ve already seen positive change and new connections. I’ll be honest, I fell over running up to that stage. But when I look back, I do so with my head held high (to an extent, I suppose). It is a moment I will always cherish.

Talk us through what you do; why is the work you do so important?

At Keep Talking Services, we provide a telephone befriending service for individuals aged 18 and over who are experiencing loneliness or isolation. Many of the people we support are living with mental health challenges or have limited social connections. What we offer is simple but incredibly meaningful. We give people regular, genuine conversations with someone who truly listens. Loneliness can be hard to see, but its effects run deep. It can affect mental health, physical health, and a person’s sense of identity and worth. This is why the work we do matters. We are not offering quick fixes. We are offering consistency, kindness, and space for someone to feel heard and valued. I believe in the power of connection. One conversation can lift someone’s day, and over time, these moments can shape how a person sees themselves and the world around them. That is what drives me. We are helping people feel less alone, and that can make all the difference.

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

If you’re thinking about working in this field, my advice is simple. Come into it with your heart open and your expectations realistic. Supporting others, especially around mental health and loneliness, is deeply rewarding but it also takes patience, empathy, and emotional resilience. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be willing to listen without judgement, show up consistently, and treat every person with kindness and respect. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer is simply being there. Also, take care of yourself. It is important to know your own limits and ask for support when you need it. The work can be heavy at times, but it is also full of meaning. Every small act of connection counts, and you never know just how much a conversation might mean to someone. If you care about people, want to make a real difference, and are open to learning, this is a field where you can grow, give, and be part of something that truly matters.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Christ Church?

One of my fondest memories, ironically, is that I started this charity while I was still a second-year mental health nursing student. It was during the national lockdown, a time filled with uncertainty and fear. While the world slowed down, I focused in and began building something I believed in. What started as a small project has now grown into a county-wide initiative, making over 1,000 phone calls every month. That journey leaves me feeling incredibly proud. I may not have graduated with first-class honours, but I found something even more valuable. I found my purpose. Today, I have the privilege of leading a charity that is helping to build a more connected and compassionate society. That, for me, is the real success story of my university experience.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal for the future is to unite every university across the UK and lead a movement that reduces and prevents loneliness in our communities. I am committed to creating lasting change, and I will not stop until that change becomes a reality. I will never stop talking, and with the support of my team and volunteers, I truly believe this vision is possible. The future is bright for Keep Talking Services. That is not because of me alone, and I would never claim the credit. It is because of my incredible team, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their dedication, passion, and belief in a more mentally healthy and connected society are what drive this charity forward.