BrightsideUNIAID

Bright Journals is BrightsideUNIAID’s pioneering ementoring programme for aspiring medical students and healthcare professionals. Launched in 2003, and run with partner universities, Bright Journals has linked over 3000 disadvantaged young people with medical/ healthcare undergraduates and those working in relevant careers.

Who it helps

Bright Journals supports young people in years 9-13 who:

• Are interested in studying medicine or allied healthcare higher education courses;
• Do not have a family history of attending higher education;
• Are from a low-income family;
• Have been in care;
• Have a disability. 

Bright Journals provides a safe and stimulating online space for young people (mentees) to chat to their trained, CRB-checked mentor. Ementoring conversations are supported by a host of online resource and news articles with a focus on medicine and healthcare. Articles are written to support school studies, UCAS applications and university interviews, and provide a useful stimulus for mentoring conversations.

What do mentoring pairs talk about on Bright Journals?

Students who aspire to a career in medicine or the allied healthcare professions often have specific concerns and questions. The following topics are typical subjects for a Bright Journals mentoring discussion:

• UCAS applications;
• How to get relevant work experience;
• University or medical school interviews;
• Clearing;
• A-level choices;
• Day-to-day activities of staff within the medical and healthcare professions.

I have been using the Bright Journals website for about 3 years now, and it's been of great help to me. I've had help with my personal statement, my normal subjects at college and with interviews at university. We've even discussed my career & university choices, gap year/ 3rd year college plans, financial situations, social life and so many other things.  I personally think it's such an amazing thing to stay still offer me help and answer ALL my question and offer answers with genuine interest to help over a long period of time.

We are still in contact, and I am very happy with how our relationship is built on friendship, respect and trust.

Sara, Bright Journals Mentee

Get involved

Bright Journals helps young people, who are recruited via universities or Aimhigher regions which have subscribed to the programme. If you would like to set up your own Bright Journals scheme, please contact: suzanne.maskrey@thebrightsidetrust.org

If you are in school and would like a Bright Journals ementor, or you work in a school and would like to get involved, please contact your local participating university/Aimhigher:

• Suffolk Aimhigher
• Aimhigher Berkshire
• University of Leeds Widening Access to Medical School
• Peninsula Medical School
• Aston University
• Lancaster University
• Imperial College London
• Newcastle University
• Hull York Medical School
• Sheffield University
• Cardiff University

If you are an undergraduate studying a medical or healthcare degree, or are working in a relevant healthcare field and would like to volunteer to mentor a young person, please apply online.