Students and staff came together for a Tourette’s awareness day led by Performing Arts student Alice Tyrell, who wanted to share her experience of living with Tourette’s.
The day began with a lunchtime Danceathon in the Students’ Union, led by the Performing Arts team. Students and staff joined in strutting their stuff and wearing teal awareness ribbons to show their support.
In the evening, the Student Council hosted a special screening of I Swear, the film telling the story of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson. Before the film, Alice spoke about her own experience of living with tics and what Tourette’s can feel like day to day.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition where people experience involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. Tourette’s Action’s 2026 campaign, #NoChoice, reminds people that while people with Tourette’s cannot choose their tics, everyone else can choose how they respond.
Tab Crinson, Learner Voice Lead, said: “Alice showed real courage and leadership in sharing her experience and helping others understand more about Tourette’s. We are very proud of her for speaking up and encouraging empathy across the college community.”
Tourette’s Awareness Month runs from 15 May to 15 June and aims to improve understanding of Tourette syndrome and reduce stigma.
