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Journalism student in line for award for PTSD report

A journalism student who spent two months travelling the country to make a documentary about lifeguards with post-traumatic stress disorder is in line for an award.

Jemma Hall, 21, created the piece as her final broadcast journalism project at Nottingham Trent University.

Now it has pipped hundreds of entries to be shortlisted for the Mind Media Awards, which is designed to recognise positive reporting of mental health issues.

Jemma, who has worked part-time as a lifeguard in her home town of Doncaster for the past four years, spent two months researching, recording and editing the 12-minute radio piece.

She told the Nottingham Post:  “I hope people will listen to the documentary and realise that post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone and hopefully break down the stigma attached to it.”

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the email saying I was shortlisted, I thought it was another job rejection email,” added Jemma, who has since landed a job as a news reader on Trax FM.

Nottingham Trent’s broadcast journalism (BA Hons) course leader, Gail Mellors, added: “Jemma was always a pleasure to teach and it doesn’t surprise me that her documentary has been shortlisted.

“It was a well-made, considered and evocative piece and I am sure she will have a great future.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the British Film Institute, London, on Monday November 17