Help Brontë Pursue Her LLM in Health, Law and Society!!!

Hi, I’m Brontë Langley, a passionate advocate for social justice and healthcare reform. I’ve been accepted into the prestigious Health, Law and Society (LLM) program at the University of Bristol and I am reaching out to seek your support in making this dream a reality.

My Journey

Growing up, I have always felt a strong sense of justice. For those of you who knew me, the headstrong, determined and fiery little girl who thought she knew everything has channelled her energy into activism throughout her undergraduate studies. Activism has always been at the core of my identity, inspiring my need for a compassionate and impactful career. During my undergraduate studies in Social Policy and Sociology (BSc) at the University of Bristol, I discovered my ‘ikigai’- a Japanese concept meaning ‘reason for being’- which combines my passion for social justice, feminist beliefs and enthusiasm for healthcare research.

After experiencing health issues at the start of 2023 during the nurses’ strikes, my eyes were opened to the harsh realities of the ‘gender pain gap’ and the struggles facing the NHS. This personal experience, coupled with my studies, inspired me to focus my attention on healthcare systems, specifically involving mental health, women’s health and reproductive justice.

Academic and Research Interests

My academic journey has been deeply influenced by feminist studies, which have shaped my perspective as a social scientist. I completed a research project examining how gender influences behaviours in relationships, with a specific focus on domestic violence. This project, which received a first-class grade, showcased my potential as a researcher and furthered my interest in health-related social science research.

A pivotal moment in my research was discovering the often-overlooked link between healthcare systems and violence against women and girls. A statistic from Safe Lives stuck out to me highlighting that, statistically, survivors of domestic abuse seek help from healthcare professionals five times, on average, before receiving effective care that prevents further violence. This fact left an indelible mark on me, fuelling my determination to make a difference.

There is a significant gap in the literature surrounding how experiences of violence during pregnancy affect levels of post-partum depression and/or psychosis. Reproductive health is severely under-researched (alongside other aspects of women’s health). My dissertation aims to fill the gap in healthcare research on women’s mental and reproductive health which I think needs urgent attention.

The Next Step: Health, Law and Society (LLM)

The Health, Law and Society program at the University of Bristol is the perfect next step in my journey. This course offers an in-depth study of health issues, law and governance with a research-rich curriculum that provides a foundation for social change, aligning perfectly with my career ambitions. Modules like ‘Law, Gender and Sexuality’ and ‘Law and Governance for Mental and Social Well-being’ will be particularly beneficial for my research interests in the effects of obstetric violence on post-partum mental illnesses.

My Commitment to Personal Growth and Community

Outside of my academic pursuits, I have dedicated countless hours to the Bristol Jets, the university’s cheerleading team. Joining Jets has been transformative for me, providing a supportive community where I’ve not only honed my skills in cheerleading but also developed essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience and leadership. The empowering environment of cheerleading has significantly enhanced my university experience, boosting my confidence, motivation and well-being. Candidly, I was diagnosed with a long-term mental health condition known as depressive anxiety disorder at the age of 16 which has affected almost every aspect of my life for years. Cheerleading has proved an amazing outlet for my mental well-being, encouraging body positivity, stabilising my energy levels and facilitating lifelong friendships. Next academic year, I have been elected the captain of the competitive Level 1 team. I am very excited for what this season holds for our team and for my own personal development.

Why I Need Your Support

While I am incredibly excited about this opportunity, the financial burden is significant. The costs of tuition, rent and living expenses add up quickly and I am unable to cover these expenses on my own. That’s why I am reaching out to you- my friends, family and community- to help me fulfil my ‘ikigai’ through healthcare policy research and advocacy.

How Your Contribution Will Help

Your support will go directly towards covering:

- Tuition fees: £10,275

- Rent: £7,000

- Living Expenses: £4,000

I am very thankful for any donations, no matter the size. If you would like to donate monthly, rather than in one installment, then that would be greatly appreciated too, please do let me know.

What I Am Doing to Help Fund My Masters

The current government loan for Masters courses will cover £12,471 of my total expenses. I am using this loan to cover my tuition fees in full and pay for my first rent payment. Additionally, I am on the waitlist for a £2,000 grant from the University of Bristol which aims to help underrepresented students with their postgraduate studies, however, this grant is not a guarantee. I have also been researching grants, bursaries and loans that I am eligible for but have had no success securing any external funding yet. Over the summer, I am working early morning shifts (4am-9am!!!) in Morrisons, selling items of Vinted and searching for more jobs to save up as much as possible before starting in September. I should earn just over £1000 working at Morrisons, and hopefully, I can pick up some overtime. While in Bristol, I have applied for student jobs at the SU and will apply for any part-time jobs available at the beginning of the term.

My Commitment to You

In return for your generosity, I promise to work tirelessly to contribute to healthcare policy reform and social justice. I will keep you updated on my progress throughout the course and share my journey with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting my educational journey. Together, we can make a difference in the field of healthcare policy and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Your contribution, no matter the size, will help fill the gap in obstetric violence research, bringing me one step closer to fulfilling my ‘ikigai’.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! I would be happy to answer any queries.

To visit the information page for the Health, Law and Society (LLM) course, please click this link: Health Law and Society Overview

Thank you for believing in me and supporting my dream!

Immense gratitude,

Brontë