Pride of Guernsey: Matt Sawbridge

Matt has been working as the student support services manager for six years at the College of Further Education.

‘My son has complex health issues and was out of education for several years, struggling to engage with anyone,’ said his nominator, Sarah Brown.

‘We met Matt during a planning meeting at the GCFE where they established a common interest in basketball.

‘Over the last five years Matt has used that interest to engage him with lessons and simultaneously worked on his health and fitness.

‘Matt always wears a huge smile, oozes unlimited enthusiasm and bucket-loads of professionalism.

‘He has effortlessly blended a mix of conviction with empathy, pushing Harry gently out of his comfort zone to try new things, even taking time out of his family life to integrate Harry into playing with a league team.

‘Life outside the house isn’t easy for Harry, but whatever life has brought us, Matt has consistently been there, from keeping in contact during Covid and the challenging long college holidays, to refereeing his first league games, so there’s a familiar face. As Harry moves on from his college life, Matt has even found time between Island Games training to keep in touch and help steer future support. Matt hasn’t just been an incredible teacher – he’s been a role model for Harry and we cannot thank him enough for all of his support.’