From Setback to Strength: Ricky Cooper Finds His Calling at UWTSD

Ricky Cooper never imagined a spinal injury would change the course of his life — or lead him to a degree at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). A former carpenter and NHS care worker, Ricky faced a future that looked very different after his accident. But what began as a devastating setback became a turning point, sparking a journey of recovery, self-discovery, and new ambition. Now a proud father and graduate of the BA Sociology with Advocacy degree, Ricky is determined to use his experiences to drive positive change in the criminal justice system.

After reaching out to explore his options at UWTSD, it was the warm and direct response from lecturer Ken Dicks that convinced Ricky to choose the Sociology and Advocacy course.  He said: 

“Ken’s open and honest approach to the degree course and what it was about drew me in and fixed it firmly as my option. My aim with it was, as its now shifted focus, to move into child protection social work, but as the first year progressed and I adapted myself to the degree and other outside factors like my physical health improved, my career goal shifted.”

A key moment came when he met lecturer Laura Jenkins, who introduced him to the power and purpose of advocacy.  He added: 

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m brash, bolshy, and up for a good chinwag. Advocacy fit me like a glove.”

A pivotal placement working with young people during his Reflective Practice module confirmed that advocacy was more than a fit, it was a calling. He saw firsthand how the techniques he had learned could positively impact lives. This experience, coupled with his upbringing in London, inspired a specific passion for supporting offenders and young people within the criminal justice system.

Returning to education after 20 years wasn’t without challenges. He said: 

 “There was a steep learning curve, essay structures, deadlines, processing academic language - it was all new. But the support from my lecturers, classmates, and UWTSD’s student services made all the difference.”

Now, as a proud father to five-month-old Daisy and with a supportive partner in Tina, Ricky is taking a short break for self-care before embarking on his next step: a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and the long-term goal of becoming an Independent Criminal Justice Advocate.

UWTSD’s Programme Manager Ken Dicks said: 

 “It has been inspiring to see Ricky’s growing ability and confidence as he studied. How is a perfect example of someone who may not have ever thought that Higher Education was for them but who has shown that they can take advantage of opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding. Ricky’s success is particularly impressive as he had to balance his studies with becoming a father in his last year of study”.

Reflecting on the journey, Ricky adds:

“This has been the biggest and most engaging challenge of my life—and I’m immensely proud to have taken it.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476