Winner of the 2026 Being Edinburgh Alumni Award

A charity founder and youth sector leader who has dedicated her career to supporting children, young people and families facing poverty and inequality has been named the recipient of the University of Edinburgh's Being Edinburgh Alumni Award 2026.

(L-R) Being Edinburgh award winner Sabrina Tickle standing with Chris Cox, Vice-Principal Philanthropy and Advancement
(L-R) Being Edinburgh award winner Sabrina Tickle standing with Chris Cox, Vice-Principal Philanthropy and Advancement.

Sabrina Tickle, who graduated with a BA in Education Studies from the University in 2015, received the award from Mr Chris Cox, Vice-Principal (Philanthropy and Advancement), and Professor Sarah Prescott, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, at a ceremony in McEwan Hall on 10 July 2026. 

The Being Edinburgh Alumni Award celebrates graduates who have made a transformative impact in their communities and professions. Uniquely, the winner is chosen by a public vote involving students, staff and alumni. 

Community impact 

Sabrina is the co-founder of The WHY Project, a grassroots organisation supporting young people in south-west Edinburgh. Since its establishment in 2018, the charity has grown into a trusted community organisation providing youth work, wellbeing support, enrichment opportunities and pathways into employment for more than 120 young people every week. 

Her route to the University was far from straightforward. Growing up in circumstances shaped by poverty, instability and adverse childhood experiences, Sabrina left school at 16 and left home shortly afterwards. Through determination and resilience, she eventually entered higher education at the age of 25 - an experience that would shape the direction of her life and career. 

For more than 15 years, Sabrina has worked across youth and community settings, supporting children, young people and families facing challenging circumstances. Alongside her work with The WHY Project, she volunteers with the Turn Your Life Around (TYLA) partnership and serves as a trustee of Fresh Start Edinburgh.

(L-R) Being Edinburgh award winner Sabrina Tickle standing with Chris Cox, Vice-Principal Philanthropy and Advancement
Professor Sarah Prescott confers the award on Sabrina Tickle in McEwan Hall.

Recognition from the University 

Speaking after receiving the award, Sabrina said: 

"A mixture of emotions, but above all I feel really grateful. No one goes into this kind of work expecting awards, but the fact this has come from the University of Edinburgh, which played such a significant role in my life, and that it's been voted for, makes it feel really meaningful." 

Reflecting on The WHY Project, which she co-founded with fellow Edinburgh graduate Kevin Brown, she added:  

"If you'd told us back then that we'd go on to build and lead a charity together, I'm not sure either of us would have believed you. It still feels quite surreal that something which started as an idea between friends now supports young people every week, creates jobs and provides real opportunities in the community."

A life-changing education 

The University's connection to Sabrina's work remains particularly meaningful to her. 

"My time at the University of Edinburgh was a real turning point in my life and set me on a completely different path," she said. "It wasn't a straightforward journey and there were challenges along the way, but university gave me direction, purpose and opportunities that changed my life." 

"Because of that, being recognised by the University for the work that came afterwards feels especially meaningful. It's a reminder of how far that journey has come, and I'm incredibly grateful for that." 

Looking ahead 

Looking ahead, Sabrina says her focus remains firmly on supporting young people and growing the organisations and causes she cares about. 

"We've still got so much we want to achieve as an organisation and right now we're focused on growth and development. It feels like a really exciting stage for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the next few years take us." 

She also hopes that her story encourages others facing challenges of their own.  

"Through my volunteering with Turn Your Life Around, we often share lived experiences of adversity to show that your past doesn't define your future," she said. "If someone reading this is in a similar place, I'd want them to know that things can change in ways you might not expect and that there is always a way forward." 

Chris Cox, Vice-Principal of Advancement and Philanthropy, said: 

“Sabrina embodies the spirit of Being Edinburgh. Her journey demonstrates the transformative power of education and the extraordinary impact that one person can have when they use their experience to create opportunities for others. Through The WHY Project and her wider community work, she has improved the lives of countless young people and families, while showing what can be achieved through compassion, determination and leadership.”  

Professor Carol Campbell, Head of the Moray House School of Education and Sport, said:  

"“I send my warmest congratulations to Sabrina Tickle on receiving the Being Edinburgh Alumni Award. This is a richly deserved recognition of her exceptional contribution to children, young people and families, and of the lasting difference she has made in communities across Edinburgh. Sabrina’s journey is one of remarkable resilience, determination and purpose. 

Through co-founding The WHY Project, she has created a trusted and welcoming space where young people can access support, build confidence and develop meaningful relationships. Her ability to combine practical support with a deeply relational approach is especially inspiring, and her work reflects the transformative power of education, community and care. Moray House is immensely proud to count Sabrina among its alumni, and her achievements embody values that are central to our mission. She is an inspiring example to our students, graduates and the wider community.””   

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