Lyme Resource Centre Announces Partnership with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland based at SSERC.

The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) has become a STEM Ambassador partner organisation for the purpose of delivering an initiative called ‘Tick Talk’. 

“Tick Talk” will involve STEM Ambassadors in Scotland who have signed up for this initiative to work with LRC volunteers in attending meetings and events of groups who promote enjoyment of outdoors.  Examples of these groups include local community gardens and woodlands to larger national events such as the Community Woodlands Association annual conference and the Duke of Edinburgh Leaders conference. 

Our partner STEM Ambassador volunteers are trained in communication and are experienced in communicating with the public. STEM Ambassador volunteers have received training from LRC advisors on tick bite prevention, correct management of tick bites and awareness of the early signs of Lyme disease. They will be available to man stalls with information resources and to meet the public face to face at events to which the LRC has been invited. 

Norman Lannigan, Trustee of the LRC said “We are very excited to welcome our STEM Ambassadors in joining our volunteers to deliver Tick Talk to the public. Our experience is that meeting the public face to face, distributing our Tick and Lyme disease awareness resources and being available to answer questions is a very effective way of getting our message across: 

Enjoy the outdoors but stay safe by protecting from tick bites, knowing how to safely remove any attached ticks and recognising the early signs of possible Lyme disease. Partnership with STEM Ambassadors enables us to attend many more events and meet many more people” 

Debbie Mathers, STEM Ambassador Programme Manager from SSERC said “We are delighted to partner with LRC to launch Tick Talk. Our STEM Ambassadors are passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring people, so are ideal volunteers to support the initiative.  The interest so far has been incredible – with many volunteers inspired to support due to their own experience with ticks.  We are looking forward to growing Tick Talk in 2025!” 

STEM Learning is an organisation dedicated to supporting learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and enabling young people to thrive in learning within these disciplines.  

SSERC (Scottish Schools Education Research Centre) is STEM Learning’s delivery partner for the STEM Ambassador programme in Scotland.  They aim to inspire, enthuse and support STEM educators for the benefit of all learners.  SSERC offers professional learning for educators, an advisory service and a host of STEM Engagement offers, which include the STEM Ambassador programme. 

The STEM Ambassador programme across the UK supports a network of thousands of volunteers to bring real-life examples of STEM careers into schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. They help to break stereotypes and offer engaging activities to inspire the next generation into the infinite possibilities of STEM pathways.