A mental health campaigner who devoted his career to helping men through difficult times has been named among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) Alumni Awards.
Ian Hounsome, who completed both an undergraduate degree and PhD at ENU, has been recognised with the Impact Award for his work with the charity Andy’s Man Club.
Formed in 2016 in honour of Andrew Roberts, who took his own life at the age of 23, Andy’s Man Club has grown into a nationwide network of support groups for men to speak about their mental health.
Ian first attended a meeting in 2021 after fleeing an abusive relationship. He went on to volunteer for the charity, and is now area lead for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders.
Ian said: "I first came to Andy’s Man Club because I needed help. I was living in a one-bedroom homeless hostel with my teenage daughter and surviving off foodbanks. I was feeling very low.
"I had heard there was a group in Edinburgh for men to talk. I had no idea what it was called but I thought I’d go and have a look from the outside on the way to the pub to drown my sorrows.
"I showed up week after week and began to open up about my problems, and I realised that I was not alone. Understanding that other men have problems really helped me.
“I’m in a much better place now. I’m now clean and sober and have permanent housing with my daughter and we both work full time."
Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus is now one of dozens of venues that host Andy’s Man Club meetings every Monday evening. It provides men with a safe space where they feel comfortable to open up about their experiences in a room free of judgment.
The selection panel for the ENU Alumni Awards praised Andy’s willingness to inspire others through his own vulnerability and his efforts to break down social stigmas.
Ian added: “I’m humbled winning this award, but it’s also validating.
“I sometimes suffer from imposter syndrome, but this shows that I am doing the right thing.
“However, from an Andy’s Man Club point of view, we’re rewarded every time a new guy shows up to a club.
“When someone turns up and it means they might not take their own life, that’s the best accolade.”
Ian will be presented with his award alongside fellow Alumni Award winners during a ceremony at ENU’s Craiglockhart campus on 6 November 2025.
Excellence Awards
The 2025 Alumni Awards will also recognise five leading Edinburgh Napier University graduates across fields such as biotechnology, product design and computer science – with each receiving an Excellence Awards.
Angela Scott was part of the history-making team that cloned Dolly the Sheep. Since graduating from ENU in 1992, she has worked on key stem cell projects, including cancer research and stroke treatment, and co-founded TC Biopharm. Angela said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award because my time at Edinburgh Napier had a big impact. It was a stepping stone to a change in career path that allowed me to do so much more.” 
Swapping Merchiston for Hollywood, Product Design alumni Jack Lennie has forged an impressive career in special effects working on a long list of blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and Wonder Woman. Alongside his wife and fellow ENU alumnus Kate, he also produces the popular We Are Makers magazine and podcast. Jack said: “It’s really cool because my wife nominated me without me knowing. I tell people all the time to stop and take stock of all the cool things you’ve done, but I have never done it myself until now.”
Ogochukwu Okoye is a kidney disease expert who completed her PhD at ENU in 2024 – and is now a Visiting Professor. She is the founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation aiming to support people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria. Ogochukwu said: “My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact. It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding.”
Advocate Bilaal Shabbir has achieved notable professional success since graduating from ENU in 2018. After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023 – and is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket and padel. Bilaal said: “It feels indescribably special because it's a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”
Computing science teacher Toni Scullion used her passion for encouraging more girls into the subject to set up award-winning charity dressCode. 
She is also co-founder of the Ada Scotland Festival, which champions gender balance in tech and computing. Toni said: “I'm so overwhelmed. I left Edinburgh Napier with more than a degree – it changed the trajectory of my life. The University played such a big part in my journey and receiving this award feels like everything has come full circle.
Rising Star Award
André Agius, a 2021 alumnus of ENU’s MFA Directing programme, has been named the winner of the, which recognises the achievements of a recent ENU graduate who is one to watch in their field.
André has already amassed a burgeoning stage CV – putting on shows in his home country for The National Theatre of Malta and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2024, a four-week run of Philip Ridley play Radiant Vermin in Brussels earned glowing reviews and standing ovations. 
This year has seen him direct Lysistrata at the Scottish Institute, followed by Chef which toured around Scotland. He is currently in rehearsals for Blood Wedding in Glasgow.
The Alumni Awards selection panel highlighted André’s outstanding career success so far, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Reacting to his award, André said: “I’m very grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for the training they provided me and it’s hugely satisfying as an alumnus to have your work recognised by your alma mater. It confirms that I'm going in the right direction.
“I feel like I’m hitting chapter 2 of my career, and this is a good opening sentence.
“The creative industries is an industry of rejection, but ‘no’ is not a closed door. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t fit somewhere else.
“I grew up watching National Theatre Live broadcasts at my local cinema, and it would be a dream to direct a show at the National in London. The Lyceum in Edinburgh also holds a special place for me – I did an internship there whilst studying at ENU.
“To have my name on a poster as director would be incredible.”
You can read more about all the 2025 Alumni Awards winners here.
Pictures: (from top) Ian Hounsome, Angela Scott, Jack Lennie, Ogochukwu Okoye, Bilaal Shabbir,Toni Scullion and André Agius