Noni Needs from Liss has won the prestigious Bob Norris NUJ Award for Achievement in journalism from Solent NUJ. She has graduated from an intensive 28-week NCTJ (level 5) diploma in Journalism at City of Portsmouth College.

Noni talks to Kate Fairweather about the course, starting a new career and life as a mature student.

One of her first assignments was to interview Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP and Leader of the House of Commons. She has also sourced and written articles for The News, Portsmouth and the Petersfield Post. 

As a single parent, Noni was able to support herself through the course thanks to a bursary from the National NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund. 

Noni is an award-winning podcaster. Her podcast, the Shine Radio recipe with Noni Needs was recognised with an award at the Community Radio Awards 2022.