Kit Nicholas and Kirsty Mycroft
Minutes:
Kit, project coordinator for the Volunteer to Career Project gave an overview of the project. She emphasised that volunteering must be a choice and not mandated. All volunteers should have made that decision and there could be many reasons for doing so including:-
· Wanting to make a difference
· Opportunity to get out and about to meet new people
· Improved self-esteem and sense of purpose
· Help to cope with own ill health
· Learn new skills
· Experience of professional setting
· Improve CV
It would be a route into working for the NHS and could help those who might be:-
· Currently unemployed with little or no recent work experience
· Needing a gradual route into work
· Previously turned down for roles in the NHS due to lack of relevant knowledge/experience
· Looking for a change in career
· Not sure if healthcare is correct career path and want opportunity to try it out
No previous healthcare experience was needed, the training was flexible and free with opportunities to gain experience in clinical areas as well as functional skills courses.
For more information:-
Tel 07841 860522
Email: Volunteering@nhft.nhs.uk
Website: https:www.nhft.nhs.uk/volunteer
Peer Support Programme
Adam introduced himself as someone who had already been through the training, having lived experience including being hospitalised on more than one occasion. He had not received peer support himself and was still in recovery but had found the most support and comfort from other patients who understood what he was going through. It wasn’t a case of symptoms ending but overall well-being and walking alongside someone to help them support their own recovery. He had been through the training and was now a peer trainer himself.
Peer support was people using their own lived experiences and empathy to support others. It could be informal and taking place in everyday life and/or formal with a trained peer support worker.
NHFT were training peer support workers and developing a variety of roles in different services. They were currently recruiting for a 12 week training programme (1 day a week) which would start in January 2022. Closing date for expressions of interest is midnight 19 October. During the training you would be expected to keep a reflective journal which could be expressed in writing and/or drawings. Interviews were generally in groups of 4-6 people – if that would be difficult for someone, there could be discussions to see how best to support that person. After the training there would be a placement somewhere that interested you and where there was a need.
The training had been held virtually recently due to Covid but it was hoped to return to face to face soon.
More information could be found via the links below.
The Competence Framework for Mental Health Peer Support Workers –Health Education England. Page 13 is a good summary
NHFT Peer Support web page – Useful resources tab for videos and ImROC guidance -
Contact admin.peersupport@nhft.nhs.uk
Any questions with these opportunities please do not hesitate to contact:-
Kit Nicholas for Volunteer to Career - kit.nicholas@nhft.nhs.uk
Adam Faulkner for Peer Support - adam.faulkner@nhft.nhs.uk
The members thanked Adam for sharing his experiences. Paul stated he ran a support group for dads with children with disabilities or special educational needs and perhaps there would be the opportunity to work together at some stage.