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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2015/jun/12/you-need-an-open-mind-and-creative-approach-to-work-in-mental-health

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You need an open mind and creative approach to work in mental health You need an open mind and creative approach to work in mental health
(about 1 hour later)
I get up when the cat insists I do – 7am usually – before walking 30 minutes to work in order to get some exercise and mull over which patients I have in today.I get up when the cat insists I do – 7am usually – before walking 30 minutes to work in order to get some exercise and mull over which patients I have in today.
My morning starts with a meeting at 9.30am for our team of instructors and occupational therapists to discuss any concerns with patient health, goals, engagement or wider support. I am an office skills technical instructor, working in adult mental health, helping patients, who I refer to as students, in the early stages of recovery move towards college, employment, volunteering or other community-based activities.My morning starts with a meeting at 9.30am for our team of instructors and occupational therapists to discuss any concerns with patient health, goals, engagement or wider support. I am an office skills technical instructor, working in adult mental health, helping patients, who I refer to as students, in the early stages of recovery move towards college, employment, volunteering or other community-based activities.
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Sessions start at 10am and last for two hours for up to three students. I use a small, in-house print business to provide office experience for students and printing for customers within the trust. Gone are the days of students carrying out repetitive, meaningless tasks. Once I accept a print job, this enables me to incorporate office-based tasks in the session, tailored to each student’s needs, pace and goals. For some, the initial purpose may be to build on or refresh past skills. Some may like to try office work for the first time while others with social anxiety may simply find it relaxing. By the end of their sessions, they will have a portfolio of work, containing examples of customer liaison, quotes, design work, invoices, database input, confidentiality and filing systems. I decided to align this against NVQ Level 2 business admin modules, revealing a recognised standard should students wish to pursue an academic or apprenticeship route. Most frequently, it is used as a portfolio of evidence when seeking employment – or it can be a reminder of our appreciation of all their hard work! Other projects include card design competitions, (such as the trust’s Christmas cards), peer-support training, assisting on reception, or applying for paid training placements within the trust.Sessions start at 10am and last for two hours for up to three students. I use a small, in-house print business to provide office experience for students and printing for customers within the trust. Gone are the days of students carrying out repetitive, meaningless tasks. Once I accept a print job, this enables me to incorporate office-based tasks in the session, tailored to each student’s needs, pace and goals. For some, the initial purpose may be to build on or refresh past skills. Some may like to try office work for the first time while others with social anxiety may simply find it relaxing. By the end of their sessions, they will have a portfolio of work, containing examples of customer liaison, quotes, design work, invoices, database input, confidentiality and filing systems. I decided to align this against NVQ Level 2 business admin modules, revealing a recognised standard should students wish to pursue an academic or apprenticeship route. Most frequently, it is used as a portfolio of evidence when seeking employment – or it can be a reminder of our appreciation of all their hard work! Other projects include card design competitions, (such as the trust’s Christmas cards), peer-support training, assisting on reception, or applying for paid training placements within the trust.
We have had the privilege of working with some very talented and courageous people, who through their experiences of mental ill health have had their lives disrupted. It is our job to help them rebuild a future that they can succeed in. Last week, I supported someone attending a disabled student assessment for university. At the age of 31 he gained a place, something he’s wanted to do for years but needed the right support. The look of pride on his face makes going the extra mile really pay off.We have had the privilege of working with some very talented and courageous people, who through their experiences of mental ill health have had their lives disrupted. It is our job to help them rebuild a future that they can succeed in. Last week, I supported someone attending a disabled student assessment for university. At the age of 31 he gained a place, something he’s wanted to do for years but needed the right support. The look of pride on his face makes going the extra mile really pay off.
When lunchtime approaches, much to my manager’s despair, I generally eat at my desk.When lunchtime approaches, much to my manager’s despair, I generally eat at my desk.
I came to this role after working as a dental technician and librarian. I am also a shameless lover of making things out of felt – you never know what might spark a student’s interest, so you have to have an open mind and a creative approach. Building on this, I am hoping to pursue a secondment opportunity offered by Worcestershire health and care trust to become an occupational therapist.I came to this role after working as a dental technician and librarian. I am also a shameless lover of making things out of felt – you never know what might spark a student’s interest, so you have to have an open mind and a creative approach. Building on this, I am hoping to pursue a secondment opportunity offered by Worcestershire health and care trust to become an occupational therapist.
There are many challenges in the current climate, not least cuts to mental health budgets while trying to persuade commissioners that we are delivering supported person-centered and community-based interventions for people who cannot achieve this on their own.There are many challenges in the current climate, not least cuts to mental health budgets while trying to persuade commissioners that we are delivering supported person-centered and community-based interventions for people who cannot achieve this on their own.
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Another two-hour session in the afternoon; and someone terrified to use a computer due to past pressures is helped to log in and out. Another student arrives; full of tearful pride at winning a recent trust card competition. “It’s given me such a lift!” she says.Another two-hour session in the afternoon; and someone terrified to use a computer due to past pressures is helped to log in and out. Another student arrives; full of tearful pride at winning a recent trust card competition. “It’s given me such a lift!” she says.
The final task of the day is writing feedback on student performance and assessing goals, noting achievements or concerns and liaising with care coordinators if necessary. We also use the model of human occupation, which helps identify further areas we may need to work on with a student such as motivation or social interaction.The final task of the day is writing feedback on student performance and assessing goals, noting achievements or concerns and liaising with care coordinators if necessary. We also use the model of human occupation, which helps identify further areas we may need to work on with a student such as motivation or social interaction.
To relax, I love nothing more than donning my walking boots, grabbing my binoculars and hiking in the Malvern Hills.To relax, I love nothing more than donning my walking boots, grabbing my binoculars and hiking in the Malvern Hills.
The last thing before I drift off to sleep? I hope the cat doesn’t wake me up before 7am.The last thing before I drift off to sleep? I hope the cat doesn’t wake me up before 7am.