Ready to help young people Staff complete programme

Five members of staff working in the Children and Young People’s Services section of the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust have completed the programme.

The course, Foundational Key Competence, Registrant Working with Children and Young People in Mental Health and Learning Disability Specialist Service, is the first of its kind for the trust which provides mental health and disability services for the county.

Jackie Jollands, group nurse director at CNTW, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for our members of staff who have finished the programme, especially during what has been such a challenging time.

“The programme has enabled growth and personal development which will, in turn, help improve the care of our service users.

“It has enhanced their career prospects, practice and confidence and we hope to welcome many more members of staff into future cohorts.”

The 18-week programme, which began in July last year, was offered to new registrants to the children and young people’s inpatient services.

It is hoped that this will then be rolled out to all of these services within the trust.

Skilled staff from band three onwards will also have the opportunity to join future cohorts of this programme.

The accredited programme, which is facilitated by the CNTW Academy, was put together by staff, managers, and young people.

Susan Graham, advanced occupational therapist and senior trainer, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my role within the course as I have been able to see staff student development and progression in a skills based format which has brought about further confidence within staff teams.

“Ultimately, providing better-quality care to our population of young people in inpatient services.

“I have enjoyed working with staff from CNTW Academy and seeing the breadth of their roles within supporting our staff teams.”

The first cohort is hoping to celebrate completing the course virtually.