Mental health services in Tameside will receive a boost following the creation of a new psychology trainee role.
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health, learning disability and autism services, has recruited 23 new trainee associate psychological practitioners to work within community mental health, primary care networks, children and adolescent mental health (CAMHS), early intervention and learning disabilities.
The aim is to improve access to mental health support in local communities and to provide a new career route for psychology graduates to join the NHS.
Carolyn Beddows studied psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University and is a trainee associate psychological practitioner for the early intervention team in Tameside.
She said: “This role is perfect for me as there’s huge opportunities for progression. After a year of training I’m guaranteed a permanent role as an associate psychology practitioner.
“I’ve always been interested in mental health and understanding people’s behaviour. I’m really excited to be starting in my role and helping to make a difference to people’s lives.”
The trainees will provide psychological support to patients and community groups, offering self-care techniques and promoting healthy emotional wellbeing.
Employed through Pennine Care, the trainees will study for a post graduate diploma with the University of Central Lancashire and are part of the second cohort of graduates to join this innovative scheme in the North West.
Jayne Taylor, lead consultant clinical psychologist at Pennine Care, said: “There is a national shortage of psychological professionals and yet it is incredibly competitive and difficult to get onto that career path.
"The creation of these roles is a much-needed initiative to help address the shortages of mental health practitioners to help our patients, while providing a graduate pathway for psychology students to join the NHS.”
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