Local mental health services boosted with new psychology trainee roles

Madhia Bobat, one of 23 new trainee associate psychological practitioners to be recruited by Pennine Care

Mental health services in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale 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.

Madhia Bobat, who studied psychology at university 15 years ago and has worked in the prison service and Manchester City Council’s children’s services, is a trainee associate psychological practitioner within the Heywood and Middleton community mental health team.

Madhia said: “I have always wanted to pursue a career in psychology and I was so excited when this opportunity came up. I am very grateful to be given this opportunity to develop a new career in the NHS. I will be working therapeutically with patients within our mental health team by delivering psychologically informed, evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioural techniques, solution-focused approaches and mindfulness based skills.”

The trainees will provide psychological support to patients and community groups, offering self-care techniques and promoting healthy emotional wellbeing.

Sam White, who studied sport psychology at Liverpool John Moores University and is now a trainee associate psychological practitioner within Heywood Primary Care Network, said: “Since graduating I’ve had the chance to explore different areas of mental health and psychology, most recently working as a treatment coordinator for a private mental health provider.

“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity with this new role. I’ll soon be starting one-to-one clinics with patients within GP practices in Heywood to help with low level mental health worries such as anxiety and sleep.”

The trainees are employed through Pennine Care while studying 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.”