Step into the NHS with a rewarding career in mental health

Ahead of A-level and GCSE results this month, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust is encouraging young people who are planning their next steps to consider a rewarding and fulfilling career in mental health.

The Trust, which supports and treats people with serious mental illness across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, offers a variety of opportunities from frontline clinical roles, to crucial non-clinical support roles, it also includes apprenticeship opportunities.

With exam results just around the corner, many students and young people will be reflecting on their results and career choices over the next few weeks.

Julian Feasby, Director for People, at AWP, says: “At AWP we relish the opportunity of supporting people to take their first-steps into a career in the NHS, instilling our compassionate and caring values along the way, fostering within them the skills and confidence to reach their full potential. If you’re leaving school and thinking about what comes next, or instead are looking for a career-change, it’s worth considering a career at AWP.”

AWP is also encouraging students and their families awaiting exam results to look after each other and help reduce their anxiety.

Aileen McArthur, Head of Talking Therapies at AWP, said: “Many students and their families can find waiting for results stressful. If your results aren’t what you expected there are always different options and plans for what to do next, whether that is retaking the exam, negotiating with a university or college or taking a totally different path.  It’s important not to panic. But, pause and talk to someone you trust about how your feeling and what your next steps are. Don’t feel pressured to make a snap decision but explore your options and take your time. The Mix website has useful information about dealing with exam day stress.”

There is also expert support available locally to all adults 16 and over across Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire through Talking Therapies which aims to help manage a range of common mental health problems including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood.

Adults in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire can seek support through VitaMinds. VitaMinds offer a range of talking therapies for people suffering from a range of mental health challenges, such as depression, low mood, anxiety, panic attacks and more.

Tips on coping with stress leading up to receiving results

• Talk to friends and family about your feelings – It is important to discuss how you feel with those around you. Talking about how you are feeling, and the causes of those feelings, will give others the opportunity to provide you with emotional and practical support. It may be especially helpful to talk to other students in a similar position to you, as this can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Look after yourself - Evidence suggests that as well as affecting our physical health, what we eat may also affect the way we feel. If your blood sugar drops, you might feel tired, irritable and depressed. Eating regularly and choosing foods that release energy slowly will help to keep your sugar levels steady.
• Get active - Regular physical activity can increase our self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake – Caffeine and alcohol can affect your sleep patterns. Poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health.

You can visit our vacancies page and find out more about working at AWP here. As well as a substantive role, you can join the AWP Bank, where you can fit your work around your family life or other commitments.

For advice on re-sits and re-marks

The National Careers Service has an exam results helpline where you can speak to a professionally qualified careers advisor. The number to call is 0800 100 900. The helpline is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. You can also access ongoing support from the National Careers Service.