“ I have learnt a lot about how mental illness may manifest itself, and how this impacts on people. I have also learnt that, unfortunately, people with mental illness are stigmatised and discriminated against, and I will carry this with me to ensure that I do not reinforce this in my practice.”
Debbie Sutcliffe
Social Work Students
Social work students regularly come on placement with us. Their involvement is of great value to members needing advocacy or support, especially when liasing with other services. They support staff to run studio and outreach sessions and sometimes run sessions themselves.
They contribute to the maintenance of a positive and supportive environment for members, helping to ensure that our studios and services are safe, sound and supportive.
The students manage referrals, liase with referring agencies, give guided tours and offer support and reassurance to new participants.
On Mondays they manage a support service for participants, offering help with:
• Drafting benefits applications and appeals
• Making applications to further education
• Liasing with benefits and housing agencies
• Writing personal development plans
• Looking into volunteering opportunities
• Supporting people in distress