TRS Learning from 2000 – 2005
What did you go on to study after The Radclyffe School?
After my time at The Radclyffe School, I went to The Blue Coat School for Sixth form, where I studied my A Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Sociology.
Following this, I achieved my bachelor’s degree in public health and community wellbeing at the University of Bradford.
After graduation, I stayed at the University of Bradford and completed my master’s degree in psychology.
What does a typical day in your job look like?
I currently work remotely as an Engagement Lead for a mental health service called Kooth. My role consists of engaging both young people and adults, ensuring they are aware of the mental health support available. Further to this, I run trainings and workshops on different mental health topics including stress and anxiety, healthy relationships, and the psychology behind mental health.
A typical day in my job differs each day and involves visiting different services and settings. I might be delivering an assembly in a secondary school, setting up a stall at a university or even delivering workshops to primary school students. I also offer staff trainings, where I overview our safeguarding and clinical procedures. Further to this, I work with GPs and different healthcare professionals, youth clubs and other different organisations. Its all about raising awareness and ensuring everyone has access to mental health support, whether that’s counselling, self help resources or peer support opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
One thing I love about my job is the flexibility and independence I get. Its up to me how I populate my calendar and I oversee my own contracted areas. This gives me the space to be creative in my engagements. It also means I have the space to think and adapt new ideas.
The thing I love most about my job is I get to do what I love. I am super passionate about mental health. I get to educate others, raise awareness, and support the community. It’s really rewarding knowing I am making a difference!
How did your experiences at The Radclyffe School help you with decisions on your future goals?
When I was at The Radclyffe School, everything sounded interesting to me. I loved all my subjects, which meant I struggled to decide what I wanted to go on to do. This is a credit to all the amazing teachers I had, who made each of their lessons interesting and exciting. The one thing I was sure of, is that I wanted to help people.
The best thing about The Radclyffe School, is I felt they really pushed me to believe I could do anything I wanted. I remember being told how important it was to work hard and push myself to do best to my ability. This resulted in me really putting my head down and working hard for my GCSEs.
What is your favourite memory of life at The Radclyffe School?
A moment that stands out is on awards evening, I won the Daisey Carney award for outstanding achievement and excellence in humanities. I remember being described as having an infectious smile, no matter what I was doing. To this day, I think it is one of the nicest things anyone has said to me. It made me really proud that my smile, hard work and positivity had not gone unnoticed.
What advice would you give a Radclyffe School learner looking to study/work in the same field as you?
I would say go for it! I think psychology is one of the most interesting subjects out there. It is the foundation of human behaviour, how we act and why. It stays with you in life when you come across different situations and people.
Mental health is such an important field. If you are empathetic and passionate about helping people, it is definitely something you should look into. Everyone struggles with their mental health at one point, so it is important we have people who are passionate about supporting others, working in this field, to help make a change.
What advice would you give to learners coming up to their final 2 years at The Radclyffe School and making decisions about their future?
Do what you enjoy, and what you are passionate about. This will really help in the future when you are studying something that fascinates you and doing a job you really like.
Work hard and try your best! Your future is worth the effort and the energy.
Don’t burn yourself out. I know how much pressure is put on young people to do well and get good grades, but it’s okay. Its never going to be the end of the world, even though it can feel like it will be. Things will be okay. Don’t sacrifice your mental health and your wellbeing.
Describe your time at The Radclyffe School in 3 words
Motivating, diverse and wholesome.
