Trust worker featured on national NHS Careers website

An activities worker who works for the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been featured on the NHS Careers website as an example for the "what can I do with my degree" feature.

Kelly Sykes, who was also a runner up for the star of the future award at the Trust’s Excellence 09 awards, works with service users on the adult mental health ward at the Dewsbury and District Hospital.

The Trust provides mental health and learning disability services to the people of Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

As an activity worker Kelly’s job involves running various activities for service users including art, cooking, complementary therapies, exercise, as well as trips out to local shops or to museums and parks.

For many service users, particular activities are prescribed as part of their care plan and these types of diversional therapies have been proven to be very beneficial to people with mental health problems. As well as being given medical treatment from the clinical staff, the activity team offer a range of alternative activities for service users to participate in while they stay on the ward.

Kelly is now featured on the NHS Careers website as an example of how a degree can lead to different employment opportunities.

Kelly said, "I chose this role as I was keen to do a job that was relevant to my degree course in entertainment design crafts. I also wanted to work in a care area and feel that I am making a difference to people’s lives."

Kelly’s job is giving her the opportunity to progress further with her career by helping her study for a masters in art therapy, the funding for which was sourced by the Trust.

Speaking about her future with the Trust, Kelly said, "In the future I would love to have an art therapy post that allows me to work both in the ward and with outpatients, so you have consistency with people’s treatment."

More details on Kelly’s role with the Trust and information about other careers with the NHS can be found online at www.whatcanidowithmydegree.nhs.uk

For information on careers with the Trust and latest job vacancies, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk