Pioneering new roles in mental health

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has recruited eight band 4 associate practitioners – the first of its kind in mental health services.

The team will work across forensic and Wakefield adults of working age services, creating a quality career pathway across health care support worker roles.

Completing their higher care certificate with the Trust’s learning and development team recently, the group spoke proudly about how they are the pioneers of this role.

Alan Davis, director of human resources, organisation development and estates, said “We’re extremely pleased to welcome our new associate practitioners to the Trust and believe they’ll be a real asset.

“Having these posts will ensure quality and compassionate care is delivered to our service users and families, putting them first and centre”.

Following on from workshops on group work skills, leadership skills, the service user pathway, mentorship, the Mental Health Act, performance and quality, record keeping and health and safety, the group will now go on to commence their level 5 apprenticeships in advanced practice with Barnsley College.

One associate practitioner said “We’re can’t wait to get going! These are new roles to us and the Trust, and we’re excited and proud to be the example going forward.”