My apprenticeship has played a big part in me pursing my present studies in occupational therapy

For National Apprenticeship Week (7 to 13 February 2022), were celebrating all that is great about apprenticeships and shining a light on our inspiring apprentices in Nottinghamshire Healthcare. 

An apprenticeship combines on the job practical work experience, whilst studying, allowing you to gain experience and achieve a recognised qualification and earning an income.

Bashar Heesambee (Bash), Sports Instructor, at The Wells Road Centre in Nottingham, takes a look back on his apprenticeship journey.

Bashar Heesambee, Sports Instructor

Children’s Mental Health Week: Chelsea uses volunteering and CAMHS support to turns life around after anxiety and self-harm at just 14

With around one in six children affected by mental health problems, supporting children and young people to be mentally healthy has never been more important.

Children’s Mental Health Week is 7 to 13 February. The theme is about growing together and using challenges and setbacks to help us grow.

As part of raising awareness for the week, we spoke to Chelsea, who at the age of 14 experienced anxiety, low mood and self-harm. With the support of the Trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), she has turned her life around, from being someone who wouldn’t interact with anyone to a confident young person who volunteers, presents and has even been on the radio helping to raise awareness of mental health and the stigma that still surrounds it.    

Chelsea

Now 17, Chelsea hopes her story can help other young people going through a similar experience.