My Practice Experience: I am a qualified counsellor and social worker. When I first qualified in 2007, from Bournemouth University, I worked in an Older Person’s Mental Health Team. I was part of a project that specialised in supporting people living with dementia. During my time with the team, I completed my safeguarding training and undertook regular inquiries. I later joined the Learning Disability Team and qualified as a practice educator and best interest assessor (BIA). After a few years, I was invited to help set up the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Team. I was the only full-time BIA for a few years before the team expanded. During this time I qualified as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and undertook Mental Health Act assessments with people. I managed the team at this point and ran regular workshops throughout the year which focused on various aspects of DoLS and the Mental Capacity Act. I also continued to support students in my role as a practice educator.

When I left full-time practice in 2021 I started working at Bournemouth University as a lecturer in the Department for Social Science and Social Work. I still practice social work as an independent social worker so that I can keep my practical skills up to date. The social work team at Bournemouth University are lovely and since joining them, I have never looked back. When I’m not working at the University, I also teach various social care and creative writing courses in the local community.

My main interests are the mental health and well-being of students and qualified social workers.