At PSS Wellbeing Centres we don't just provide opportunities for the people who use our service - we also support the next generation with their next steps into the working world too!
Meet Sophie, our lovely new work placement student who has just joined us today.
Hello. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sophie, I’m 20 years old and I’m a student at the University of Liverpool studying psychology.
What interested you about the course?
Psychology has always interested me, I love both the scientific and social aspects of the subject. Growing up I struggled with social anxiety and was finding it hard to leave the house some days. During this period I always knew that, when I had found methods to cope with the anxiety, I wanted to help others do the same.
What brought you to PSS Wellbeing Centres for your work placement?
During one of my lectures on wellbeing, my lecturer included a slide on the Dutch Barn run by PSS to demonstrate the importance of community psychological approaches. When I researched further into PSS, I knew it would be an excellent place to complete my summer placement module.
What are you hoping to achieve with your work placement with us?
I have been offered an excellent opportunity with PSS to complete a well-rounded placement with a combination of different branches, each branch allowing me to work with different types of people. I hope to get involved with community wellbeing and be able to provide the people that PSS support with different articles that inform people about different mental health conditions and give advice on coping skills.
Why do you think community mental health services are so important?
I believe that mental health is something that most people will struggle with from time-to-time, so it is important to have adequate support services in place that are accessible to everyone. Unfortunately the NHS is currently unable to deal with the amount of people needing support, seen by the rise in waiting lists for services. Due to this, people may need to wait months or even years before receiving the help they need, and community mental health services bridge this gap so people don’t need to wait to get the support they need.
How do you look after your mental health?
I use a combination of different coping mechanisms. Recently, with the nicer weather, I like taking walks into green areas such as Sefton Park. If the weather isn’t great, I stay inside and watch my favourite show and crochet.
What do you hope to do for a career?
I have a long road ahead with studying psychology. After I complete my Integrated Masters course, I hope to take a year or two out to work as an Assistant Psychologist within the NHS. After that I hope to be accepted onto a doctorate course to become a clinical psychologist working within the NHS or community services.