As a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner (MHWP), my role involves providing evidence-based interventions and coordinating care plans for adults facing severe mental health challenges.
Working within the community, I support individuals of all ages in their quest for fulfilling lives. While my focus is not on providing psychological therapy, I deliver impactful wellbeing interventions that assist people in their recovery and overall improvement.
My interventions encompass various areas, including:
- Behavioural activation and graded exposure through the ‘GOALS’ programme
- Problem-solving strategies
- Improving sleep quality
- Recognising and managing emotions
- Building confidence
I collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to promoting mental health and facilitating recovery from severe mental health issues.
When I began my journey with Inclusion as a Trainee MHWP at Edge Hill University, I was part of the inaugural cohort training in the drug and alcohol sector, marking only the third group to undertake MHWP training.
Initially, I faced several challenges, having no prior experience in the mental health and substance use sectors. Alongside my training as an MHWP, I was also learning about substance use. At first, it was challenging to identify how my role would integrate within the existing services, particularly given that a position like mine had not been established previously. Lacking a mentor or another MHWP in the community to consult, I relied heavily on my studies and external outreach.
Through dedication and completion of my course, I took proactive steps to connect with various community services, articulating the nature of my role and garnering support. Now, my position is well-integrated within the service, and I have successfully cultivated positive relationships with both professionals and clients.
My role at Telford STaRS
At Telford STaRs, I have established a consistent caseload and building relationship with 1-to-1 intervention and collaborated with fellow MHWPs from Inclusion to create and implement an emotional regulation group every Thursday for 6 sessions. I engage closely with the community, facilitating my emotional regulation group on a monthly basis at charity-led organisation that supports individuals impacted by drug and alcohol use. Furthermore, I participate in a mental health alliance meeting each Tuesday morning, engaging with other mental health professionals—including representatives from Community Mental Health, Telford Council, homelessness organisations, supported housing, and social workers—to collaboratively discuss and devise client support plans.
Throughout my experience, I have observed that mental health and substance use are closely interconnected. This insight has allowed me to utilise my role effectively, resulting in a steady influx of referrals. I made a conscious decision to avoid creating a waitlist, understanding that delays can hinder individuals seeking support. Instead, I communicate my availability for referrals clearly to ensure timely assistance. Collaborating closely with our psychological therapist, whose extensive experience and knowledge have been invaluable, we have conducted assessments together to ensure clients are placed appropriately within our services.
One of the biggest challenges I face in my line of work is engaging clients while addressing the stigma associated with drug and alcohol use. Clients who are actively struggling with drug and alcohol use often find it difficult to adhere to a structured approach, making engagement a challenge. Additionally, they frequently encounter significant stigma, which can lead them to be wary of professionals like me.
I believe that building a strong rapport with my clients is essential to my role, as it fosters a professional connection that can enhance engagement. At the same time, I have learned the importance of setting professional boundaries to ensure that I do not take on more than my role allows. This helps prevent burnout and preserves my ability to provide effective support.
