Blogs – Page 2 – Council of Deans of Health's Student Leadership Programme

3rd November 2023

Blog | Future Leaders or ‘just students’?

Isla, Paramedic Science Student from the University of Stirling and one of our #150Leaders, shares how she felt empowered meeting like minded student leaders, including fellow student paramedics, from all over the UK, thanks to the Student Leadership Programme.

Oftentimes as a student I have felt like that, ‘just a student’. Only learning, so nothing to offer, to show or teach others. It can feel immensely difficult at times to see myself as more than that. I have a strong passion for making changes within the health service. As a student though, this desire can seem so far away, almost intangible.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the conference, but I was excited, nonetheless. I had a feeling it would be a memorable event and it didn’t disappoint. It was a room filled with similar likeminded people. Yes, differing opinions and passions but one common goal. Change. I could quickly see that I was in a room full of people also wanting to get their voices heard and make changes for the better within their professions and healthcare as a whole.

My desire was only ignited further by receiving talks from inspirational and motivational guest speakers. These were leaders in the current industry and alumni from the program. All people who had been sat in a similar position to myself and had managed to achieve greatness.

From the moment the conference started I was made to feel like I belonged there, like I deserved my spot amongst these other fifty people. Everybody was keen to find out more about myself and my passions. It was such a validating experience. My fellow healthcare students made me feel heard and my passion for improving mental health services felt achievable. I have moments of doubt at times as I’m sure many students do, but the inspirational speakers reminded me that you can do whatever you set your mind to. You may require some help along the way, but you can do it.

I loved the idea behind the feedback boxes. Throughout the conference we were able to add positive feedback to people’s boxes without them reading the comments till the end. It was another really validating experience. Reading over the comments written about me on my train journey home reminded me what qualities I have and what will help to make me the best leader I can be. The best part is being able to keep those comments. When I’m having that moment of doubt or when I overhear that conversation about me saying I am ‘just a student’, I can remind myself that I am not ‘just a student’, I am student with a passion for change, I can be a future leader.

31st October 2023

Blog | Developing the Healthcare Leaders of Tomorrow: my experience as a mature student

Ally, Student Nurse – Learning Disability from Edinburgh Napier University, shares an authentic testimony about his journey being accepted in the Programme as a mature student, and meeting his fellow 150Leaders at the Welcome Event in September.

My name is Ally and I’m a 3rd year Learning Disability Nursing student at Edinburgh Napier University. In this blog, I’ll share my insights from attending the recent 150Leaders Welcome Event in Manchester, as a mature student embarking on an exciting new career in healthcare.

This career change began when I survived severe depression in 2019. Seeing first-hand the help from different people made me want to use my skills to help others too. I cared for my dad with dementia during COVID, supporting him to the end of life. This reaffirmed my passion for compassionate care. Having a son with autism spectrum disorder has given insight into learning differences. My mum taught nursing/midwifery, instilling the desire to care for others. My wife is a health visitor, inspiring me daily through her work. You might say nursing runs in my family.

When made redundant, it was the perfect chance to pursue my dream of nursing. Now, I aim to combine my background in communication and problem-solving with nursing education, to make a difference to patients’ lives. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey so far.

After getting accepted within the Council of Deans of Health’s Student Leadership Programme, or 150 Leaders, I was now ready to attend the new cohort’s Welcome Event in September. The #150Leaders name comes from the programme originally being designed for 150 students over two years. Now over 250 students have graduated, with more joining each year, but the #150Leaders name lives on. The programme is run by the Council of Deans of Health who represents the UK’s university faculties engaged in education and/or research for nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions.

The two-day Welcome Event was packed with inspirational talks, hands-on workshops, and great networking opportunities. Sessions explored critical leadership skills like overcoming imposter syndrome, compassionate leadership, and crafting elevator pitches. We also honed entrepreneurial thinking during an engaging “Dragon’s Den” pitch workshop. There was valuable advice on goal-setting and seizing opportunities.

As a non-traditional student, it was empowering to join the current cohort benefiting from this amazing experience. Having attended as a mature student, my key tips are: stay focused on your interests, believe in yourself, and keep growing your skills. Also, as a nurse passionate about inclusion, I’m eager to develop leadership capabilities that help me better serve patients with learning disabilities. Events like 150Leaders are vital for nurturing those skills early on.

It was amazing to watch everyone building their confidence and voices over the two days. The inspirational healthcare students at the event will undoubtedly become the compassionate, patient-focused leaders of tomorrow. Their dedication left me feeling so hopeful for the future of healthcare. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve working together.

Of course, leadership is a lifelong journey and coaches will now help us reflect on developing projects that drive real change. The future is bright!

Ally Finlay
Nurse Learning Disabilities

25th October 2023

Blog | Reflections on the 150 Leaders Conference from a nursing student

In this blog, one of our 2023 #150Leaders, Freda (Adult Nursing Student) from the University of Salford, shares an accurate and detailed description of the Welcome Event sessions who took place last month in Manchester.

Day 1

The 150 Leaders Conference began with a brief introduction by Professor Nigel Harrison, setting the stage for what would turn out to be an inspiring journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

We then heard from three students’ alumni, which proved to be incredibly motivating. We had Shannon Gorman, a Nursing and Paramedic Science Student, who was incredibly relatable. She demonstrated that anyone could achieve great things with determination and a focused mindset. She emphasised that our individual journeys don’t always have to appear grand; what matters most is staying true to our own paths. Then there was Raymond Amoako, a Therapeutic Radiographer Student, who exemplified the importance of organisation and taking advantage of all available opportunities. He shared his journey of building confidence and learning when to say no. Lastly, there was Allyson Omoniyi, a Nursing (Mental Health) Student – what a powerhouse! While I may never accomplish half of what she has, she showed us how to seize every opportunity and, most importantly, how to believe that we deserve it.

Rachel Moses OBE, a Consultant Respiratory Physiotherapist, led a powerful session on imposter syndrome. She reminded us that “no one can give you as much positive feedback as yourself.” We explored topics such as leadership, confidence, diversity, and the importance of self-recognition.

During dinner, we heard from Professor Nigel Harrison. His vast experience and unique story were truly inspirational. He offered valuable advice, including the notion that “career progression isn’t linear; you can move in various directions, and that’s okay.” My table fostered engaging discussions covering a wide spectrum of healthcare topics, from dementia care to the maternal and infant experience. These conversations were enriched by students hailing from diverse fields, including midwifery, dietetics, podiatry, mental health nursing, and physiotherapy, representing regions across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Day 2

The second day started with a hearty breakfast and a touch of Manchester sun. The day’s first presentation was led by Raluca Oaten, a 150 Leaders alumni and Intensive Care Nurse, whose commitment to driving change was truly inspirational. She emphasised the significance of being part of a team that values authenticity and encourages vulnerability, leaving us with a powerful reminder: “always know who you are and what your values are.”

Next, we engaged in a ‘Dragons Den’ activity where each group pitched ideas on how to support healthcare students to a panel of judges composed of Raluca Oaten, Jon Eames from the Council of Deans and Ismat Khan, a Diagnostic Radiographer and one of the 150Leaders Alumni. This activity taught us valuable lessons in teamwork, active listening, and gaining insights from others’ experiences.

Dr. Anna Byrom then led a session on compassion. With her positive attitude, she taught us that we have the power to choose how we show up. We discussed the importance of creating a balance to prevent burnout, and she left us with the thought that “compassion is the only universal language that everyone understands.”

We concluded by participating in a group activity centred on crafting compelling elevator pitches that highlight our unique qualities. This exercise was valuable for our growth as future professionals and leaders.

Upon reflection, the 150 Leaders Conference instilled a powerful sense of self-belief and a better grasp of seizing opportunities. I’m now more confident and committed to personal and professional growth.

20th October 2023

Blog | Here is the Start of My Inspiring Journey as One of the 150Leaders

Antonio is a Nursing Adult Student at the University of Roehampton. In this blog, Antonio shares some insightful reflections on the 150Leaders Welcome Event who took place in Manchester last September.

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 150Leaders Student Leadership Programme Welcome Event in the vibrant city of Manchester. These two transformative days were , filled with learning, networking, and personal growth. Allow me to share my first-hand experience and provide a glimpse into this remarkable programme.

Day 1: Making Connections

The event kicked off with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an enriching journey. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and anticipation as soon as I entered the venue. The organisers did a fantastic job of fostering a sense of belonging. One of the highlights of the first day was the ice-breaking activities. Seeing how people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines came together effortlessly, sharing their unique stories and aspirations was remarkable. These initial connections would soon grow into valuable friendships and professional networks.

One of the most memorable moments was the presentations and panel discussion featuring three 150 Leaders alumni who achieved significant success. Hearing their stories of growth and impact inspired all of us to dream big and embrace our potential to make a difference in healthcare. In the evening, Professor Nigel Harrison delivered a heartfelt speech before dinner that inspired and uplifted me. His personal story was genuine and moving, making me reflect on my priorities.

Day 2: Nurturing Leadership

The second day was dedicated to delving deeper into leadership development. A variety of engaging sessions challenged us to think critically and creatively. We explored the importance of empathy in leadership, learned how to lead through change, discussed strategies for driving innovation in healthcare and the importance of effective leadership strategies to build resilience in challenging times. As part of the entrepreneurial leadership workshop, we were put into groups and asked to develop a project idea to promote student wellness and pitch it to a Dragons Den competition-style judging panel. Every group developed innovative and original ideas; however, I was so pleased when our group project was picked as the winner because we worked so well together, and each of us was able to contribute to the task. Our project idea involved organising six interactive online sessions led by field experts to support students during placement. The sessions would focus on dealing with burnout, racial discrimination, diet, stress, and maintaining professional boundaries.

What I Enjoyed Most

It’s challenging to pinpoint a favourite aspect of the event because every moment was enriching. However, I most cherished the community and support permeating the event. Despite being surrounded by accomplished individuals, there was no ego, only a genuine desire to learn from one another and grow together. The event also provided valuable tools and insights I can apply to my academic and personal life. From effective communication techniques to leadership strategies, I left with a treasure trove of knowledge and skills.

My Experience

As a participant in the 150Leaders Welcome Event, I felt empowered and connected to a community of individuals who share the same values and passion for improving healthcare and positively impacting the world. The event challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, engage with new ideas, and embrace my leadership potential. I was inspired not only by the speakers and mentors but also by my fellow attendees. Their stories and aspirations served as a reminder of the limitless possibilities within healthcare leadership.

In Conclusion

The 150Leaders Welcome Event in Manchester was an experience I will forever cherish. It was an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with remarkable individuals poised to shape the future of healthcare. If you are passionate about healthcare and aspire to become a leader in this field, I wholeheartedly recommend joining this program. It’s not just an event; it’s the start of a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

12th October 2023

Blog | If at first you don’t succeed; try and try again!

Jade Hunt is a nursing student from the University of Plymouth. In this blog, Jade shares her story from getting accepted in the programme on her second attempt, to attending the Welcome Event in Manchester in September 2023. Jade explains how formative this journey has been for her.

In the first year of my nursing degree, I was encouraged to create a Twitter (now known as X) account to network and share my learning journey. As it was 2021 and much of my learning was still online, I took this opportunity to connect with people and threw myself into it. Soon I saw the 150 Leaders welcome conference coming up on my feed. I just thought to myself this looks amazing, I want to be there. I researched online and made a note of when I would be able to apply for the next cohort. However, I applied and was unsuccessful. This was a knock to my confidence, but I followed the journeys of this next cohort and the amazing things they achieved in awe via social media. Again, the deadline came, and I applied. This time I focused more on what I wanted to achieve through the 150 leader’s student leadership programme; having the opportunity to network and connect with other passionate healthcare students and to have a knowledgeable coach who can support me in completing my own leadership project. To my complete surprise, I was successful. I am still so shocked and privileged to have this incredible opportunity.

I waited with anticipation for the welcome conference, a two-day event that took place in Manchester this year. Prior to the conference, we had a virtual information session, and this meant we could ask questions, prepare for the conference, and create a WhatsApp group for this year’s cohort. It was so lovely to have this space connect and introduce ourselves. Finally, the day came to travel to Manchester, I was equal parts excited and nervous. I still didn’t really know what to expect! Once registered, we had to queue for a photo to put on our feedback boxes. These feedback boxes were one of the highlights of the event. During the conference you wrote positive feedback to people and posted it anonymously in these feedback boxes. In the queue, I was immediately put at ease meeting a lovely member of my cohort who was so welcoming, and we chatted and after taking our photos got lunch. At my lunch table, I chatted with others, introducing ourselves, our fields, and where we were based. Everyone appeared to be as enthusiastic and excited as I was.

The conference started with an icebreaker task (which wasn’t as cringy as I was expecting) that highlighted the diversity of our cohort. We then had talks from three 150 Leaders alumni. Raymond Amoako talked passionately about his achievements but for me, I really took away from it the power of saying no and knowing when to pass the baton on. Shannon Gorman shone through her passion for ensuring equality for Deaf British Sign Language users in accessing healthcare. She showed how your project doesn’t need to be one big achievement but lots of smaller wins and opportunities. Finally, it was Allyson Omoniyi who just blew me away such a compassionate confident leader. She showed that nursing is a global profession and there are opportunities all around the globe to lead.

The conference continued over the two days with learning about navigating imposter syndrome, strategic networking, being a compassionate and entrepreneurial leader, and goal setting. I learned so much, far too much to put into words here. However, sitting in that room for two days with professionals who were excited for the future, passionate about healthcare, and focused on making a positive change. It inspired me and lit a fire in my belly. On the train journey home, I read all these lovely things from my feedback box and I felt.

21st April 2023

Combatting Racism in Professional Practice

Our next 150Leaders webinar will take place on 23 May on Zoom. Michelle Mello and Anne Trotter discussed antiracism in professional practice. Register now!

Anti racism in professional practice

23 May 2023, 15.00-16.00

This interactive session focused on the anti-racism resource published in November 2022 NHS England Combatting Racial Discrimination against minority ethnic nurses, midwives and nursing associates Guide. The resource was developed in partnership with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and NHS Confederation. It is firmly rooted in the Code. Speakers will share professional expectations around anti racist practice and give you opportunity to discuss what this means for you and the teams you work in.

Missed an event? Watch again:

More webinars to be advertised soon!

19th April 2023

Why you should apply for the Student Leadership Programme.

Michael Bartholomew is an Operating Department Practitioner student at the University of West London and one of our 2022-23 #150Leaders. Here he describes how he managed to overcome his fears and attend the welcome event, where he met like-minded students and healthcare leaders. Lastly, he explains how the programme has opened him up to new opportunities.

Michael with Prof Nigel Harrison and ex Council of Deans’ CEO Katerina Kolyva

It’s difficult to explain why I was so excited when I watched the webinar featuring members of the 2021 #150Leaders cohort, describing the Student Leadership Programme. I just really felt that this was something I needed to do, and I applied immediately. I was so delighted to be accepted onto the programme, but in the weeks leading up to the opening conference, I became very apprehensive and doubtful for some reason, and in the final few days, I seriously considered not attending. I am extremely proud of myself for pushing through those feelings, because I have previously caved in to them and missed out on great opportunities as a result.

I was naturally nervous about attending the conference because it was the first time I had exposed myself to this type of event and environment. I made a concerted effort to meet a few people, and once the conference began, I found the guest speakers and their ideas very engaging. I was still a little sceptical, especially when we were asked to complete the ice breakers and elevator pitches, because I was initially quite embarrassed, but after we finished the activities, I felt a lot better because they were actually very fun and allowed everyone at each table to come out of their shell.

Outcome of the entrepreneurial game at the welcome event

There was an entrepreneurial activity in which each table was tasked with developing a product to promote student wellness and then pitch the idea in the style of Dragons Den. My group developed the concept of a ‘HelloFresh’ style box for students, complete with online resources, and we discussed a variety of issues such as diversity, promotion, scalability, funding, target audience, versatility, product placement, celebrity endorsement, online presence, and social media hashtags. I felt I made an important contribution to the group project, and I was confident that my ideas would be heard and respected because we were all like-minded individuals brought together by this programme.

Everyone was extremely pleasant, and I didn’t feel compelled to try to stand out. In the end, I was proud to have come up with the name “#StudentChef”, but I was extremely nervous about having to present our idea in front of the other groups, so I was relieved when two other members of the group volunteered. Their confidence and presentation skills were incredible, and I admired them greatly. Happily, our group won the task and we were all given certificates, and I learned from it that I would like to improve my public speaking skills and confidence.

Throughout the conference, we had the opportunity to listen to a number of excellent guest speakers. I really enjoyed Professor Adele Nightingales’ talk about ‘resilience and leadership’ because it helped me understand what ‘leadership’ meant and what was expected of us as future leaders going forward in our careers. Carrie Biddles’ talk on ‘everyday leadership’ was packed with useful information, and I’ve since been working on my own ‘One Page Profile,’ an idea she shared that helps others understand your personality quirks, motivations, and support needs.

Professor Calvin Moorley’s personality was contagious. He was animated, engaging, funny, and candid about his own personal journey. He talked about mental health, and it was strangely reassuring and refreshing to hear such a high performer discuss the difficulties he has faced throughout his career. It was also very inspiring to hear the stories of #150Leaders alumni Ben Potts and Nicolette Porter, who both conveyed well how the Student Leadership Programme changed their lives.

But it was Professor Nigel Harrison’s pre-dinner speech in the evening of the first day that was a major turning point for me, and ultimately the highlight of the entire experience. His story was very candid, personal, and emotional, and it made me glad to be a part of the programme, even if only to experience that.

I went away from the conference with my special little box full of comments and compliments, and I was full of elation and optimism. I had met some great like-minded people and expanded my network massively. I couldn’t wait to get started and meet my leadership coach and squeeze all the knowledge I could from them. This feeling lasted a good while, but inevitably began to wear off as I was sucked back into the ‘real world’ of University studies and clinical placements. However, every opportunity to engage with the programme renewed a spark of energy to try harder to develop my leadership skills.

Because I was part of the programme, I was provided an opportunity via email to share advice with new healthcare students as part of a Health Education England online campaign using the hashtag #HEEWelcomesLearners. Off the back of this campaign, I wrote a brief article titled “Ten Top Tips from an ODP Apprentice: How to Make the Most of Your Clinical Practice”. This article was chosen for publication in the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) supplemental magazine ‘Innovation, People, and Practice’ (The IPP) in March of 2023. The goal of the article was to help the next generation of students by sharing my first-hand experience as a student apprentice, and writing it confirmed to myself how far I have progressed in my journey to become a better leader. I learned that I should share the information and experiences that are unique to me in a clear, concise, and honest manner, because others may benefit from this knowledge on occasion.

To conclude, I’d like to express my gratitude to the Council of Deans for accepting me into the programme and providing such an enriching learning experience. I’d like to thank Adele Nightingale for her time and for being an excellent leadership coach. I’d also like to thank the rest of the 2022/23 #150Leaders cohort for being so warm and welcoming. I wish everyone the best of luck in their future endeavours.

😊

Michael Bartholomew
#150Leaders

6th February 2023

Blog | Promoting Professional Relationships Through Neurodiversity Awareness, Webinar

A guest blog from Jade Wareham, adult student nurse apprentice at The Open University and one of the #150Leaders. The blog presents Jade’s personal project to promote professional relationships through neurodiversity awareness with The Florence Nightingale Foundation. Jade will hold an interactive webinar for any individual who would like to learn more about neurodiversity on Thursday 30 March. Find registering link at the end of the blog.

Through conversations, connecting with other students and educators, I have learned that many individuals experience prejudice and discrimination due to their neurodivergent condition.

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the range of cognitive abilities that individuals hold. Neurodivergent is a term used to describe one singular person with a neuro condition such as ADHD/Dyslexia. With most labels, these terms can be adapted with personal preferences.

Neurodivergent conditions are considered as a disability to ensure individuals are protected by the equality act. Personally, I do not like to consider myself as disabled. I prefer to use the term neurodivergent.

Since receiving my dyslexia diagnosis at 29 years of age, I have become extremely passionate about promoting professional relationships by utilising neurodiversity education. I experienced negative attitudes whilst I was undiagnosed but, since my diagnosis, I’ve found more people have been understanding. Why did I need a diagnosis to receive understanding and support?

The Student Leadership Programme by the Council of Deans of Health paired me with an incredible coach! I have been given the tools to create a presentation for my upcoming webinar, Promoting Professional Relationships Through Neurodiversity Awareness, hosted by Florence Nightingale Foundation. I have designed the webinar to be an interactive session and as universal as possible. Meaning, anyone can attend. The webinar will include activities, guest speakers, myth busters and an awareness of what neurodiversity is and how we can support meaningful conversations with our managers and/or the team we work with.

By the end of the session, the goal is to have gained an understanding of what neurodiversity is, appropriate legislation, associated personality traits and barriers, including positive aspects, and how awareness can influence profession relationships. The webinar will be held online, Thursday 30^th March 2023, 11am – 12 noon. Register now!

If you would like to learn more about other projects I have been involved with, you can follow this link or go to my personal page.

Follow Jade on twitter: @jade_w08 / @SSHINE_Students / @FNightingaleF

1st February 2023

Blog | Setbacks have led to an amazing opportunity

A guest blog from Monique Cleary, podiatry student at the University of Southampton and one of the #150Leaders. The blog presents Monique’s personal project to develop a image bank of pathologies and symptoms of the foot with diverse skin tones, which health professional could refer to, to help diagnose all patients.

I was made redundant while 8 months pregnant and three months prior to the first wave of the pandemic hitting. All the plans I had went out the window and there was no clear path for me to follow. I decided to return to study as a mature student. While my first choice and local university took months and months to offer me an interview for radiography, I decided to rethink my project. After a many deliberations, I eventually chose Podiatry. It was a longer commute, making things more difficult, especially with a young baby. I honestly wasn’t sure what I would be like touching people’s feet all day. However, I decided this was the best choice for my family. Podiatry is one of the few NHS roles which does not involve evenings, weekends, or bank holiday shifts, this was a clear winner in my eyes.

Fast forward a year later, I was living my best life as a podiatry student and loving the course. placement I was then selected to be one of the Council of Deans, 150Leaders and attended the opening conference in September 2022. In that residential event, I really felt I was part of something bigger than myself. I was being given skills and communication styles that would shape and mould the direction I could continue throughout my student and professional career. The talks were engaging and empowering. I left the residential really motivated to make something happen. Being in a room full of likeminded, highly esteemed, and highly motivated people was so humbling. I was the only podiatry student present, so I had real value to input from my differing experience.

I had the privilege of being paired for coaching with the acting CEO and Clinical Director of the Royal College of Podiatry, which meant that any project I decided to take on had the possibility of making an impact. Being a student parent and having to go on placement takes a lot of planning and support from those around you. However, I was motivated to show my coach what I might be capable of, with a potential to work for the college in the future.

It was another setback that gave me my 150Leaders project idea. As a woman of colour, I wanted to do a placement in a very diverse area like London, so that in the future I could go back to my local community to help patients with diverse skin tones. Unfortunately, all my hopes to do a placement in London rather than the southwest of England didn’t happen due to staff shortages in these areas. Disappointed is an understatement for how I felt, but this set back, made me think bigger. How do podiatrists diagnose patients with differing skin types? How confident do people feel when looking for the classic symptoms of ‘redness, cyanosis’ on darker skin? It was silly for me to think that educating myself on what these pathologies and symptoms looks like would help anyone but myself. What I really needed to do was to try and take everyone on this journey with me.

The aim of my project is to create an online image bank of pathologies and symptoms of the foot for diverse skin tones which podiatrists and other health professionals can refer to. It would more accurately help diagnose all patients encountered in practice, and better represent the world we live in. The concept and the idea are big but also could have a huge impact on the accuracy of correct diagnosis within podiatry for people of colour. I have amazing support from my coach and university faculty who are helping to answer my many questions and read through the work I am creating.

My initial aim is to outline a full framework of the project so that it can be launched. This includes securing funding, marketing, designing web pages and outlining staff required to manage the site for the future. This initial aim does not tie me to staying with the project till completion as university and personal life may not allow me to do so. I have been realistic with what I can achieve within the leadership’s timelines. However, my personal aim and long-term hope is to stay within the mix of this project and help get it off the starting line and hopefully see it expand. I hope my project to foster partnerships with universities and institutes around the world, widening our image portfolio, and becoming a go to for podiatry pathology images globally.

Without the opportunity to participate on the 150 Leaders programme I would not be on this remarkable journey. I have the extraordinary opportunity to make an enormous impactful contribution towards a health profession I truly love and I am so grateful. Without the leadership programme I may never have tapped into the skill sets and learning I am encountering on bringing this project to fruition.

Follow Monique on Instagram

12th January 2023

Blog | From dental to mental: raising awareness on dental wellness for mental health patients

A guest blog and testimony from Soneika “Sunny” Atkinson, Mental Health Student Nurse at University of Essex and one of the #150Leaders. The blog aims to present Sunny’s experience and personal project to promote and develop good dental care for mental health patients in hospital settings. Soneika’s project has the support of the Student Education Facilitator for the Essex Partnership University.

Soneika’s SLP personal project presentation at University of Essex, 11 January 2023

I am Soneika, second-year mental health nursing student at the University of Essex. My mum nicknamed me Sunny.

Mental health, alongside all it entails, is very personal to me. I am from a culture that doesn’t acknowledge mental health challenges. This is the main reason I decided to build my life’s career around public health.

Mental health is a complex topic to discuss, and sometimes it is even hard to diagnose mental issues because, most times, mental health symptoms are not physical. It is a general tendency to believe there is nothing wrong with a person because they do not look ill. I wanted to work in healthcare, particularly with people suffering from mental health issues.

I am incredibly interested in the mental health aspect of public health. I intend to help others understand and overcome this issue that only a handful of people understand or see as relevant. Studying for a BSc in public health and health promotion gave me the essential skills to explore and further understand mental health.

I have worked in the primary care sector for over 15 years and have acquired a good understanding and a deep passion for the healthcare industry. I started working in the dental nursing field in 2005. So am ‘from dental to mental’.

I started my university education as a mature student with two young children. I was aware that it would be arduous. But I was surprised that I could use my time management and organisation skills from my career as a dental nurse to survive university life and being a mum. I also became the student voice, raising issues and concerns affecting students. My participation as a student’s voice greatly developed my leadership skills who would help me make a difference in dental health among mental health patients.

My Student Leadership Project: Dental Mental Wellness

Recently, I have been accepted on to the Student Leadership Programme (#150Leaders) who have given me the opportunity to attend several conferences and being coached by a healthcare sector leader. #150Leaders has allowed me to be more confident, leave the relationship with imposter syndrome behind, and further develop my leadership skills. I feel included when I am among my fellow students because I am able to share my views without being misunderstood.

The Programme has given me a platform to raise my voice further and advocate for positive change, which will help vulnerable people. I also created a student leadership project based on my experiences, with the help of my coach. While I was in placement, my dental nursing background helped me identify gaps in dental care for mental health patients receiving treatments in hospitals.

With this project I want to introduce:

dental charting to mental health patients who receive mental health assessment or treatment in a hospital setting.
dental screening among mental health patients to help the multidisciplinary team provide prompt solutions to save the patients’ oral health. Dental screening can also contribute to a more patient-centred approach depending on the patient’s oral health needs.

The rationale for this project is that many patients in the ward have oral problems due to mental illness. Mentally ill patients are often unable to effectively maintain oral care due to their poor oral hygiene and consumption of unhealthy foods. They, therefore, greatly need oral care under close supervision. Sometimes, these patients cannot express that they are having toothaches or other pain. Therefore, this project is crucial because it can provide prompt solutions to saving the oral health of mentally ill patients. The project will also contribute to a more patient-centred approach depending on the patient’s oral health needs. Most patients need oral health awareness in community settings and healthcare centres. Therefore, this project aims to create oral health awareness among patients in the hospital and community settings. The project will focus on a patient’s dental chart, which views the dental anatomy to check the condition of the teeth.

The project will identify if the patient is wearing a denture, has a bridge crown, has a decayed tooth, or has dental decay. Gum health is also crucial in oral health and shall also be addressed. Through different professionals in the health sector, the project will get access to patients’ dental records. Have they been treated for dental conditions? Have they encountered difficulties in chewing because of oral problems? If the record is unavailable, the patient should get a dentist appointment for a dental examination.

Currently, the project is in its initial stages. I am researching how the project can be funded and looking at the other vulnerable groups with dental care in their setting. My expectation for the future is that the project will have a great impact on the dental health of mentally ill patients. No recent research on the topic creates a gap that can be further examined. However, the project has the support of the Student Education Facilitator for the Essex Partnership University Trust. I also have three presentations at my university: a leadership conference, an advocacy and activism lecture, and a presentation with first-year students. So far, my university has acknowledged my project, and I plan to continue to work on it.

Soneika “Sunny” Atkinson, Mental Health Student Nurse at University of Essex and one of the #150Leaders