Published on: 3 March 2022
Patients with mental health problems in Gateshead will soon have extra support on offer – from people with their own experiences of using mental health services.
A new team of Peer Support Workers is set to be recruited to join the range of mental health services in Gateshead. The team will be employed by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, with support from NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group.
Simon Reay, Clinical Lead at the Trust, said: "We are lucky to have a range of good services in Gateshead, but this is a chance to add a new dimension to our work.
"People with real lived experience of mental health services can bring valuable insights and we are confident that the new peer support workers can make a real difference in patients' lives.
"Peer support is all about getting a helping hand from someone who has been there, and knows what it is like using mental health services. We're looking for people with skills in listening and involving people, to help them on the road to recovery and give them a voice in our services.
"That could mean helping people to identify and take part in activities and build on their strengths, as well as helping to shape services."
Wendy Ritchie, who began her career with the NHS as a peer support worker, in encouraging people to apply for the jobs.
The 42-year-old, from Gateshead, had worked as a chef for 20 years and started to support others with their mental health when a friend suggested her own experiences would give her a good grounding in helping others.
After being a peer support worker with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, she has progressed to become a project co-ordinator with ReCoCo, based at its Recovery College in Newcastle city centre.
Wendy said: “I’ve always been an empathetic person and very sensitive to other people’s situations and I’ve used those skills when I’ve been out working in the community.
“I just remember people that helped me, how nice they were and how that’s made a difference to my life.
“I’ve always believed in helping others, especially with their mental health, and I think that’s what I liked about the job straight away, and I think with this role, you really make it your own.
“For anyone looking to get into this work, I would say make sure you’re in the right place yourself, because it will have its challenges, but I would recommend it to anyone who is ready, it can be so rewarding and they should go for it.”
The new peer support workers will offer practical support right through the journey from the mental health needs assessment onwards, involving people in activities, making sure they have access to the right services, and helping them increase their resilience.
They will also reach out to people who need more intense support and link them with appropriate support services for their needs.
Dr Jessica Thompson, the CCG’s clinical lead for mental health in Gateshead, said: "After a difficult couple of years, many more of us are needing help with our mental health. We're working to ensure the best possible services for local people, and the new Peer Support Workers will play an important part in that."
Working alongside therapists and other mental health specialists, the team will receive training and support, including the chance to receive Peer Support Worker training via Teesside University.
To find further details and apply, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and www.stsft.nhs.uk. You could also find out more by visiting our stand at the Jobs Fair on Thursday 10 March at Banqueting Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, 11am – 3pm.
If you would like support in completing your application, please contact workinggateshead@gateshead.gov.uk.
