Published on: January 18, 2024
Trainees in the new Birmingham Mental Health Support Team are supporting each other on their paths to become qualified Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs).
Since beginning their traineeships in September, the team have been completing assessments, sitting exams, and spending time in the office to collaborate and learn together in preparation to achieve their qualifications.
Hassan Hussain said: “The course has taught me a variety of different things, from the theoretical aspect of why the role was commissioned, and the clinical skills I need to practice as an EMHP. I am enjoying learning about the interventions we can use for each mental health condition.
“Being a part of a big team of trainees at Compass has been a great opportunity as we are all constantly helping each other with the course as well as working in schools. My number one advice I would give to the new trainees is to make the most of all the support that is provided.”
Trainees have split their time working in the newly established Birmingham office and studying at home.
Monique Joseph said: “I’m really enjoying the course so far and being able to come in and work as a team to talk about any challenges we’re facing. I enjoy the remote working too. With the university being based in Exeter, I wouldn’t be able to do the course if I had to be there in person. It’s a good opportunity.”
Amrick Singh, Service Manager, added: “The progress of the wave 9 cohort is going really well. They’ve been working hard on their assessments from university, and they’ve recently started having link meetings with schools and delivering assemblies. They are very keen to start direct delivery in schools as soon as possible.”
An additional cohort of trainees also joined Compass Birmingham at the start of the year and are following in wave 9’s footsteps with the intention of becoming qualified EMHPs.