# data[].attributes.body
internal - he closing date is 16th Jun 2026

Job summary

Do you want to help people to recover after stroke and be able to do the activities that are important to them? We are looking for an Occupational Therapy assistant to join our team working with acute stroke patients at Musgrove Park Hospital. The core aim of service delivery is to minimise the effects of a stroke and enable people to be able to leave hospital as soon as possible with as little support as possible.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant. Contract Type: Fixed Term. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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The closing date is 14th Jun 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, for up to 2 colleagues to join us as a BSc (Hons) -Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprentice in association with Bournemouth University.

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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Internal role- An exciting opportunity has arisen for a physiotherapy assistant to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive medical and surgical physiotherapy teams. The posts are varied, and you will be assisting physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of individual patients and groups, primarily supporting the rehabilitation of patients who are medically unwell, frail and elderly. The role is predominantly clinical. Apply by June 12th and contact Ben.Hancock@SomersetFT.nhs.uk  for more info

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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Podiatry Apprentice opportunity May 2026

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Podiatry Apprentice opportunity May 2026

# data[].attributes.body
Internal podiatry apprentice opportunity post - Close June 1st 2026

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Podiatry Apprentice - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Podiatry Apprentice. Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Trustwide. Closing Date:

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We are looking for an Occupational Therapy assistant to join our team working with older people at Musgrove Park Hospital. The core aim of service delivery is to enable people to be able to leave hospital as soon as possible with as little support as possible.

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Occupational Therapy Assistant - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Occupational Therapy Assistant. Contract Type: Permanent. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our busy department as a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Radiographer.

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Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our busy department as a Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Radiographer.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

The post-holder is responsible for performing general plain film radiographic examinations within the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

Communicate with colleagues at all levels in the department, including clerical, nursing, ancillary and clinical staff by both verbal and written means.

Communicate with colleagues at all levels on other wards and departments by both verbal and written means information which may be sensitive and complex e.g. information on x-ray requests.

Communicate with patients, relatives and carers often under difficult situations e.g. children, non English speaking, hard of hearing, patients under the influence of drugs or alcohol etc.

With external health professionals such as GPs, ambulance staff.

Attending departmental team meetings regularly and contributing to discussions on services and policies where appropriate.

Acting within prescribed policies and protocols of the Trust.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

Please see the attached detailed job description for further details and requirements for the post of Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Radiographer.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care or equivalent.

Radiography and experience of performing radiographic exams is essential.

Experience

Additional Criteria

Essential

Good organisational skills.

Good timekeeper.

Flexible attitude to service provision and enthusiasm for change.

Ability to work under pressure and use own initiative.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Professional Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

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Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Radiographer

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Title: Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Radiographer. Contract Type: Permanent. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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March 2026 Community of Practice Presentation 

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March 2026 Community of Practice Presentation 

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AHP Support workforce meeting 24.03.26 IBJ & LH

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ODP apprentice opportunity- apply by MARCH 24TH 2026

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ODP apprentice opportunity- apply by MARCH 24TH 2026

# data[].attributes.body
2x ODP apprentice roles on offer in Yeovil. contact carla.ryan@somersetft.nhs.uk  for more info. apply by MARCH 24TH 2026

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Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, for up to 2 colleagues to join us as a BSc (Hons) -Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprentice in association with the Birmingham City University.
We are looking for enthusiastic, proactive and motivated individuals to undertake the Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship. If you enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team and have a keen interest in providing best quality care for patients and their relatives, this exciting new career pathway may be the job for you.

This BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based integrated degree, which enables you to become an Operating Department Practitioner, whilst being employed within the operating theatre.

Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship and successful registration with the HCPC as an Operating Department Practitioner, you will be able to apply for a band 5 ODP job contract.

You will be supported in developing your post registration skills and competencies further which will allow you to progress in your career after completing the apprenticeship.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

You will learn a diverse set of skills in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery which will allow you to gain an insight into all three of those clinical specialties.

The ODP Apprenticeship is a new and exciting route of working towards a professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). ODPs provide highly skilled patient centred care in all areas of the perioperative department and beyond.

The ODP Apprenticeship allows you to combine work and clinical placement learning with academic study to achieve the required 20% off the job apprenticeship training.

You will be employed as part of the theatre team as an ODP Apprentice on a 3-year fixed term Band 3 contract and will be working predominately in the perioperative environment.

Eligibility checks, and verification of qualifications will be completed by the Trust and University, and all places are conditional and subject to this confirmation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please ensure that you hold the necessary qualifications and certification as detailed in the University entry requirements before applying.

You will be required to travel to the Birmingham City University campus 2 days per month throughout the duration of the training.

About us

Through our apprenticeship programmes, individuals can earn a salary, develop their skills, and achieve a nationally recognised qualification, all whilst contributing towards delivering excellent patient care.

As an organisation the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS Discounts.

We have six active and impactful colleague networks. These networks provide a safe space for colleagues to share their experiences and learn from one another, but also influence change across our trust:

Multicultural Network

Women's Network

Armed Forces' Network

LGBTQ+ Network

Lived Experience Network, for colleagues living with disabilities

Autistic Colleague Network

Somerset is a rural community served by several Community Hospital sites in addition to Musgrove Park Hospital which is only a short walk from the centre of Taunton. Local to two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, less than one hour from celebrated secluded beaches of Devon and Dorset. With award-winning schools & rolling countryside it's no surprise that Somerset is the choice for those in search of the perfect work-life balance.

Job description

This is a developmental training role, for individuals to study a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship.
Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) - BSc (Hons) - 2024/25 Entry | Birmingham City University
The apprenticeship combines academic and work-based learning which will be supported by the Trust and the University throughout the program

Students undertaking this role will be expected to:

Work in accordance with the HCPC's Standards of proficiency (2014) and the HCPC's Guidance on conduct and ethics for students (2016)

Actively pursue all opportunities and use protected learning time to develop and consolidate competencies to prepare for a successful application to the HCPC for registration.

Maintain patient safety and provide a high standard and quality of patient-centred care.

Ensure compliance of the apprenticeship including attending 20% off the job training and review meetings as set

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Care Certificate

112 UCAS Points in healthcare or associated subject

NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare or associated subject and a portfolio

GCSE or equivalent grade 4/C or above in Mathematics, English Language and one other.

Evidence of good literacy and language skills

Able to drive, hold a full UK Driving licence, and be willing to travel to university and placements

Desirable

Experience in Health and Social Care, e.g., previous employment, work experience, voluntary work et.

Additional Criteria

Essential

UK resident or right to remain & work in the UK and held for the previous 3 years

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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ODP Apprentice - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: ODP Apprentice. Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Yeovil District Hospital. Closing Date:

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Nursing associate online leadership programme: an exciting opportunity for nursing associates

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Nursing associate online leadership programme: an exciting opportunity for nursing associates

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Nursing Associate Online Leadership Programme (Commissions)

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NEW tailored opportunity for Nursing Associates, whether in the NHS, social care or private healthcare, to join our interactive online leadership programme.

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AHP Apprenticeship Webinar - Feb 9th 2026 

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AHP Apprenticeship Webinar - Feb 9th 2026 

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Orthoptic Apprenticeship Webinar – 2nd February 2026, 11.30am – 1.30pm

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Orthoptic Apprenticeship Webinar – 2nd February 2026, 11.30am – 1.30pm

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Orthoptic Apprenticeship Webinar - 2nd February 2026, 11.30am - 1.30pm - BIOS

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We’re delighted to partner with NHS England to host a Webinar to prepare employers, managers and the wider workforce systems for the introduction of the Level 6 Degree apprenticeship in Orthoptics, commencing September 2026 at the University of Sheffield. Purpose of the session: This webinar aims to prepare Orthoptic service managers and apprenticeship/workforce leads for […]

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Mentoring workshop for support workforce 

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Mentoring workshop for support workforce 

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We’re excited to invite ALL members of our support workforce to a virtual mentoring workshop on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 1:30pm, hosted on Microsoft Teams. This interactive session is designed to boost your confidence, strengthen your mentoring skills, understand T- level and the placements, and help you feel fully prepared to support students in your role.

What you’ll learn

Understanding T Levels- What they are, how they work, the placements and the role you play in supporting T Level learners.

Benefits of Mentoring - How mentoring can enhance your skills, career development, and the service you provide.

Practical Tips & Advice - Real-world strategies for effective mentoring and student support.

Hear from Experts -Insights from the T Level team, current students, and the Project SEARCH lead on supporting neurodivergent students.

Live Q&A- Bring your questions—we’re here to help!

Why join?

This workshop will equip you to:

Build confidence when supporting learners on placement.

Gain practical tools for mentoring success.

Boost your career with mentoring.

Feel prepared for hosting T Level students—or stepping into a mentor role for the first time.

Register here: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

We’d love to see as many support workers as possible join us for this valuable session. Please share with colleagues who may be interested!

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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The Allied Health Profession Support Workforce's role in supporting students- Survey

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The Allied Health Profession Support Workforce's role in supporting students- Survey

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The Allied Health Profession Support Workforce's role in supporting students new poster

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Somerset Apprenticeship Week 2026 events and webinars

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Somerset Apprenticeship Week 2026 events and webinars

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Radiology at Musgrove Park and Yeovil Hospital have opportunities for apprentice assistant practitioners within their teams.

There are two positions available:

One assistant practitioner apprenticewill be based in the diagnostic imaging department at YDH and will rotate through peripheral and trust sites. The post holder will be expected to take part in the extended working day and 7 day rotation system.

One assistant practitioner apprenticewill be based in the diagnostic imaging department at MPH and will rotate through peripheral and trust sites. The post holder will be expected to take part in the extended working day and 7 day rotation system.

Successful applicants will work within the radiology department as a trainee assistant practitioner under the Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship programme, working under the supervision of a registered practitioner.

This is a training post and progression through the levels will be expected in accordance with the assessments managed by the higher education institute providing training. Progress will also be demonstrated through completion of a competency log book which identifies the student has undertaken a full range of examinations. There is a requirement for the student to pass each element of the course in order to progress.

As part of the multi-disciplinary team, the post holder will provide a key role in providing imaging, care and support to individuals as specified in standard radiographic protocols, or written care or service plans, in a range of environments.

The successful candidates (one on each site), will have the opportunity to study alongside their role as a trainee assistant practitioner (anticipated course start date: March 2026).

The closing date for applicants is Tuesday 14 January 2026.

Please see Internal Opportunities - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for full details and how to apply.

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Exciting training opportunities available in radiology across our trust

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Radiology at Musgrove Park and Yeovil Hospital have opportunities for apprentice assistant practitioners within their teams. There are two positions available: One assistant practitioner apprenticewill be based in the diagnostic imaging department at YDH and will rotate through peripheral and trust sites.

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Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support Opportunity 

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Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support Opportunity 

# data[].attributes.body
Are you a Healthcare Assistant looking for the opportunity to progress to Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner or looking at other opportunities but don’t have a Level 3 qualification?

Starting April 2026 based in YDH Academy

the number of places available for this course is capped at ten

18 Month course including two study days per month

managers reference required

short piece of research to be completed within application form

applications close on 23 January 2026

interviews 10 February 2026

In addition to the above we can also give career guidance and college course opportunities if you would just like a chat.

to find out mor email:

Julia.beard@somersetft.nhs.uk

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Are you a Healthcare Assistant looking for the opportunity to progress to Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner or looking at other opportunities but don't have a Level 3 qualification?

Starting April 2026 based in YDH Academy

the number of places available for this course is capped at ten

18 Month course including two study days per month

managers reference required

short piece of research to be completed within application form

applications close on 23 January 2026

interviews 10February 2026

In addition to the above we can also give career guidance and college course opportunities if you would just like a chat.

If you are interested in applying for the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support, please complete this application form and return an electronic copy of your completed form to julia.beard@somersetft.nhs.uk.

Information sessions available throughout January

Dates available:

Friday 5 January 2026: Join the meeting now

Friday 12 January 2026: Join the meeting now

Friday 19 January 2026: Join the meeting now

Or contact Julia.beard@somersetft.nhs.uk

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Are you a Healthcare Assistant looking for the opportunity to progress to Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner or looking at other opportunities but don't have a Level 3 qualification?

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Wednesday 26 November 2025

What is Dietetic Support Workforce Day?

Every year we shine the spotlight on the dietetic support workforce, highlighting key services, ways to get involved with the BDA and opportunities to further your learning and development. It's also a good opportunity to ensure you feel well represented by your professional body and trade union.

Our aim this year is to check in with you, see how you are doing and look at the ways we can support you further. Is there a member benefit that you would love to see us offering? Is there a topic we should be talking about? Do you need more resources in a particular area of your work? We can help.

What can you do on Wednesday 26 November?

Join our webinar

26 November - 12.30-1pm. As we shine the spotlight on our support workforce, this webinar aims to highlight your crucial roles in enhancing nutrition and dietetic services, focusing on your value, the challenges you face and the steps the BDA is taking to address these issues effectively through action and advocacy.

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We’re shining the spotlight on the dietetic support workforce on 26 November. Sign up to our webinar.

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B4 Living Well After Stroke Support Worker job Nov 2025

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B4 Living Well After Stroke Support Worker job Nov 2025

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About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Minimum requirement of NVQ3, HNC or HND equivalentGCSE English and Maths Grade C or above, or equivalentDemonstrates meeting the standards of the Care CertificateAccredited relevant vocational qualification. For example Foundation Degree or level 5 diploma, care related qualifications, NVQ, Social Work or Social Care, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy etc.Evidence of recent relevant trainingCommitment to Continuing Professional Development

Driver's licence valid for driving in the UK with access to a car and business car insurance

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Title: Living Well After Stroke Support Worker. Contract Type: Permanent. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Shepton Mallet Comm Hospital. Closing Date:

# data[].attributes.headline
Band 4 Senior Rehab Assistant for Community Stroke (ICSS) Nov 2025

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Band 4 Senior Rehab Assistant for Community Stroke (ICSS) Nov 2025

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Band 4 Senior Rehab Assistant for Community Stroke (ICSS) - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Band 4 Senior Rehab Assistant for Community Stroke (ICSS). Contract Type: Permanent. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: South Petherton Hospital. Closing Date:

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Trainee Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship expression of interest OPEN NOW!  closes Jan 5th 2026!

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Trainee Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship expression of interest OPEN NOW!  closes Jan 5th 2026!

# data[].attributes.body
APPLY BY NOVEMEBER 6TH MIDNIGHT. email placement.team@somersetft.nhs.uk for more info or to apply

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Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, for up to 4 colleagues to join us as a BSc (Hons) -Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprentice in association with the Birmingham City University.

We are looking for enthusiastic, proactive and motivated individuals to undertake the Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship. If you enjoy working within a multidisciplinary team and have a keen interest in providing best quality care for patients and their relatives, this exciting new career pathway may be the job for you.

This BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based integrated degree, which enables you to become an Operating Department Practitioner, whilst being employed within the operating theatre.

Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship and successful registration with the HCPC as an Operating Department Practitioner, you will be able to apply for a band 5 ODP job contract.

You will be supported in developing your post registration skills and competencies further which will allow you to progress in your career after completing the apprenticeship.

Please note: Start date and place of study are subject to change depending on numbers. The start date could potentially be delayed to September 2026 and teaching moved to Exeter. If you would like to discuss this further, please make contact via email sally.boggie@somersetft.nhs.uk

Main duties, tasks & skills required

You will learn a diverse set of skills in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery which will allow you to gain an insight into all three of those clinical specialties.
The ODP Apprenticeship is a new and exciting route of working towards a professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a qualified Operating Department Practitioner (ODP). ODPs provide highly skilled patient centred care in all areas of the perioperative department and beyond.

The ODP Apprenticeship allows you to combine work and clinical placement learning with academic study to achieve the required 20% off the job apprenticeship training.
You will be employed as part of the theatre team as an ODP Apprentice on a 3-year fixed term Band 3 contract and will be working predominately in the perioperative environment.

Eligibility checks, and verification of qualifications will be completed by the Trust and University, and all places are conditional and subject to this confirmation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please ensure that you hold the necessary qualifications and certification as detailed in the University entry requirements before applying.
You will be required to travel to Birmingham for academic study, the programme will follow a day release structure, meaning that you will attend University 1 day per week throughout the course, this will be delivered as a mixture of online learning and face to face teaching.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

This is a developmental training role, for individuals to study a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice Degree Apprenticeship.
Operating Department Practice (Degree Apprenticeship) - BSc (Hons) - 2024/25 Entry | Birmingham City University
The apprenticeship combines academic and work-based learning which will be supported by the Trust and the University throughout the program.
Please note: Start date and place of study are subject to change depending on numbers. The start date could potentially be delayed to September 2026 and teaching moved to Exeter. If you would like to discuss this further, please make contact via email sally.boggie@somersetft.nhs.uk
Students undertaking this role will be expected to:

*Work in accordance with the HCPC's Standards of proficiency (2014) and the HCPC's Guidance on conduct and ethics for students (2016)

*Actively pursue all opportunities and use protected learning time to develop and consolidate competencies to prepare for a successful application to the HCPC for registration.

*Maintain patient safety and provide a high standard and quality of patient-centred care.

*Ensure compliance of the apprenticeship including attending 20% off the job training and review meetings as set

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Care Certificate

112 UCAS Points in healthcare or associated subject

NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare or associated subject and a portfolio

GCSE or equivalent grade 4/C or above in Mathematics, English Language and one other.

Evidence of good literacy and language skills

Able to drive, hold a full UK Driving licence, and be willing to travel to university and placements

Desirable

Experience in Health and Social Care, e.g., previous employment, work experience, voluntary work et.

Additional Criteria

Essential

UK resident or right to remain & work in the UK and held for the previous 3 years.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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Apprentice ODP - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Apprentice ODP. Contract Type: Fixed Term. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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Apprentice Radiographer opportunity Nov 2025

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Apprentice Radiographer opportunity Nov 2025

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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B4 Assistant Practitioner Role  OCT 2025

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B4 Assistant Practitioner Role  OCT 2025

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We just need to confirm you're a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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Somerset AHP Support Workforce October Newsletter 2025

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Somerset AHP Support Workforce October Newsletter 2025

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AHP Support Workforce Somerset Newsletter- October 2025

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Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Somerset AHP Support Workforce Newsletter. Each month, we’ll bring you the latest news, opportunities, and developments from across Somerset that support the

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AHP Support Workforce & Consent and capacity webinar

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AHP Support Workforce & Consent and capacity webinar

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AHP support workers - capacity, BI and consent

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Tuesday 14 October marks Allied Health Professions (AHPs) Day, giving us the opportunity to celebrate and shine light on the remarkable impact that over 1,000 AHPs in Somerset have on the delivery of care to our patients.

The awards aim to celebrate the achievements of the hundreds of AHPs across Somerset, right across the 14 different professions, as well as support workers, assistant practitioners, registered professionals, pre-registration apprentices, and students.

Anyone can nominate an AHP colleague or team for an award, or you can nominate yourself, by completing this form by Sunday 21st September.

When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

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Chartered Society of Physio - Associate Support Workforce  intro slides 

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Chartered Society of Physio - Associate Support Workforce  intro slides 

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September 15th 11am -  2025 Community of Practice 

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September 15th 11am -  2025 Community of Practice 

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We’re excited to invite you to our September Community of Practice meeting!

🗓 Date: Monday, 15th September
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Microsoft Teams - Join the meeting now

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Emma Lawton, who will be leading a session on capacity and consent within the AHP support workforce role—an important and insightful topic for all of us.

In addition to Emma’s session, we’ll also be sharing general updates, news, and opportunities relevant to all AHP support workers.

👉 Please think of any questions you might have for Emma, or any scenarios from your role relating to consent or capacity that you’d like her to speak on.

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Empowering the Technician  and Support Workforce

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Empowering the Technician  and Support Workforce

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Free- Empowering the Technician Workforce explores the vital role technicians play in amputee rehabilitation, shared from my perspective as a prosthetic technician with 10 years of experience, current workshop lead, and chair of the technician committee. I’ll discuss how we can build a work environment that is inclusive, encouraging, and collaborative—one where every team member feels valued and empowered.

Mon, 01 Sept

18:00 - 19:00 BST

Online

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

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Lunchtime Support Workforce mini webinar – Binocular vision/vision development – 4th September, 12.45pm – 1.15pm

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Lunchtime Support Workforce mini webinar – Binocular vision/vision development – 4th September, 12.45pm – 1.15pm

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Lunchtime Support Workforce mini webinar - Binocular vision/vision development - 4th September, 12.45pm - 1.15pm - British and Irish Orthoptic Society

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BIOS is hosting a series of 4 lunchtime webinars for the support workforce Webinar 4: Binocular vision/vision development – Kayleigh Cole, Head Orthoptist

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Support Worker in Orthoptics Webinar – Basic eye anatomy and physiology

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Support Worker in Orthoptics Webinar – Basic eye anatomy and physiology

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Support Worker Webinar – Basic eye anatomy and physiology – 29th July 2025 - British and Irish Orthoptic Society

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Support Worker Webinar – Basic eye anatomy and physiology – 29th July 2025 Member CPD

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South West AHP Support Workforce and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy event September 2nd 2025

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South West AHP Support Workforce and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy event September 2nd 2025

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Are you part of the AHP support workforce and curious about what CSP Associate Membership can offer you? Join us for a virtual meeting with Fiona from the CSP South West Team to explore:

✅ Why becoming an Associate Member of the CSP is a great step for your career

✅ The purpose of the Associate Membership and Support Worker Network – to connect, empower, and represent the AHP support workforce

✅ The benefits of membership – including access to professional resources, events, tailored support and social media groups

✅ How you can contribute your knowledge and expertise to influence CSP policy and practice

✅ Upcoming events and opportunities

✅ A chance to ask Fiona your questions directly!

Whether you're already a member or just exploring your options, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and feel supported. Join us on Microsoft Teams SEPTEMBER 2ND 10AM- Click here to join

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CSP & South west AHP Support workforce meeting 2025

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Free Writing sessions for all AHPs and support workforce July/ August 2025

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Free Writing sessions for all AHPs and support workforce July/ August 2025

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Writing sessions- No exercises, lectures, or critiques will fill these sessions; instead, they offer a dedicated space for you to focus on writing those abstracts, undertake service evaluations, funding applications, or publications!

Upon joining, we kindly request that you arrive with a clear goal in mind. The sessions will start with a brief conversation, allowing each participant to share their individual objectives. Following this, we will engage in focused writing bursts.

In consideration of the immersive nature of these sessions, we kindly ask that you commit to participating for the entire duration.

Here are the upcoming dates:

Monday 28th July 2025, 9.30-11.00

Friday 8th August 2025, 14.00-15.30

Tuesday 12th August 2025, 9.00-10.30

Monday 18th August 2025, 17.00-18.30

Tuesday 26th August 2025, 12.30-14.00

Please click on the date to join the meeting.

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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BAPO Awards 2025- Support Worker Nominations Open

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BAPO Awards 2025- Support Worker Nominations Open

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BAPO is dedicated to recognising and celebrating our prosthetists, orthotists, technicians, support workers, and learners hence we are delighted to open nominations for the 2025 BAPO Awards. Anyone can nominate an individual for these awards, including clinicians, colleagues, technicians, patients, learners, managers, and BAPO staff. You can also nominate yourself. There are 12 award categories open to nominations of UK-based prosthetists, orthotists, P&O support workers, technicians, and learners.

Nominations close on July 31st 2025. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted in August 2025

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Free event: Empowering support workers to thrive: conversations that make the difference

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Free event: Empowering support workers to thrive: conversations that make the difference

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Empowering support workers to thrive: conversations that make the difference

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The contribution of the support workforce to the physiotherapy profession cannot be underestimated. Support workers work with patients to improve outcomes such as quality of life, they provide an excellent patient experience and can improve the efficiency of services. However, a recent survey reveals support workers feel if they had greater access to learning and development they could contribute more (Griffin et al, 2024).

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Our dietetics team looks after patients across Somerset, from tiny neonatal babies to patients at the end of their life. Dietitians work with both healthy and sick people, uniquely, they use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices. The title ‘dietitian’ is the only food and nutrition title that is protected by law and all dietitians working in the NHS are registered with the HCPC.

This week, 2 to 6 June, is Dietitians Week, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the 87 colleagues who work in our nutrition and dietetics team, the work they do, and looking to the future of the profession.

The team has 60 dietitians, four dietetic apprentices, three dietetic assistant practitioners, two dietetic assistants, six nutrition nurses, 10 admin colleagues, a catering liaison manager, and a operational service manager working together across our sites.

Ursula Green, head of service for nutrition and dietetics (pictured second to the right) gives her perspective. She explains: “Since I first joined the trust nearly 30 years ago, both the number of patients we see and the range of treatments we offer has grown significantly.

"As well as dietitians providing a service to inpatient wards both in acute and community hospitals, we now have dietitians working in many specialist areas including oncology, nutrition support, diabetes, gastroenterology, renal, paediatrics, weight management, bariatric surgery, home enteral tube feeding and coeliac disease. This is in addition to the community outpatient service and home visits we provide across the whole of Somerset, with just over 6000 patients referred in the last year.

“The future of dietetics is in our workforce, and how we are able to encourage and train students. Through a placement expansion project, we have been able to increase our capacity for undergraduate student placements and alongside our apprenticeships we are creating a pipeline to support colleagues to grow their career here.”

Sarah Adamson, dietetic assistant practitioner, has been instrumental in running dietetic taster days for people who are interested in working in the field. Some of the attendees have gone on to become mealtime volunteers to increase their work experience and it has also helped students to get a place at university to study dietetics.

"We are really focusing on growing our team from our existing talent and have dietetic apprentice interviews in June for members of our team to hopefully progress their career," adds Sarah. "Our apprentices assist the dietitians in various teams across the service, an example being a Band 4 apprentice now running clinics for babies and children with milk allergy."

Another apprentice supports the home enteral feeding team. Enteral feeding is one area of dietetics that Ursula has particularly seen grow over the years, with increasing numbers of both adults and children with feeding tubes in both the acute hospitals and in home care settings. There are now over 400 patients in home care settings across Somerset who are managed by the dedicated home enteral tube feeding team. Many of these patients have complex health needs with multiple conditions and nutrition nurses work alongside the dietitians to ensure that the patients are appropriately supported. The apprentice has been able to support by visiting patients at home to weigh them, enabling the dietitian to undertake a telephone review which provides a more timely service for the patient rather than having to wait for a visit from the dietitian in person.

Anna Orme, deputy head of service for acute dietetics, adds: “I’m excited to see how dietetics is growing and new routes to enter the profession such as the dietetic degree apprenticeship. We are also seeing more opportunities for dietitians to become supplementary prescribers and advanced clinical practitioners. To reflect that, we are now one dietetic service across the trust. I will be starting a clinic based in the community, having worked in the acute setting previously and it’s exciting to see how and where the service will support patients in years to come.”

The team are working to reduce the historical boundaries in the service through review of pathways of care, rather than being site specific. The aim is to redesign provision, focussing on where patients need to be seen, further advancing our NHS wide objective to bring care closer to home.

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Our news - Looking into the future of dietetics for dietitians week

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Free Association of Apprentices (AOA) membership 

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Free Association of Apprentices (AOA) membership 

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Membership for Association of Apprentices (AOA) is funded by NHS England for all NHS apprentices and has just been renewed for another year.

It is free for any NHS apprentice, past or present, and apprentices will have access to great resources, community networking, virtual and face to face events and mental health support.

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This year, we're celebrating Learning at Work Week (12-16 May) with a week of events and resources to showcase all the amazing learning opportunities there are for colleagues in our organisation.

There'll be pop-up events at the Musgrove Park Hospital concourse 13th May and in the Academy at Yeovil Hospital 16th May, as well as a resource pack for colleagues that showcases all the teams that provide or support learning in our trust.

Please take a few moments to complete our learning, education and training experience survey:
https://forms.office.com/e/qgviKW9Mf8

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. The survey closes on Friday 27th June.

If you have any questions, please contact Cate Newell, our knowledge and library services manager, or Frances Rockhill, our mandatory training compliance lead.

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This year, we're celebrating Learning at Work Week (12-16 May) with a week of events and resources to showcase all the amazing learning opportunities there are for colleagues in our organisation.

There'll be pop-up events at the Musgrove Park Hospital concourse and in the Academy at Yeovil Hospital, as well as a resource pack for colleagues that showcases all the teams that provide or support learning in our trust.

We will also be a launching a survey - we want to know more about your experience of learning in our organisation and want to take the temperature of SFT as a learning organisation, and find how what we can do to make that even better for all colleagues - please keep up a look out for links and information next week, and provide us with your valuable feedback.

If you have any questions, please contact Cate Newell, our knowledge and library services manager, or Frances Rockhill, our mandatory training compliance lead.

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Learning at Work Week 2025 - save the date!

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This year, we're celebrating Learning at Work Week (12-16 May) with a week of events and resources to showcase all the amazing learning opportunities there are for colleagues in our organisation. There'll be pop-up events at the Musgrove Park Hospital concourse and in the Academy at Yeovil Hospital, as well as a resource pack for colleagues that showcases all the teams that provide or support learning in our trust.

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Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Role - South Petherton Hospital 

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Band 4 Assistant Practitioner Role - South Petherton Hospital 

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Band 4 Assistant Practitioner - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Band 4 Assistant Practitioner. Contract Type: Permanent. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: South Petherton Hospital. Closing Date:

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Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Podiatry Service has an exciting opportunity for a podiatry apprentice to join our growing workforce. The successful apprentice will join our existing apprentices within our progressive and supportive podiatry team.

Podiatrists are registered healthcare professionals specialising in the lower limb (feet, ankles, legs), providing high quality clinical care to people of all ages. A Podiatrists job is to work to protect people's feet, providing preventative advice, care, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the lower limb.

The degree apprenticeship is a three-year programme of work-based learning that is directly related to the apprenticeship standard. In addition, the apprenticeship has a mandatory 20% off-the-job learning. The University-based Honours degree study is also linked to the Apprenticeship Standard. You will need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria - please visit Plymouth University website for full details on the course and the entry requirements - BSc (Hons) Podiatry - University of Plymouth

Main duties, tasks & skills required

To complete and pass academic modules and clinical placements to the required standard to progress through the programme.

To ensure timely achievement of assignments and assessments in accordance with the academic programme requirements.

To gain experience during the period of the apprenticeship in a wide range of clinical areas, working under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner.

To gain knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, develop and implement individualised treatment programmes for patients with a wide variety of clinical needs, including acute or chronic neuropathies, chronic diseases, vascular problems and wound management.

To provide appropriate education to patients with diverse foot pathology, utilising analytical and reasoning skills in this process to empower the patient and others to participate in the patient's self-care.

To gain experience during the period of the apprenticeship in a wide range of clinical areas including diabetes, rheumatology, biomechanics, tissue viability, nail surgery and wound management.

Due to the need to travel to different locations, it is essential that the post holder has a full UK drivers licence drive with access to their own vehicle and appropriate insurance.

The service operates (Monday to Friday) between 8.30am & 5.00pm.

Although the role is primarily at a Podiatry hub location such as Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil and Glastonbury, there are spoke clinics that will require support from time to time.

About us

As an organisation, the NHS offers a wide range of benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, market leading annual leave allowance, career progression and regular conversations, not to mention our Blue Light Card and NHS exclusive discounts.

The benefits of working in Somerset include the idyllic countryside, with our areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines. You will get to enjoy these perks whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable. You will experience the best of both in Somerset, the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!

Job description

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. Please note - you will need to meet the University eligibility and enrolment criteria and provide certification. BSc (Hons) Podiatry - University of Plymouth

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

Five GCSEs to include Maths, English and Science (minimum grade C/4 or equivalent). Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English will be considered.

Evidence of level 3 qualifications (A / T level or equivalent).

Experience

Essential

Previous experience of working within a health / care setting.

Additional Criteria

Essential

A UK resident or have the right to remain that has been held for the past 3 years

Valid UK driving licence with the ability and willingness to travel across trust sites

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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Title: Podiatry Apprentice. Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Trustwide. Closing Date:

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Autism Acceptance Month April 2025 Webinar 

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Autism Acceptance Month April 2025 Webinar 

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A free webinar will be taking place on 15th April at 5pm.

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There is a multi-professional study day on Supporting learners in clinical practice.

Please see the attached poster for the South West Imaging training Academy is hosting a Supporting Learners in Clinical Practice Study Day. It’s on Thursday 19 June 2025, from 9am until 4.30pm, at Plymouth International Business Park.

The study day is aligned to the Safe Learning Environment priorities of;

Respect and feeling valued.

Learning and Teaching needs.

Wellbeing.

EDI (the golden thread).

The study day has been designed to support all practitioners and the support workforce to create an inclusive and effective learning environment and will be delivered by Practice Educators and HEI teams from across the South West.

We hope participants will;

Be inspired by keynote addresses and workshops to create effective and inclusive learning environments

Share best practice and create new knowledge

Take the opportunity to network with others across the southwest, making new connections.

The event will be available to book via Eventbrite in April. The event cost is £50 including lunch. Email louisehancock@nhs.net

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STD Supporting learners in clinical practice

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Trainee Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship 

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Trainee Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship 

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This is an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Assistant Practitioner to join us in the South Somerset Community Mental Health Service as part of our multi-disciplinary Team.

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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Greener AHP Week Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025

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Greener AHP Week Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025

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Greener AHP Week Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025

We are delighted to announce the finalised events for #GreenerAHP Week in spring 2025. The event joining links and timings can be found below.

Past events

Greener AHP Week 22 - 26 April 2024

Find all the event resources on the Future NHS platform. Session recordings can be found on our YouTube channel. If you do not have access to the Future NHS workspace, you can request permission from the workspace manager at the given link or e-mail seniorahp-manager@future.nhs.uk for access.

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Greener AHP Week Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025 We are delighted to announce the finalised events for #GreenerAHP Week in spring 2025. The event joining links and timings can be found below. introduction to Greener AHP Week - Monday 31 March (10am - 11am) integrating sustainability into AHP clinical pathways - Tuesday [...]

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Occupational therapy apprenticeship opportunity - Somerset FT NHS

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Occupational therapy apprenticeship opportunity - Somerset FT NHS

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We just need to confirm you’re a real person. Please check the box below and then click Continue.

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March 17 - 23. We are excited to share the schedule of events with you for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025!

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Supporting colleagues during Ramadan - RCOT

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Ramadan Kareem! You can express well-wishes for Ramadan by saying ‘Ramadan Kareem’ (‘Have a generous Ramadan’) or ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ (which can translate as ‘Happy Ramadan’). The month of Ramadan is here, where Muslims will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. Before dawn, people eat a meal called ‘suhoor’. The dusk meal is called ‘iftar’. This is also, a time for deep reflection, community, charity, and overall gratitude.

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Please take a look at the writer in residence free online sessions available for all staff.

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term-2-workshop-dates sft writer in residence

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Dietitian Apprenticeship at the University of Plymouth - Information sessions 

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Dietitian Apprenticeship at the University of Plymouth - Information sessions 

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Join us to find out more about our Dietitian Degree Apprenticeship, and get your questions answered.

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Check out this Presentation designed by Lauren.

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Guide to neurodivergence in healthcare education and students 

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Guide to neurodivergence in healthcare education and students 

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Podcasts from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

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Live Well Health Fair at Musgrove Fri 31st

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Live Well Health Fair at Musgrove Fri 31st

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Our health and wellbeing team, with Somerset County Council, is holding a brand new event for our colleagues which puts 'Living Well' as the focus. There's a range of stalls that support colleagues attending, including:

Stop smoking

Drug and alcohol awareness

Healthy weight

NHS health checks

Colleague support and wellbeing service

Blood pressure monitoring

Vaccinations – this will be the last opportunity for colleagues to get their flu jabs at MPH.

The first trial event will be in the Academy at MPH, and it's hoped the team may be able to bring this event to further sites if successful.

January is often a time for new resolutions and goals, so make looking after yourself a top priority and head down the to the academy from 11 - 3 pm on Friday (31 January) for a friendly, informal chat.

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Our news - Visit our Live Well Health Fair at Musgrove on Friday

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Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Webinar 

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Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Webinar 

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Are you passionate about making a difference in healthcare? Do you want to gain a qualification while working? Are you considering whether to explore whether an apprenticeship would be the right next step for you? Bridgwater and Taunton College invites you to our exclusive webinar on the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship!

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Join Our Webinar: Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship

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Are you passionate about making a difference in healthcare? Do you want to gain a qualification while working? Join our Webinar!

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Apprenticeship Week Events Feb 2025 in Somerset

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Apprenticeship Week Events Feb 2025 in Somerset

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Please do pop along to our stand at the following dates and times for apprenticeship information. This is not just AHP specific so feel free to come for anything apprenticeships.

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SSHINE- Resources to raise awareness and support neurodivergent healthcare students and professionals.

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SSHINE- Resources to raise awareness and support neurodivergent healthcare students and professionals.

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SSHINE was founded in November 2021 by Ben Potts and Jade Wareham, both healthcare students who qualified in 2023. SSHINE became a collective of healthcare students combining their knowledge of experiences to support others with similar experiences. Our work has included talks and presentations at universities, healthcare organisations, professional bodies and wider NHS events, as well as, creating resources, developing education materials and providing training opportunities. SSHINE has evolved and grown over time. Previously known as "Sharing Student Healthcare Initiative for Neurodiversity and Equity", we have now become "Staff and Student Healthcare Initiative for Neurodiversity and Equity" to include the wider qualified and professional healthcare workforce.

To learn more about SSHINE and their members, please visit https://sshinestudents.wordpress.com/

Overall Programme Aim

The training module uses a humanitarian approach to raise awareness of neurodiversity, supporting learners and highlighting methods to support an individual, drawing attention to individuality, environmental challenges and addressing realistic possibilities a neurodivergent individual may face.

The module is aimed at learners and educators who support learners in any capacity. The module should take no longer than one hour to complete.

Once you have completed the training module, you will be asked to complete an evaluation which will then generate a certificate of completion that can be used towards Continued Professional Development (CPD). Case studies/lived experience will be used throughout to promote a human approach and help the participant feel connected/engaged with their training.

Overall Module Learning Outcomes

Understand the philosophy that underpins the neurodiversity paradigm

Build awareness of the journey and experience of neurodivergent learners

Develop the knowledge required to create an inclusive learning environment and feel equipped to support neurodivergent learners

Gain the confidence to approach difficult or sensitive conversations with neurodivergent learners, such as around disclosure, support and feedback

Who is SSHINE?

Biographies
Author & co-founder of SSHINE Jade Wareham

My name is Jade Wareham and I am a registered nurse, working in a nursing home alongside banking in my local NHS trust.

I studied Adult Nursing BSc (hons) at the Open University, via an apprenticeship route, graduating October 2023.

I co-founded SSHINE because I experienced prejudice and discrimination whilst I had undiagnosed dyslexia. When I started university, I received my diagnosis and shared my story during my time as a Nursing Times Student Editor. Ben Potts saw my story, reached out and together, we created SSHINE to provide education and awareness on neurodiversity.

Within the module, I am most proud of the diversity it provides. If you are a student at university or a healthcare worker, a nurse or AHP, our module holds a simplistic approach to allow individuals to tailor their needs. Furthermore, individuals can learn how to support one another with a range of tools, tips and advice, backed by law and guidance.
Author & co-founder of SSHINE Ben Potts

My name is Ben Potts. I'm a diagnostic radiographer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and a doctoral researcher at City, University of London

I studied BSc Diagnostic Radiography at Birmingham City University, graduating in 2023.

I co-founded SSHINE because, during the process of accessing disability support, I realised there was not the same care and attention given to the reasonable adjustments needed in the placement setting as there was in the academic environment of a university. After talking to a few people about this, it was clear that it was not exclusively within radiography, but a shared experience among many healthcare students that needed support. Around this time, I came across Jade's piece in the Nursing Times and got in touch to see if we could do something about it.

Within the module, I am most proud of how it is rooted in lived experience. The content is informed by what we have personally experienced and how we believe things could be improved. It is important to know and understand the theory and context of the neurodiversity movement and what the terminology means, but the confidence and ability to support a neurodivergent student is what will make a difference. We hope sharing our experiences will aid in making this a reality.
Author & member of SSHINE Chloe Edgar

My name is Chloe Edgar, I'm a Qualified Occupational Therapist working in my local Mental Health NHS Trust.

I studied at UWE and qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2023.

I joined SSHINE because I believe the world should be neurodivergent friendly; embracing and celebrating differences within the workplace. I experienced some traumatic placements due to discrimination and lack of understanding of Neurodiversity and wanted to contribute to a positive and constructive change.

Within the module, I am most proud of the person-centred approach taken to educate others. This module isn't going to tell you what to do to support others, but rather guide and support your approach to implementing support in the workplace.
Author & member of SSHINE Emma Young

My name is Emma Young.

I have studied Occupational Therapy at Bournemouth University

I joined SSHINE because I love how the SSHINE network facilitates neurodivergent learners to thrive and support one another.

Within the module, I am most proud of the focus on practical resources and lived experience insights that support creating inclusive cultures where learners and practice educators alike can do their best work together
Author & member of SSHINE Jess Pidcock

My name is Jess Pidcock.

I am studying children's nursing at Sheffield Hallam University and am due to qualify in the Summer of 2025.

I joined SSHINE because I had experienced and witnessed discrimination as a neurodivergent student. I believe that most of the discrimination comes from ignorance and a lack of correct information, so I now work with SSHINE to increase knowledge on neurodivergent conditions and how best to support students.

Within the module, I am most proud of how practical it is. A lot of the guidance offered can be easily implemented by educators, so they can start supporting students straight away. The support will be helpful for almost all students, whether they have a neurodivergent condition or not. I hope that educators finish this module feeling like they have a tool-kit of support options ready for the students they work with.
Voice over by Emily Reed, member of SSHINE

My name is Emily Reed, I studied Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam University, and I am due to graduate in November 2024.

I joined SSHINE because of the community of students it has allowed me to meet and learn from. I have known of my Dyscalculia diagnosis since Primary School, and have spent many years wondering if I would even make it to university; let alone, be on a health course that I love and inspires me every day, learning from remarkable lecturers and the Therapeutic Radiographers at placement. SSHINE has truly given me a platform and the confidence to talk about my neurodivergence where otherwise, I would most certainly have been scared to do so. I am one of the Core Committee members and getting to know our team and understand their stories has been invaluable.

Within the module, I am most proud of the lived experiences section. Allowing the opportunity to illustrate what some students have gone through in their journey and how it has impacted, and shaped their experiences, it has such a gravity of openness, and vulnerability. It also allows those that are completing the module to connect honestly with those stories and see how they might react.

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SSHINE was founded in November 2021 by Ben Potts and Jade Wareham, both healthcare students who qualified in 2023. SSHINE became a collective of healthcare students combining their knowledge of experiences to support others with similar experiences.

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Action for Happiness have released their 'Happier January Calendar'. for more info or to download please go here: Happier January | Action for Happiness

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A new Care Certificate e-learning scenario is now available for healthcare professionals working in cancer care. This session helps to improve the understanding of staff involved in caring for patients with cancer.

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This scenario is an opportunity for you to apply the principles outlined in the Care Certificate Standards in a cancer care setting. You will be presented with a series of questions throughout the scenario which you should answer based on the Care Certificate knowledge-based sessions.

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The holiday season is always a busy time for most of us and it can be really demanding, both physically and mentally.

While Christmas and the New Year might be exciting for some, they are painful and overwhelming for others. Whether it’s money worries, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the stress of preparing for all the festivities, the holiday season can be hard on our mental health.

For those of us, or our patients, who are feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or just need someone to listen, Open Mental Health Mindline Somerset is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the holiday season.

And with Crisis Safe Space appointments available too, nobody should need to face mental health challenges alone.

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Mental health help & advice.

The Festive Wellbeing Kit is here to support your mental health over the holidays. It offers practical advice, resources, and tips from members of the OMH alliance. Below, you'll find everything you need to keep yourself well and make the most of the festive period.

Holiday Support from Mindline Somerset

Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the festive period, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need someone to talk to about how you're feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Watch the animation above to find out more about Crisis Safe Space

Crisis Support at Christmas

Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor's appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, depending on the location.

Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.

Festive help & advice from our partners:

For some of us, the holiday season can be painful and overwhelming. Money worries, isolation, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the stress of preparing for all the festivities can be hard on our mental wellbeing.

Open Mental Health is an alliance of organisations that can help you through the festive period. If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, call Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892or freephone 0800 138 1692. It doesn't have to be an emergency or crisis. Whatever challenges you're facing, we're here to listen and help.

In the meantime, whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or just need someone to listen, the OMH Festive Wellbeing Kit has practical resources to help.

Health and Wellbeing: Staying Supported During the Festive Season

The holidays bring added stress and anxiety for many of us. Here, you'll discover services and resources available to support your health and wellbeing, helping you move forward no matter what challenges the festive season brings.
Citizens Advice-Free, confidential, and impartial

Citizens Advice Somerset provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on virtually any issue. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward no matter what problems they face, and they know that just because it's Christmas, advice needs don't just disappear. So whoever you are, and whatever the problem advisers will be available throughout the working days of the festive season providing telephone (call 0808 278 7842) and email advice to anyone who needs it. If you have access to the internet, the advice pages here can help too.

Visit their website: https://citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/

Mind in Somerset-Your local mental health charity

The holiday season can be overwhelming. Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen, Mindline Somerset is here for you. Check out our resources below and don't hesitate to reach out:.
Visit their website: https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/
Mind's Christmas coping tips
Christmas & mental health
Second Step-Putting mental health first

Take good care this festive season - Crisis Safe Space is here for anyone experiencing severe emotional distress. Open to over 18s living in Somerset, you can book a phone session or video call or call Mindline on 0800138 1692 .

Stepladder, Second Step's men's mental health project, is here to support, signpost and connect men all year round. Go to our website to find groups to connect with and a host of wellbeing resources to tap into.

Visit their website: https://www.second-step.co.uk/

SASP-Increasing health and happiness through physical activity

Staying active in winter is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, no matter your age or ability. Whether you enjoy the benefit of the outdoors or the warmth of indoor activities, find something to help you move more in ways that suit you. Check out SASP's Things To Do page for fresh ideas to keep you active or take a look at the Somerset Moves Activity Finder where you can find activities local to you.

Visit their website: https://www.sasp.co.uk/

Things to do: https://www.sasp.co.uk/things-to-do
Activity Finder: https://somersetmoves.activityfinder.net/

Spark-Building healthy, resilient communities

We all know volunteering helps others, but did you know it can boost your physical and mental wellbeing too?It's a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference to a cause that matters to you. From virtual to in-person roles, indoors or out, one-off or regular-there's something for everyone. Whatever your age, location or interests, Spark a Change makes it easy to find an opportunity that's right for you.

Visit their website: sparkachange.org.uk/volunteer-campaign to get started.

Somerset Council-For a healthy and caring county

Visit their website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/

Nelson Trust-Making change possible

For many women throughout Somerset, Christmas is a challenging time that highlights the day to day complexities and challenges we might be experiencing such as substance misuse, debts, mental health, or family issues. Our women's centre can provide you with a safe and welcoming space to seek vital support during this time. We offer one to one key working to address ongoing issues, groups with other likeminded women and a safe place to talk.

Visit their website: https://www.nelsontrust.com/

WATCH

This Christmas season at WATCH, we have so much in store for our members! On the lead-up to Christmas, join us for the Pathways Project, where you can come together online to learn and connect. Plus, don't miss our Thursday Project for face-to-face peer support and a hot meal to warm your spirits. And that's not all-there's so much more to enjoy, including a festive Christmas party., as we celebrate the season of giving and community! Contact info@watchproject.org.uk to learn more and get involved.
Link to the WATCH Events Calendar
Visit their website: https://watchproject.org.uk/

Rethink-Working to transform lives
Advice from Rethink
This information is about managing your mental health over the Christmas period. It is for people who are 18 or over and affected by mental illness in England.

Visit their website: https://www.rethink.org/

Christmas Support for Families and Young People

The festive period can be challenging for families and young people, with pressures ranging from financial strain to social anxiety. This section offers opportunities to connect, take part in fun activities, and find support from local services dedicated to helping young people and families feel more at ease this holiday season.
Balsam Centre-Supporting healthy and happy lives

Christmas can affect our mental wellbeing in lots of different ways, from worrying about money and the pressure to create the 'perfect' Christmas to feeling lonely if we don't have many people around us, or feel we have to act differently around others at this time of year. Throughout December, The Balsam Centre will be running various events to support people who might be struggling with these issues in the build-up to the festive season. We also offer regular weekly sessions that can help if you're feeling isolated, or need some advice and support. See the schedule.

Visit their website: https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/

FUSE Performance-Creative projects to support health and wellbeing

Christmas time can be a challenging time (for families and young people) and we hope we may be able to support with the survival tool kits and helpful suggestions for creative activities to support health and well-being. Why not join in with one of our face to face activities sessions leading up to Christmas. Or download some of our links from the inside out arts project. The resources can be used at home or in a youth, community, education setting.

Minehead Eye-A host of activities and events for all ages

Minehead Eye recognises that Christmas can be both exciting and challenging for young people. We've organised a variety of activities-from Crafty Explorers to Roller discos and acoustic nights-to keep everyone engaged and energised. We're also offering a drop-in café with our wellbeing team through most of the festive season, providing a space to unwind with a chat and a cuppa.

For more information on our events, visit: www.mineheadeye.co.uk.

Young Somerset-Putting young people first

At Young Somerset we understand that Christmas can be a tough time for anybody. You can have the opportunity to access our youth groups designed by young people. Umberella provides a safe space for 13-17 year olds to foster new relationships with peers and a trusted adult that are long lasting from this Christmas to the next. We provide cooking art sport and other group activities that are chosen by the young people that access the group.

Visit their website: https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/
More about Umbrella
2BU-LGBTQ+ youth support service where it's OK 2BU

The festive period can be particularly tough for some LGBTQ+ people. If you're a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset, you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can sometimes be difficult. 2BU provides a support network at difficult times if you are struggling, want some support or you just want to meet others like you.

Visit their website: https://www.2bu-somerset.co.uk/

SASP - We've Got This Wellbeing Support

SASP recognises the challenges over winter for young people and We've Got This is here to support you to feel more positive about yourself, through providing you with fun, safe and purposeful environments to feel more empowered about your mental health and your life in general.

For more information: www.sasp.co.uk/weve-got-this

Dealing with the Challenges of Food and Socialising

Food-centric Christmas gatherings can be especially challenging for people struggling with eating disorders.

SWEDA-Supporting people affected by eating disorders

The festive period can be a time when families come together, and food is often a central part of celebrations. It can be a particularly exhausting and stressful time of year if you have an eating disorder or difficulties with food, eating, or body image. Common difficulties include: eating in front of other people, relatives commenting on somebody's appearance or what they're eating, people encouraging others to eat more, or to eat foods that may be challenging for someone affected by an eating disorder.
Access more resources
Visit their website: https://swedauk.org

Loneliness and Carers Support for Christmas

The festive season can amplify feelings of isolation. The holidays create extra challenges for caregivers, too. These services are here to support people who feel isolated or give care to others.
Age UK Somerset-Changing how we age

Christmas can be a time when everyone is out celebrating and having fun, but some people may sometimes feel lonely, isolated, or low. Age UK Wellbeing Service offers a range of different elements - such as Walk and Talk, Wellbeing Friends and Friendly Phone Calls - to help individuals over 60 feel less lonely and always listened to and to improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know could benefit from talking to one of our friendly volunteers, click here to find out more.

Visit their website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/

Love Community CIC

Farmerados is run by volunteers who understand agricultural life and know how tough it can be. We believe a friendly conversation can help farmers realise they're not alone. Sharing a worrisome load really takes some weight off. Discover more about our inviting pop-up farmhouse kitchens -welcoming spaces at agricultural markets and events where you can enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit or three.

CCS Somerset-Inspiring and enabling positive change for Somerset

Somerset Carers service provides support for unpaid carers including information, advice and carers groups. Christmas can bring extra challenges that can impact carers wellbeing and that of the person they are caring for. Our downloadable resources include a carers checklist with useful contacts and some top tips for carers during the festive season. Phone lines are open as usual including Friday 27th, Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st December and closed on the Bank Holidays.
Downloadable Resources
Visit their website: https://somersetcarers.org/

Diversity Voice-A space to be who you are

Diversity Voice is here to help those who feel isolated to find a sense of connection. This year, we're focusing on prevention to help people prepare for the often-tough post-Christmas period. Our work centres on diverse communities, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities (including invisible illnesses), and anyone feeling particularly alone. We're here to give you space to be exactly who you are and to feel however you feel. You belong here, and you matter.
Help and Advice in Any Language
Visit their website: https://diversityvoice.org.uk/

OMH Partner Groups & Courses

Explore our holiday wellbeing articles

Self-help tools to stay well over the holiday season

Somerset Christmas mental health support

The challenges of eating disorders at Christmas

Self-help tips for good festive mental health

Keep things in perspective: " Don't believe the adverts you see on telly", and avoid the pressure that comes from unrealistic media portrayals of a perfect Christmas.

Don't break the bank: Reject consumer pressure and remember that, and remember, "you don't have to buy anything " for Christmas to make it meaningful. Instead, focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday.

Make agreements with family: One OMH volunteer made a deal with her sister not to buy each other presents, which helped reduce financial pressure and stress. Consider the same kind of non-gift pact with your family members.

Be present and be the best present: The greatest gift you can give to loved ones is your attention. Spending quality time together, rather than focusing on gifts, makes for a much more meaningful holiday experience.

Set boundaries: Make agreements with family about what you're comfortable with during the holidays. This way, you can opt out of events that cause you stress and avoid overcommitting yourself.

Socialising: Don't feel pressured to attend every social event. It can be overwhelming. It's okay to say no to protect your mental health.

Plan some quiet time: Allow yourself time to rest and recharge during the holidays. Setting aside some "me time" can help you stay balanced and well.

Connect with supportive people: Spend time with those who make you feel good; avoid those who create stress.

Cut back on the scrolling: Limit your social media exposure; we often compare our holiday to others' and think unhappy thoughts. Limiting time on social media can help reduce this pressure.

Find your calm this Christmas

Introducing the Somerset Festive Wellbeing Calendar

To help you smooth out the ups and downs of the winter season, Somerset Council, Our Somerset and OMH Expert by Experience Leaders, have created a wellbeing calendar-a resource to support your mental health with daily self-care tips and simple actions to make this year's holidays a little easier on the mind.

NHS Somerset Winter Plan

The NHS Winter campaign provides advice and guidance on how to manage your health, gives practical tips on keeping your home warm and safe and details where you can access support in the community. Follow this link to find out more information on how to keep yourself well over winter.
https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/winter-2024/

NHS Talking Therapies
Help for anxiety and depression
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's Talking Therapies service offers many different short term, time-limited treatments for anxiety and depression. These treatments are available both individually and in groups, by telephone and video for your greater convenience, and in person at venues too.

The service can also support you to cope better if you have experienced a traumatic event, or if you are struggling to live with a long term physical health condition such as diabetes, heart failure or breathing difficulties.

Visit the website and use the self-referral links on the page to access assessment and support. You'll be offered a prompt assessment session with an experienced clinician, usually on the phone, to look at what's troubling you and how the service can offer the most effective support.
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-talking-therapies/

If you seek help there are no judgements. There are a number of helpful resources online below to make sure you can get the help that you need.

Mindline Somerset

Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the festive period, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you need someone to talk to about how you're feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Get Urgent Help

Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor's appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, depending on the location.

Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Book now >>

Helpful Websites for Adults

Samaritans provides confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings. Tel: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org

Anxiety UK provides support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Beat supports people who are going through difficult times with eating disorders

Bipolar UK helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably and provides support to men aged 15 to 35

No Panic offers support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.

Papyrus is the young suicide prevention charity. HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141

Sane provides emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000

Shout is led by trained volunteers who can help you in a moment of chaos/crisis to find calm. Free text 24/7 on 85258.

YoungMinds provides information for parents on child and adolescent mental health. Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544

Womens Aid - Women's Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)

ManKind - For Male Victims of Domestic Abuse. Freephone 0808 800 1170

Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service - Free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. Call 24/7 on 0300 303 8788

Help for Young People (U18)

If you are a young person (under 18) looking for support the below websites provide useful resources and support that you may find helpful:

Young Somerset - wellbeing support including virtual hubs and counselling.

Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.

Young Minds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.

Kooth is a confidential online mental health service where young people and adults can receive counselling, advice and support for their emotional well-being.

Don't ask me why, ask me what I need.

read more

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Festive Wellbeing Kit - Open Mental Health

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For some of us, the holiday season can be painful and overwhelming. Money worries, isolation, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the stress of preparing for all the festivities can be hard on our mental health.

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Apprenticeship and Placement Awards 2025 Nominations - BTC 

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Apprenticeship and Placement Awards 2025 Nominations - BTC 

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The awards recognise the exceptional contributions of students and employers in shaping the skills and knowledge of the upcoming generation of professionals.

To participate, simply complete the form below and submit your nominations for an outstanding apprentice, T Level student, work experience student, supported employment student or a remarkable Employer.

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Apprenticeship and Placement Awards 2025 Nominations - Bridgwater & Taunton College

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Trusted provider of world class education within the South West

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Email danielle.gover@somersetft.nhs.uk for more info. Closing date is December 10th.

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Therapeutic Radiographer Apprentice - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: Therapeutic Radiographer Apprentice. Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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Free Webinar: Empowering Radiography Support Workers: Enhancing Support

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Free Webinar: Empowering Radiography Support Workers: Enhancing Support

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Take a look at a free webinar for Radiography Support Workers and SoR members that is happening on 27th Nov 2024.

Event link

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ODP Apprenticeship opportunity @ Somerset FT

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ODP Apprenticeship opportunity @ Somerset FT

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For more info please email: sally.boggie@somersetft.nhs.uk

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ODP Apprentice - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

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Title: ODP Apprentice. Contract Type: Apprenticeship. Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change. Location: Musgrove Park Hospital. Closing Date:

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This week we're celebrating the value and impact of our AHP support workforce and sharing stories to highlight why it's a great career path and the resources we have available. Please also see the AHP professional bodies own content:

Support workers hub | RCSLT

Celebrating AHP Support Worker Week: a call for change | The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Workforce Survey 2024

Dietetic Support Workforce - British Dietetic Association (BDA)

BAPO-Support-worker-framework-for-the-prosthetic-and-orthotic-workforce_compressed.pdf

Support workers | SoR

Support worker pathways

CODP – ODP Microsite

Orthoptic Support Workforce - British and Irish Orthoptic Society

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November 2024 Community of Practice slides 

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November 2024 Community of Practice slides 

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Please take a look at the apprenticeship standards in Radiography. Radiography - HASO

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Radiography Support Worker survey from Society and College of Radiography 

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Radiography Support Worker survey from Society and College of Radiography 

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Are you a radiography Support Worker, Mammography Associate or AP? SCOR

would like to hear your views about your experience of work & what if anything could be done to improve things. Pls complete this short & anon survey -

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New BDA dietetics support workforce events available

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New BDA dietetics support workforce events available

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the BDA have added more events and cpd for the support workforce. Please take a look!

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Please click on the info pack to find out more on the OT apprenticeship. Occupational Therapy - HASO

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Psychological Professions Webinars and Awareness at Somerset FT 

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Psychological Professions Webinars and Awareness at Somerset FT 

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Course: Psychological Professions Week Webinars

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AHPs' Day is a chance to celebrate the work and achievements of the third largest healthcare workforce. Thanks to all the AHP Support Workforce for their hard work and dedication!

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Black History Month- See ME first Initiative 

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Black History Month- See ME first Initiative 

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At our Trust we want all our colleagues to feel welcome, accepted, and respected for the person they are – able to work in an environment that is open and inclusive.

We know that many positive improvements have already been made, but there is still more work to be done. We are proud to say that our Multicultural Network has launched the See ME First initiative across our Trust.

This initiative involves pledging your support for our black, asian and ethnic minority colleagues by wearing a See ME First Badge. These badges aim to represent how we celebrate and value the differences in the experiences and perspectives that each person brings to our Trust and reflects the famous ideology at the heart of Dr Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech: “that people should not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”. The See ME First initiative originated at Whittington Health NHS Trust, and we are proud to carry their work forward here.

Whether you are a multicultural colleague yourself or an ally, wearing a badge sends the message that you are there to listen to and support our black, asian and minority ethnic colleagues, patients and visitors.

To sign up: See ME First Initiative (sompar.nhs.uk)

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Quick reminder of the upcoming sessions

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South West Support Worker CPD Sessions (2)

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Take a look at Aspiring Allies website for their role descriptions and career.

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Diagnostic Radiographer - Aspiring Allies

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There’s more to a career in healthcare than you think…

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Dedicated to healthcare workers and their health and well-being.

We will dive into the profound effects of stress and depression and anxiety on overall health and learn how to combat these through simple yet effective relaxation and meditation techniques. Together, we’ll work on crafting a daily routine that puts you first because taking care of you is the first step in taking care of others. Let’s make this World Mental Health Day a day to prioritize our own health and wellbeing.

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World Mental Health Day: Selfcare for healthcare workers | Learn With Nurses

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Join me, RN and Lifestyle Diplomate MichelleTurner, this World Mental Health Day for an engaging session. Dedicated to healthcare workers and their health and well-being. We will dive into the […]
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The IT Skills Pathway provides access to customisable training and assessment products covering the full range of competencies for users of the main Microsoft Office products, from basic through to advanced. It has been developed to provide an officially recognised route of learning and certification for the whole workforce.

Its purpose is to encourage everyone working with IT to review their current IT skills and knowledge against recognised standards, determine what their skill gaps are and then identify their current and future training requirements based on the products that are available.

IT Skills Pathway is provided by a third party and commissioned by HEE e-Learning for Healthcare.  Completion will not automatically appear within your Learning record.

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Cookies on Digital Learning Solutions

We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work.

We'd also like to use analytics cookies. These send anonymous information about how our site is used to a service called Google Analytics & Hotjar Analytics. We use this information to improve our site.

Let us know if this is OK. We'll use a cookie to save your choice. You can read more about our cookies before you choose.

Skip to main content

Need help getting started with nursing passports on DLS? Visit our dedicated support page (opens a new tab)

Our products and services can help you manage digital learning delivery for the benefit of the people in your organisation.

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We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work. We'd also like to use analytics cookies. These send anonymous information about how our site is used to a service called Google Analytics & Hotjar Analytics. We use this information to improve our site.

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Download the PDF version of the Wellbeing Champion Grid. You can contact your local Wellbeing Champion by searching their name into Outlook Global Address.

If you are interested in becoming a Wellbeing Champion, please email Wellbeing@somersetft.nhs.uk

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Now available on LEAP is a OT House Visit scenario training module and this can help write access visit notes. Course: OT House Visit Simulation (somersetft.nhs.uk)

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To sign up : AAC and Autism (google.com)

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It’s time to celebrate our Allied Health Professionals in Somerset!

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It’s time to celebrate our Allied Health Professionals in Somerset!

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This year, the Somerset AHP Council and Faculty is holding a conference, which will take place on Wednesday 16 October, and part of that will include a special ‘AHP Awards’. The awards will celebrate and recognise colleagues who belong to the AHP community, including the core 14 professions, as well as support workers, assistant practitioners, registered professionals, pre-registration apprentices, and students. Please nominate someone on the link above.

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Our news - It’s time to celebrate our Allied Health Professionals in Somerset!

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The Men's Network promotes great initiatives and provides a shared space for discussions and support to take place for all colleagues after hearing from many, like you, who may have some concerns around theirs and others health and well-being.

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Support and advice is available :

If you, or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or something is causing stress, worry or anxiety, there are several ways support and guidance can be accessed within our trust.

Colleague Support Service – call on 0300 124 5595. Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, if you call on a Saturday or Sunday, please leave a voicemail on the answering machine and the team will get back to you on their next working day. Or email colleaguesupport@somersetft.nhs.uk.

Open Mental Health – Open Mental Health is here to help. We offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure that people struggling with their mental health in Somerset can access the right support at the right time.

If you need to speak to someone, please get in touch with our team at Mindline Somerset any time of the day or night, seven days a week, locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Mindline Live Web Chat is available every day from 8pm-11pm or you can send us a message.

Talking Therapies – we offer many different short term, time-limited treatments for anxiety and depression. These treatments are available both individually and in groups, by telephone and video for your greater convenience, and in person at venues too.

We can also support you to cope better if you have experienced a traumatic event, or if you are struggling to live with a long-term physical health condition such as diabetes, heart failure or breathing difficulties.

We encourage you to make a self-referral to our service if you are:

Experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD or sleep issues

Ready to start working on your problems and able to attend regular appointments

Registered with a GP in Somerset

Not currently receiving support from other mental health services

To self-refer to Talking Therapies, visit Online Referral - NHS Somerset Talking Therapies - Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

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A recent survey of our AHP support worker workforce indicated that many staff are not aware of, or yet to start using the AHP Support Worker Career Portfolio.

What is the AHP Support Worker Career Portfolio?

Is a tool that supports a structured approach to having career conversations with support workers.

It aligns to the AHP support worker competency, education and career development framework and enables individuals to collate evidence of their skills and education.

It can be used and follow support workers throughout their career progression and includes helpful links to supporting resources and information.

It compliments clinical competency attainment requirements related to role and annual appraisals.

Please see the flier attached for further details on how to access the career portfolio tool along with wider information aimed at AHP support workers and those who line manager/support their development hosted on the SW AHP Support Worker Learning hub site https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/ahpsupportworkforce

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AHP Support Worker Career portfolio and learning hub flier

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The SW AHP Support Worker community of practice are back with a new offer informed by the support workforce to provide a series of one-hour online access to all CPD webinars in 2024/25.  Please find the flier attached that provides the direct links for the sessions planned that start later this month on the 24th July with dates running through to January 2025 so far! Catalogue (learninghub.nhs.uk)

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Developing a research skilled workforce project for Health Education England – hosted by the South West Clinical Schools.

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This year’s campaign for Dietitians Week 2024, which will run from 3-7 June. Take a look at what the BDA have on this week to celebrate.

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Your 5-day social media plan

Here are the BDA's daily themes to help you with your planning. Don't forget to use this year's hashtags, #DW2023 #WeAreDietetics
MONDAY - #WeAreDietetics
Let's flood our social media feeds with all of your selfies, demonstrating the breadth and diversity in our profession. Take a photo with your prop stick to show what someone working in dietetics looks like.
TUESDAY - This is what my day looks like
How about sharing a day in your life by filming yourself and all the things your role entails. The BDA will share as many as we can during Dietitians Week if you tag us in. It's a great way to demonstrate your particular specialism and role and show just how far-reaching the profession is!
WEDNESDAY - My positive food hacks
It's time to talk about our favourite subject - food! You aren't the food police but what swaps do you enjoy making? What are your favourite things to eat? Can you make this specific to your area of expertise too - how do you make things easier for service users or what's the best advice you give to them?
THURSDAY - This is why I'm proud to work in dietetics
This is your chance to pat yourself on the back and say why you are proud to work in dietetics! What key wins have you had this year? - let's celebrate you! Do you have a patient case study (if you have all the appropriate permissions) that you could share as well?
FRIDAY
We'll be sharing the winners of our baking competition and summing up the week, so no new theme on this day, but please do keep shouting about dietetics. Also, please show some love for our baking competition winner (as voted for by you) as we'll be announcing the winner today.
Disclaimer! If you tag us in your photos and videos, we take this to mean you give us permission to share them on our own channels during and after Dietitians Week.
What else can you do...?
Every year you come up with lots of weird and wonderful ways to shout about dietetics. If this is your first Dietitians Week then here are a few simple ways to get started.
If you've ordered your free resource pack (these have now all been claimed) these will be sent out to you ahead of Dietitians Week.Get your bunting out and put your posters up in your departments/ offices/ notice boards etc. Share our public facing postcards with service users to highlight why they might seek the support of a dietitian and what resources are available to help them. Please tag us in a photo of your display on social media - so we can see and share!

Can you run a Lunch & Learn session with colleagues to talk about the role of dietetics and what you do? Are there any demos you can do to showcase your specialism to other AHPs?

Everyone's favourite baking competition is back, to demonstrate how the profession enjoys cake just as much as everyone else! We'll be sharing our shortlisted five bakes on Monday of Dietitians Week, so look out for these and vote for your favourite!

Join the live RDUK Twitter Chat on Monday 5 June - it's a great opportunity to chat with other members of the profession. We'll be discussing equality, diversity and inclusion for an hour at 8pm.

Print off our Food Fact Sheets and share them far and wide.
Let us know what you've got planned for the week!

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Here are the BDA's daily themes to help you with your planning. Don't forget to use this year's hashtags, #DW2023 #WeAreDietetics MONDAY - #WeAreDietetics Let's flood our social media feeds with all of your selfies, demonstrating the breadth and diversity in our profession.

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Digital skills available for the AHP Support Workforce 

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Digital skills available for the AHP Support Workforce 

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The Allied Health Professions’ Support Worker Framework describes how AHP support workers need to be digitally confident and competent, including understanding the potential of digital technology to improve patient care. Qualifications such as Technical Levels include a digital element that not only addresses general application (for example in the use of spreadsheets) but also the application of digital skills in specific occupations.

NHS England has designed a Digital Literacy Capability Framework, which includes a self-assessment tool and a Digital Competency Framework for Allied Health Professionals for all Allied Health Professions from Band 3 to Band 9.

For AHP Support Workers, the use of Microsoft 365 software enables new ways to undertake our daily work. Somerset FT are supporting all colleagues with sessions to provide both essential skills and in-depth knowledge. They are also available to give training and assistance at your request in specific areas or use cases. Take a look here at the courses and resources available:

Microsoft Word for Beginners (somersetft.nhs.uk)

Course: Microsoft Excel for Beginners (somersetft.nhs.uk)

Email  TelTeam@somersetft.nhs.uk

Our librarian: veronica.price@somersetft.nhs.uk

Web: Technology Enhanced Learning Team (intranet)

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Thanks everyone who attended the first CoP! please find minutes attached.

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Functional Skills- English and Maths Level 2 

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Functional Skills- English and Maths Level 2 

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For many people the thought of returning to undertake Maths and English

qualifications can be daunting.  However, gaining these qualifications can help

us to make the most of career opportunities and fulfill our potential.

New job roles and apprenticeship offers for AHP Support Workers often require

Maths and English Level 2 function skills - so having them might open up new

career opportunities for you.

What are Functional Skills?

Functional skills are important life skills including literacy, numeracy, and digital

skills. They help people to gain the most from life, learning and working.

A functional skills level 2 qualification is equal to a GCSE pass, grade 4 and

above (or C and above on the old grading system).

You can study for functional skills qualifications in a practical way, applying key skills to actual situations so that the things you learn come in useful every day,

at work or at home.  Whilst developing your functional skills can help you to

develop and progress in your career, they can also help you to feel more

confident in yourself and these skills can be useful in all aspects of your life.

Developing your functional skills can help you to:

Apply knowledge and skills to real life

Take on challenges in a range of new and often unforeseen settings

Support you in using your initiative

Recognise and expect that tasks may be challenging and require persistence, thoughtfulness, and reflection.

If you decide to progress into registered roles in the future, you will need level 2 functional skills to do this.  Contact apprenticeships@somersetft.nhs.uk

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Useful apps from the Oliver McGowan training

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Useful apps from the Oliver McGowan training

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This app was recommended for people with autism to use via the Oliver McGowan training.

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Molehill Mountain is an app to help autistic people understand and self-manage anxiety.

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Advancing research careers in AHP Support Workers in the South West

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Advancing research careers in AHP Support Workers in the South West

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Introduction to leadership- Edward Jenner Programme 

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Introduction to leadership- Edward Jenner Programme 

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The Edward Jenner programme is your first port of call if you’re looking to build a strong foundation of leadership skills that can help enhance your confidence and competence in your role. The programme has been designed to offer flexibility as a suite of online short courses.

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The Edward Jenner programme is your first port of call if you're looking to build a strong foundation of leadership skills that can help enhance your confidence and competence in your role. The programme has been designed to offer flexibility as a suite of online short courses.
What's covered?
The programme will support you as you develop essential leadership skills. The programme is a suite of short courses and begins with an introduction course, and then is structured in two levels:
Course 0: An introduction to personal development Level 1 Level 2

Course 3: Leading in and beyond my team

Course 4: The leader as manager

Who is it for?
This programme is designed for anyone aspiring to their first leadership or management role within the health and care sector within the next 1-2 years.

If you desire to do any of the following, this programme is also for you;

Begin your journey of personal development

Improve your experience of work, work relationships or your teamwork and communication skills

Understand what leaders do and how they do it

Make a difference in the way your team works or the services you provide

Manage and lead your team through change

Prepare to lead in the future

You will ideally have a role, be on a work placement or volunteer in a health and care setting to participate in the activities on this programme. There is no prior experience or knowledge required.

If you want to feel more able to deal with the daily challenges of working in healthcare, better equipped to care for patients, lead services and provide leadership for those around you - supporting them to do their job better - the Edward Jenner programme is for you.
Why should I join the programme?
The programme has been designed with health and care staff, for everyone working in a health and care context. Highly practical and patient-focused, it's a great way to understand the purpose, challenges and culture of the NHS.

It's flexible and enlightening, helping you get a fresh perspective on the impact you have on the patient experience - either directly or indirectly. It's also a valuable refresher at any level, as well as an important first step towards further leadership development.
How can I join the programme as part of an apprenticeship?
You can also join the programme as part of an apprenticeship offered by one of NHS Leadership Academy's partner providers.

Apprenticeships are available in a range of disciplines including Leadership and Management, Digital, Project Management, Sustainability and many more.

They incorporate the Edward Jenner programme as part of the apprenticeship or offer it as an optional extra. This offers learners the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification from the apprenticeship and NHS Leadership Academy's leadership development programme in one course. Find out more about these apprenticeships and how they work.

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The Edward Jenner programme is your first port of call if you're looking to build a strong foundation of leadership skills that can help enhance your confidence and competence in your role. The programme has been designed to offer flexibility as a suite of online short courses. What's covered?

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Supporting students in the workplace opportunities 

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Supporting students in the workplace opportunities 

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Supporting students in the workplace enables non-registered AHP assistants and support staff to develop their understanding of student education and to develop their skills in supporting students and educators within their teams.

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This programme is in partnership with...

About the Supporting AHP Students programme

Practice Based Learning (PBL) is a key component of health and care training and so it is essential that PPE provides a supportive and safe learning environment for all students. In addition to clinical educators, non-registered AHP staff can play a significant role in students' education, teaching them clinical aspects of the role and also for pastoral support.

The aim of this course is to provide non-registered AHP assistants and support staff with training to develop their understanding of student education and to develop their skills in supporting students and educators within their teams. During this course, users will learn about the student journey, from the beginning of their studies to qualification and how practice placements form part of their learning. The resource will also offer an understanding of what is expected from students during placement, how to give feedback to students and educators and how to recognise and support a student who may be struggling. By developing these skills, non-registered staff will be able to contribute to the delivery of Practice Based Learning, improving the quality and capacity of placements.

More information

Available modules:

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the staff at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and higher education institutions for working with us to produce the Supporting AHP Students course which has led to the development of this elearning programme.

Suzanne Stainer - former Senior Occupational Therapist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Louisa Appleyard - Advanced Clinical Practitioner, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Lucy Hamilton - Senior Occupational Therapist - University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Sam Walker - Senior Organisational Development Practitioner - University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Rebecca McEvoy - Therapy Inpatient Lead- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Amanda Parker - Head of Learning - University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Jayne Dickinson-Darcy - former Deputy Director For Education and Organisational Development - University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Claire Kinnell - Practice Learning Support Manager - University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Sue Dale - Senior Lecturer and Physiotherapy Placement Lead - Sheffield Hallam University

Aimee France - Senior Physiotherapy Lecturer - Sheffield Hallam University

Theresa Baxter - former Principal Lecturer in Occupational Therapy - Sheffield Hallam University

Laura Loeber - former Physiotherapy Lecturer - University of Nottingham

Jodie Bryant - Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy - Birmingham City University

Andrew Gully - Deputy Head of Operating Department Practice Education - University of Leicester

Karen Newberry - Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy - University of Derby

Emma Orde-Powlett - former Practice Educator in Diagnostic Imaging - University of Derby

Steve Martin - former Occupational Therapy student, University of Derby

Claire Fordham - Professional Advisor - Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Emma Busby - Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner - Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Nadia Butt - Project and Events Officer, Council of Deans of Health

Barbara Day - Head of Professional and Practice Development, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

Rachel White - AHP Practice Learning Facilitator, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Ali Naylor - AHP Preceptorship Lead, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Carolyn Hay - Pre-registration Education Manager, Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Claire Duckett - Superintendent Radiographer, Education and Professional Development, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

How to access

In order to access the Supporting AHP Students programme, you will need an elfh account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.
Register >
To view the Supporting AHP Students programme, select the View button below. If you already have an account with elfh, you will also be able to login and enrol on the programme from the View button.
View >
In order to access any elfh programme, you will need an elfh account. If you do not have one, then you can register by selecting the Register button below.

Not an NHS organisation?

If you are not an NHS health or care organisation and therefore do not qualify for free access elfhHub, you may be able to access the service by creating an OpenAthens account.

To check whether or not you qualify for free access via OpenAthens, you can view the eligibility criteria and register on the ' OpenAthens ' portal.

Registering large numbers of users

If you are a HR, IT or Practice Manager and would like to register and enrol large numbers of staff within your organisation for access onto the Supporting AHP Students programme, please contact elfh directly.

Organisations wishing to use their own LMS

For HR departments wanting to know more about gaining access to courses using an existing Learning Management System please contact elfh directly to express interest.

More information

Please select the following link for more information on how to use the elfh Hub

elfh is a NHS England programme in partnership with the NHS and professional bodies

© elearning for healthcare 2023

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Supporting AHP Students - elearning for healthcare

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This programme is in partnership with... Practice Based Learning (PBL) is a key component of health and care training and so it is essential that PPE provides a supportive and safe learning environment for all students. In addition to clinical educators, non-registered AHP staff can play a significant role in students' education, teaching them clinical aspects of the role and also for pastoral support.