Students gain an insight into working with dementia
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Health and Social Care learners said the visit of three healthcare professionals was ‘an eye-opening experience’
Healthcare professionals supporting people with dementia recently gave Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students an insight into their careers.
Level 4 Health and Social Care learners at the Dolgellau campus received a visit from community psychiatric nurse Megan Smith, occupational therapist Bernie Fahy and support worker Gareth Edwards.
All three work in the Meirion unit of Dolgellau Hospital. Megan and Bernie also work in the community, while Gareth is a bank worker for the health board so has gained experience working in different locations.
They spoke to students about their journey to their current roles, including university courses that can lead to careers in the NHS and Social Care services.
Some of the students will have the opportunity to complete work experience placements in the dementia units in Dolgellau, Tywyn and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and learners said the visit was very informative.
Alice Humphreys said: “It was an eye-opening experience and encouraged the fact that it's definitely the path I want to go down.
“I'm hoping to go on work experience with the team in order to gain more knowledge and experience around mental health.”
Catrin Jones said: “The opportunity to have the guest speakers in was very beneficial for me because they opened my eyes to all the possible jobs within the field, and how to reach them. It was also good to get information about the help available to find the best path for me.”
Health and Social Care lecturer Kelly Kojs said: “The visit was beneficial to our learners because they received a range of information about different careers available in the NHS.”
Are you interested in a rewarding career in Health and Social Care? Click here for more information about Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s courses.