by Olivia Mumby
It takes a certain type of person to work in the mental health industry, with many people’s prejudice stopping them from taking an interest in a career.
Many mental health workers agree that a shortage of staff is a problem many homes are keen to overcome.
Offering an inside look into the profession is Lydia Campbell, senior support worker at Acorn Close care centre, Shepshed. Acorn is home to 28 residents with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
When asked what she found most interesting about her role, Lydia said: “There is never a dull day. There are always challenges to overcome with the people we look after.”
Earning the residents’ trust takes time, with relationships building slowly. “Some residents have come from a bad past and have been put through different types of abuse.” However, Lydia said that making progress and making a difference to people’s lives was, “very rewarding”.
Staff often accompany the residents on trips out, such as to the zoo or the local shops. There is even a yearly residents’ holiday to the seaside which staff can attend.
It is clear that no two days are the same, as Lydia recalled: “One elderly male resident called 999 from his room in the middle of the night,” claiming that a murder had occurred, before we knew it an armed police unit turned up to search the building for a dead body! It was serious at the time but everyone laughs about it now.”
Although it is clear that those who work in this industry care deeply, many mental health workers believing that it is also clear that there is a real need for more staff.
There is a strong sense within those who work in this field that if more people opened their minds to consider mental health care as a career, then those who need help would be better supported.
