UCLan and Health Education England organise event to inspire children from military families
Service children from across Lancashire have been learning about the many possible exciting careers within the NHS at a special event organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Health Education England (HEE).
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Creative Forces Health Careers Insight Day welcomed more than 80 local children to UCLan’s Westleigh Conference Centre to learn what it’s like to work in healthcare.
The children, aged between 9 -14, were able practise a 999 call simulation and learn the role of a paramedic, get hands-on with resuscitation techniques, learn what an occupational therapist does, discover what’s involved in primary care and much more. Representatives from North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and the Armed Forces ran the interactive sessions.
The event was organised specifically for children who are from families serving in the Armed Forces.
"... we want to provide opportunities through our collaboration with Health Education England that show these young people the many career opportunities the NHS that can provide across the world"
— Dr Celia Hynes, Director of the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services at UCLan
Dr Celia Hynes, Director of the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES) at UCLan, helped to organise the event. She said: “Service children and young people often experience frequent school moves due to their parents’ employment.
“This event was especially important to us because as a hub for the Service Children Progression Alliance, we want to provide opportunities through our collaboration with Health Education England that show these young people the many career opportunities the NHS that can provide across the world. It was also a chance to engage them in thinking about University and how this can enhance their lives.”
Joseph Betteridge, 13, from Ashton Community Science College in Preston, said: “I really enjoyed learning about the qualities and skills you need to be in the Army. I learnt that listening and confidence are some of the most important skills you need as a Royal Marine.”
"I learnt that listening and confidence are some of the most important skills you need as a Royal Marine."
— Joseph Betteridge, 13, from Ashton Community Science College in Preston
Another attendee, 13-year-old Saskia Mallon from Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Accrington, said: “The handwashing and infection control workshop was my favourite activity as it was more practical and engaging. You can physically see how soap helps to kill germs and prevent infections which has made me realise how important it is to stay clean and protect people in hospitals.”
Jack Wackinson, 15, from Baines School in Poulton-le-Fylde, added: “‘I’ve had lots of fun in all the workshops but I especially enjoyed learning CPR and taking a tour in the ambulance as it was my first time seeing the inside of one.
“I’ve also learnt a lot of life-saving skills today, such as how to take a 999 call and how to give oxygen to an unconscious person, which is a lot tougher than I thought.”
Claire Tinsley, HEE Development Manager for Vocational Learning in the Regional Education Transformation Team, North West, added: “Inclusion is our purpose, and it was great to work with so many enthusiastic and committed young people and our partners at the creative forces event.
"Inclusion is our purpose, and it was great to work with so many enthusiastic and committed young people and our partners at the creative forces event."
— Claire Tinsley, HEE Development Manager for Vocational Learning in the Regional Education Transformation Team, North West
“Promoting opportunities to those who many not always be included and showcasing careers across the NHS and Health and Social Care was a pleasure.”
The event is the latest of many organised and supported by UCLan’s CMVES in its role as the Lancashire and North West Service Children’s Progression Alliance, which allows children with parents in the Armed Forces to access additional support in school to help them progress into further and higher education.
