NELFT hosted its first Psychological Professions Summer School for students from sixth form and colleges across North East London.

The week-long summer school was held at the Jane Atkinson Health and Wellbeing Centre in Waltham Forest from Monday 15 July to Friday 19 July.

Over 35 students joined the Trust in engaging presentations and workshops designed to showcase the various routes into the profession and the choice of career options available.

Kate Butt, NELFT’s Psychological Professions Workforce Lead, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have facilitated our first ever psychological professions 6th form summer school. We wanted to put on a series of events to inform, encourage, inspire and connect with local students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychological professions. 

“We combined teaching, discussion and experiential activities covering the following areas: career journeys, personal stories of recovery from mental health problems, workshops relating to topical issues within the psychological professions (including trauma informed care, stigma, technical innovation and research and development, and exposure to therapeutic work such as arts psychotherapy and reflective practice.

“We are thrilled with how successful the week was and very much looking forward to running another event next year!”

For many students, a memorable part of this experience was hearing directly from someone with lived experience as part of a creative listening exercise. Through an inspirational story about mental health, students gained an insight into hope and recovery, and how psychological professionals play a key part in this.  

Throughout the week, students benefitted from engaging workshops to help them think about their values, long-term career goals and what they’ll need to achieve this.

NELFT staff spoke at the summer school sharing stories, advice, and opportunities. Some Assistant Psychologists, who are at the start of an exciting career journey, shared advice to support the students as they too embark of their journeys into the profession.

Several psychologists across various specialities spoke to the students about research and development opportunities within the profession. One student said:

“I got to hear about many other professional’s different career pathways into psychology and about different sectors you can specialise in such as autism. We also learnt about reflection that we can apply to the rest of our career.”

Additional highlights included a group art psychotherapy exercise, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Students had the opportunity to reflect, create an art piece and then share with the rest of the group. They learned the impact of uses imagery when talking is difficult. One student commented:

“The emotional skills session to teach us how to care for ourselves especially in an emotionally demanding field was helpful. It is reassuring to know that you are cared for.”

After the summer school, students who attended received a certificate of participation and left feeling inspired about the amount of choice available within psychological professions. NELFT hopes to welcome them back soon, whether that be through volunteering, on our Bank, or after they have graduated.

To find out more about NELFT’s psychological professions, visit: Career in Psychological Services - NELFT