News

Discover skills and employability opportunities at Barnsley's biggest event yet

Published 05 August 2024

Everyone is welcome to come along on Saturday 7 September at the Glassworks Square and the Library @ the Lightbox. From 9am to 4pm, the skills and employability team are on hand to explore the possibilities in Barnsley.  

If you’d like to learn more about the types of sectors, learning, training, progression, volunteering and work options, drop by on the day.  

At the skills village on the Glassworks Square, you can speak with learning, training and volunteering providers about the types of opportunities in the borough. There will also be a construction demonstration by Barnsley College and a show and tell by Visualised It, a local video production company, showing the kit they use to produce digital content.  

In the support hub at the Lightbox, we’ll be joined by a range of partner services that help people to access opportunities. From debt or financial advice, information about benefits and better off calculations, support for childcare, caring responsibilities, special educational needs and disabilities, mental health and much, much more.  

As well as the different teams and services, you can talk to our Village Hosts about your ambitions, goals, ideas or circumstances to find the right options for you.  

This event is open to everyone, regardless of your background or current situation.  

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “The Skills and Employability team are building on the success of their local events across the borough to deliver their biggest event yet. By exploring what’s possible, you could find options that are right for you to develop skills that make a difference every day.  

The team has received some great feedback from the events and engagement they’ve had with local communities, so I would encourage everyone to discover more about the learning, training and volunteering opportunities that are available.”  

If you can’t attend the event in September, you can still contact the skills and employability team for information, advice and guidance. Visit Barnsley.gov.uk/SkillsAndEmployability to find out more. You can fill out an online form to get in touch with an advisor.  

To keep up to date with information, visit the dedicated Facebook events page. 

Rotherham volunteering in health event 11 July 2024

Rotherham people who are thinking of volunteering in the NHS and want to know more about the roles on offer, are being encouraged to come along to the volunteering roadshow on Thursday 11 July.

Representatives from Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) will be taking their information roadshow to the Riverside Café, in Riverside House, the council building on Main Street, Rotherham, from 10am to 2pm, where they are keen to talk to local people about potential openings in the NHS.

It’s one of several drop-in roadshows currently being drawn up across the three geographical areas the Trust covers, where staff will be able to have face-to-face meetings with local people to explain more about the Trust and encourage their involvement.

Patient Experience and Involvement Lead, Stuart Green, who is assisted by Volunteer Co-ordinator Neil Anderson, said: “The sessions will be an opportunity to invite people of all ages and diverse groups to come and have a chat about jobs, apprenticeships, jobs, and volunteering opportunities within our organisation.

“Currently, most of our volunteers tend to operate in the Doncaster area, providing fantastic support, and we now want to up the numbers in Rotherham and North Lincolnshire.

“We are also eager to talk to a wide range of patients, carers and members of the public who would like to have a say in how we run our services.

“The ‘meet us’ events will be very informal, people won’t be expected to sign up for anything, but they will have the opportunity to find out more and have any questions answered.”

If you would like more information about volunteering or working for RDaSH, please ring 03000 0211547 or email rdash.volunteers@nhs.net.

Sheffield students experience social care first hand

24 July 2024

Thirteen year 10 health and social care students from Chaucer Secondary School, Sheffield had a unique opportunity to visit the The Chocolate Works Care Village York  this month. This gave the students an opportunity to explore careers and understand career progression in social care.  

The people who reside at the Chocolate Works have different needs and care is provided for people who need residential care, nursing care, specialist dementia care, and palliative care. Students had an opportunity to meet some of the people and the staff who work at Chocolate Works.

The visit was possible due to a new initiative providing experiences of workplaces in social care and a partnership between Springfield Healthcare, their talent acquisition lead Tracey Hopkinson, Melissa Maddison from Chaucer School, and Joseph Leech from Sheffield City Council (Funding for the transport was provided by Sheffield City Council).

Tracey Hopkinson said: "The students were absolutely amazing. The compassion and interaction with the residents was fabulous, and they asked really relevant questions.

It was a really positive visit, so much so that the students all want to club together and live in York so they can work there! Definitely have some of the workforce of the future from the students that attended – they were phenomenal."

Melissa Maddison said: "What an absolute pleasure yesterday was! It was amazing to see the care village and also seeing our students having such a wonderful time. They all took part in meeting and chatting with residents too at the end of the visit, which was their favourite part, I think.

An absolutely brilliant experience, Tracey and Andrew were just fantastic with the students and they really appreciated it."

Due to the success of the visit, this opportunity will be offered to a new cohort of year 10 students annually.

"I'm proud to be autistic" Nurse shines light on Disability Pride month

24 July 2024

Story with thanks to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Jayne Connolly

A Sheffield nurse is highlighting Disability Pride Month this July, five years after being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Jayne Connolly, Staff Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) just before her 47th birthday, five years ago. Jayne recalls:

“I was born in the era of the 70’s and 80’s when Autism wasn’t widely recognised. People just saw me as the introverted, nerdy girl, but I knew I felt different.”

The defining moment for Jayne came when she began experiencing perimenopause.

"The hormonal imbalance during this time can exacerbate symptoms, which was exactly my experience. Suddenly, things that had never bothered me before—like loud noises, large crowds, and being around other people—started to have a significant impact on me. That's when it clicked, and my mum suggested that I might be autistic."

Jayne was referred to Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service (SAANS) at Nether Edge hospital where they did an assessment and Jayne was subsequently diagnosed with ASD. After her diagnosis, Jayne informed her line manager and, with support from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Occupational Health team, had support to make adjustments to her working schedule to better accommodate her needs."

I met with an Occupational Therapist called Catherine, who was incredibly insightful. With their help, I was able to change my working hours so that I could primarily work night shifts, which are typically quieter and involve mainly just me and my patients.

While I still do some day shifts, the Trust allows me to take late afternoon shifts, as I find it difficult to sleep at night if I need to wake up early for work. I really can’t praise them enough.”

Jayne also received information about autism support groups, including Autism Plus, who provide specialist care and support for autistic adults and young people, and the Trust’s free staff health and wellbeing service called VIVUP which offers a 24-hour confidential support service offering advice and information from qualified professionals.

“I’ve worked on the same ward for nearly 25 years now with the same colleagues, who have been phenomenal. I have a lot of idiosyncrasies which people don’t always understand, so it can sometimes be difficult to explain that to people. Autism Plus have been brilliant and instrumental in helping me navigate work and education and in clarifying things that aren’t always easy to articulate. VIVUP has also been there when I needed it, providing free and accessible counselling support.”

"The learning I’ve done also led me to the Trust’s Disability and Wellbeing Staff Network Group (DAWN), which has been great. Meeting other people in the same boat and learning from them has been so positive, and I’ve been able to share this knowledge with my manager and colleagues."Jayne explains that this support has helped her to face recent challenges too, including a recent episode of ‘autism burnout’, which can be characterised by long- term exhaustion, loss of function, and heightened sensory sensitivity.

"It only takes one person to raise their voice or behave in a triggering way, and it can set you off. This can look like a temper tantrum and leave people around me confused, but it's just sometimes hard for me to regulate my emotions. I experienced ‘autism burnout’ at the beginning of the year and was signed off work. It felt like I’d hit rock bottom but luckily, I have a supportive family, an amazing husband, and two fantastic children. I also spoke to my GP and had a lot of help from Autism Plus. Although it was a horrible experience, it’s turned into a really positive one. I feel better than I’ve felt in about five years. Knowing where to look to for help and support has been crucial. Groups like VIVUP, DAWN staff network, Autism Plus, and Sheffield Hospitals Occupational Health team have been the making of me."

Speaking on Disability Pride Month, marked every year in July, Jayne said:

"To me, disability pride is about not having to hide my ASD. I’ve met many neurodivergent people who try to mask their symptoms, which can be stressful and tiring and can lead to complications like autism burnout. I’m proud to be autistic, and being able to show that to others is so important. Autism gives me skills that most people might not recognise, like good attention to detail and problem-solving. My advice to anyone who thinks they might be neurodivergent is to seek advice from support groups regardless of whether you have a diagnosis."

"After 47 years, it was quite a relief to finally be diagnosed. It explained why I’d felt different all my life."

Photo: Jayne Connolly and husband

Health and care careers event biggest yet for Doncaster students

18 July 2024

Story and photos with thanks to Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals

Last week, over 1,500 year 8 students from across Doncaster were given the opportunity to attend the fourth annual ‘We Care into the Future’ event at the Doncaster Dome, where they were introduced to a diverse range of career pathways within health and care.

This unique event has been developed in partnership with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), Hall Cross Academy, and various health, care, and educational organisations within the city.  

Participating schools received invitations to attend either a morning or afternoon session at the event. This year, more schools engaged than ever before, with 20 educational providers participating. Overall, around 1,500 young people attended, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

On arriving at the event, students first encountered a simulation of a patient’s journey, from arrival via ambulance to the Emergency Department and then on to surgery and a theatre setting. From there, the simulation continues with the patient receiving therapy in support of their rehabilitation and ending with care in the community. 

The students were then given the opportunity to speak with a wide range of professionals from clinical and non-clinical health and care careers and visit over 50 interactive stalls, allowing access to hands on experience of the real world equipment and training aids which encapsulate over 350 different career pathways.   

Further and higher education providers were also available to inform students on qualifications and training routes available and required of those wishing to embark on a health and care career.

Dr Ann-marie Steele, Deputy Director of Education at DBTH, said: “It is great to be able to inspire the next generation of health and care workers. As a teaching hospital, the Trust is committed to the education of our entire current and future workforce. Inspiring the next generation to think about and enter careers in the crucial and varied health and care sector is clearly important so that our local community can have good health outcomes which continue into the future.”  

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to all the presenters, organisers, and participants who contributed to the success of We Care into the Future Doncaster.”  

Kelly Turkhud, Head of Education and Widening Participation, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s Charity for providing the funding that made this event possible. We could not accommodate an event of this size on our hospital grounds, therefore, securing the funds for the venue is crucial to ensure that we can offer this event to as many students within the area as possible.  

“Alongside funding the venue, the Charity also enabled us to offer transportation for the schools. We would also like to thank Wilfreda Beehive for their efficient service getting each school to and from the event within their allocated time.”  

Simon Swain, Principle for Hall Cross Academy – A Foundation School in Health, said: “This event offers an incredible opportunity for our students to actively engage and expand their knowledge about a wide range of roles with the health and care industry that they may not have been previously aware of, igniting inspiration for their future career pathways. These events play a crucial role in helping our students explore their options for Key Stage 4 and beyond, enabling them to consider their career aspirations and how they can make a positive impact on their local community.”  

The event was supported by representatives from Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Hall Cross Academy, Doncaster College, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, City of Doncaster Council, and many other social care organisations.  

Shared Lives Week celebrations to commence in Rotherham

24 June 2024

Residents across Rotherham will begin celebrating Shared Lives week in style with events taking place to honour the amazing network of Shared Lives carers.

Rotherham Council’s Shared Lives community is made up of a committed network of carers who provide care and support to people over the age of 18 who wish to live independently within their community.

The events organised are focused on celebrating the hard work and dedication of our carers and shared experiences and common interests.

To kick off the celebrations there will be a picnic in Clifton Park, organised by the Shared Lives Team. Later this week, a fun day will be hosted at Winthrop Gardens. The day will begin with a walk before heading back for refreshments and some crafts in the greenhouse and atrium. Hosting the event at Winthrop Gardens is a great way to honour the team there as they have worked closely with Shared Lives over the years.

Shared Lives Carer, Nicki Goodwin, said: “Being a Shared Lives Carer is a wonderful opportunity to share your home with a person who needs the stability and love that only a family can give. Shared Lives creates a sense of belonging and an opportunity to be part of your family life. For you it is an opportunity to make a difference to a person, contribute to their needs, hopes and dreams and enable them to take part in life within the wider community.”

Rotherham Council’s Assistant Director for Adult Care and Integration, Kirsty Littlewood, said: “Shared Lives is an incredible scheme that provides additional support and care to those living with disabilities. Our team of wonderful carers are there to provide the necessary help, advice, and guidance so those they care for can live independently. We are very proud of this scheme and are extremely grateful for all our carers do.”

For further information Shared Lives, please visit our website.

Enquire about becoming a Shared Lives Carer through our website. 

NHS launches dentist recruitment scheme

17 May 2024

The NHS is encouraging local dental practices with the highest demand to hire new dentists using a new recruitment incentive scheme. 

Around 240 dentists will be offered bonus payments of up to £20,000 to work in under-served areas for up to three years, with NHS guidance issued to practices today to encourage them to advertise the “golden hello” scheme.

The initiative is part of the NHS and Government’s dental recovery plan, published in February 2024 with the goal of ensuring easier and quicker access to NHS dental care across the country and could see up to 1.5 million additional NHS dental treatments delivered for patients in the first 12 months.

The plan also set out new measures to encourage dental practices to treat patients who had not been seen by a dentist in two years, with contractors able to receive an additional payment of £15-50 (depending on the treatment needed).

The public can check on nhs.uk if their local dental practice is taking on new patients, with more practices signing up to treat patients who have not been seen within the last two years, thanks to the plan.

As part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the NHS is also boosting the number of dental training places by 40% by 2031/32.

Chief Dental Officer, Dr Jason Wong MBE said: “Thanks to our dental recovery plan to improve access to vital dental services, many practices are now taking on new patients and we will continue to work with the profession to encourage them to take advantage of our new incentive scheme.

“We are working to ensure that one and a half million additional dental treatments will be offered to patients over the next year with payments made to dental practices for taking on new patients and incentives for dentists to work in underserved areas”.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “Our dental plan is already having an impact and it’s fantastic to see hundreds more practices signing up to treat new patients since we launched our new patient premium.

“And today we can confirm that our targeted recruitment scheme, which offers a ‘golden hello’ of £20,000 to dentists who agree to work in areas in need, is launching, with guidance going out to dental practices and dentists who may wish to apply for the scheme.

“I am committed to making access to dentistry faster, simpler and fairer for all those who need it – and these golden hellos will help ensure that patients can access good oral health, wherever they live”.