WITH Mental Health Awareness Week — May 10 to 16 — around the corner, many people are reconsidering what role they play to support the wider community.

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is hosting a virtual mental health recruitment event on Thursday (May 13) between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

This aims to enable anyone interested in a career in mental health to find out more about the day-to-day experience of those who work in different roles at the Trust.

Lesley Stevens, director of community, mental health and learning disabilities said: “During this past year, for almost everyone, life has had to change fundamentally.

"For some people, this has provided them with time to reflect on their role in life and to consider new opportunities.

"If anyone is interested in joining the Trust’s mental health services to provide support for people who use our services, then I encourage you to join our virtual recruitment event and talk to members of our team.”

Visitors to the virtual event will be able to find out what it’s like to work on the acute mental health wards, with an introduction to members of the clinical teams and an opportunity to speak to the recruitment team.

Those wishing to take part in the recruitment open afternoon event can find out more by emailing catherine.dann@nhs.net for joining details.

Deborah Marshall, ward sister, Seagrove Ward, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said: “There is no doubt this a challenging job and no two days are ever the same.

"What I truly value about my current role as a ward sister is it allows me to act in a supportive role to the team and learn new skills in leadership, but still allows me the opportunity to keep my clinical skills up to date.

"This is a rewarding career path that I would highly recommend to anyone."