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UCLan holds NHS careers event to inspire children from military families

Posted on - 14th July, 2022 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Education, Fulwood, Preston News, Sharoe Green, UCLan, University campus
Local service children and representatives from organisations involved in the Creative Forces Health Careers event

UCLan and Health Education England have welcomed over 80 local children from military families to an NHS careers event.

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Service children across Lancashire learned about possible healthcare careers at the Lancashire and South Cumbria Creative Forces Health Careers Insight Day at UCLan’s Westleigh Conference Centre.

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The children, aged 9 to 14, practised a 999 call simulation, learned about the role of a paramedic, resuscitation techniques, what an occupational therapist does, what is involved in primary care and more.

Read more: Peter Purves and Patrick Grant to receive UCLan awards

Dr Celia Hynes, the director of the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES) at UCLan, helped to organise the event.

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She said: “Service children and young people often experience frequent school moves due to their parents’ employment.

“The event was important because we want to provide opportunities through the collaboration with Health Education England.

“It shows these young people the many career opportunities the NHS can provide globally. It was also a chance to engage them in thinking about university and how this can enhance their lives.”

Read more: UCLan mental health support ranked third in the UK

Representatives from North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, and the Armed Forces ran the interactive sessions.

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They held the event for children from families serving in the Armed Forces.

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.”

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Another attendee was 13-year-old Saskia Mallon from Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Accrington.

Saskia 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.”

Read more: UCLan degree show opens to public for first time in three years

Local service children and representatives from organisations involved in the Creative Forces Health Careers event.

The event is the latest of many others organised and supported by UCLan’s CMVES in its role as the Lancashire and North West Service Children’s Progression Alliance.

It allows children with parents in the Armed Forces to access additional support in school to help them progress into further and higher education.

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Jack Wackinson, 15, from Baines School in Poulton-le-Fylde, said: “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 taking a 999 call and giving oxygen to an unconscious person, which is a lot tougher than I thought.”

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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.

“Promoting opportunities to those not always included and showcasing careers across the NHS and Health and Social Care was a pleasure.”

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