From art work to care work

As a teenager Pippa Warren seemed destined for a career in the caring professions as the 24-year-old from Ainderby Steeple near Northallerton worked as a volunteer in old people's home for a couple of years after school and then as a full-time care assistant after completing an art foundation course in Leeds. Despite having a natural aptitude in the care field Pippa decided to develop her creative side and enrolled on an English & Art degree course at Cheltenham & Gloucester College.

Almost two years in to her studies Pippa felt that a career in the arts was not her calling and took a position as a House Warden in a Christian Retreat at Sowerby in Thirsk. To help build her confidence and gain some practical skills Pippa took a six months typing course to learn data processing, and shorthand before enrolling on the University of Teesside's BSc (Hons) Social Work/Learning Disabilities Nursing course. Almost a year into her studies Pippa is convinced she's finally on the right track.

She said: "I've been some time in getting here but I'm certain that this is the course for me. The 50/50 combination of academic study at the University and hands on clinical, medical and community mental health placements are ideal. I will have placements in adult and children's nursing, mental health and the voluntary sector which will help me decide which area I want to specialise in.

"On completion of the course I will be registered as a learning disabilities nurse and a social worker so it will open up a range of careers for me. I'm still able to make use of my artistic skills as a stress relief for myself but also as a potential interest for my clients with learning disabilities."

Anyone interested in enrolling on the BSc (Hons) Social Work/Learning Disabilities Nursing course should contact Nigel Leech in the School of Health on 01642 384182. Students must be 19 years old or over with at least one year's relevant experience in the appropriate care setting. The course offers up to 20 means tested bursaries with paid tuition fees.

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