Case studies: Activities worker: Kelly Sykes

Kelly applies her creative background to run workshops on an adult acute mental health ward, while studying for an MA in Art Psychotherapy...

After graduating with a degree in entertainment design crafts (sets, props, costume design and construction), I looked into running my own business. I accessed the Prince's Trust for support, which was really useful, but decided in the end against the idea.

During this time I continued working as a lifeguard, which I had done since school, as I was unsure which direction I wanted to go in. I then saw an advert for activities worker on an adult acute mental health ward, working for the South West Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I had never thought before about how my skills would fit in with this area of work, but was really excited by the idea and applied and was successful.

My degree subject was very relevant to my current job as it was a new post and art was a subject area that we introduced first. The skills I gained on my course allowed me to introduce a wide range of art techniques, rather than just painting and colouring.

We now run sessions such as face and hand casting, large scale group sculpture projects, large murals, photography, batik and other textile activities, collage and candle making. We are always looking to try out new activities within the ward environment. We also run a variety of other sessions including gym, cooking, complementary therapies, walking, beauty sessions, relaxations, creative writing and boat trips.

There is no typical day and when I walk onto the ward I don't always know what to expect. I begin the day, however, with a team discussion so I am aware of what's happening or has happened.

At the moment, I run a regular one-to-one gym session in the morning, which takes around 40 minutes. Different sessions take place on different days, and on Tuesdays, for example, we run an art session. Sessions can be either on an individual or group basis and the nature of the session can change quite quickly depending on the dynamics of a group or the patients' level of engagement. I also spend time writing up the sessions.

In the afternoon we may have a team meeting and then start another session or we may engage in more one-to-one work with patients. Due to the sensitive nature of the job, my role is more than just taking part in activities and each day varies depending on patients' needs.

What I enjoy about my job is that you never know what to expect from one day to the next and it can be very unpredictable. The job is very rewarding, particularly when you see a patient that you have worked with get better and get discharged. I enjoy thinking on my feet and building trusting relationships, and it's a job you can have fun with.

Unlike a private organisation, funds aren't always readily available so an important part of my job is to think how we can best use the resources available at the same time as working within the guidelines of the NHS. Also, the patients' health varies and they can become disengaged and not want to attend sessions. It's all part of the job, and you have to be flexible and change how you run your session to best suit their needs.

My advice to other students interested in a career in this area is to be versatile and flexible. Be patient and determined as it is sometimes difficult to achieve your aims. Above all, have a sense of humour as it goes a long way.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

May 2010

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