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Two ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ of Worcester students have secured places on a prestigious programme that aims to develop future healthcare leaders.

Jake Shaw, who is coming into his second year studying Mental Health Nursing, and Swathi Suresh, who is in her third year of an Adult Nursing degree, have both been invited to join the Student Leadership Programme. They are two of 60 students from across the UK selected.

The Student Leadership Programme is designed to give the future nursing, midwifery or other allied health professional workforce the chance to develop their leadership skills. It offers workshops, lectures and seminars, a coaching scheme and an online community of practice where students can debate topics and share learning. So far, over 350 students from across the UK have completed the Programme, which is co-funded by the Council of Deans of Health and Burdett Trust for Nursing.

Jake, 23, of Stourbridge, said: “I’m hoping this will have a positive impact on me both professionally and personally. Broadly speaking, I’m looking to gain more skills in leadership. Specifically, I want to work on being more confident and assertive from the start when I begin leading a team. I’m okay with responsibility, pressure and competence, but I’ve noticed that I tend to be more reserved initially. I hope this programme gives me the confidence to be my full self, right from the get-go.”

Jake’s ambition is to eventually complete a medical degree in psychiatry. “I’m aiming for a career in mental health care, where I can have a positive impact on the system and work to improve it because I believe there’s always room for improvement,” said the former Halesowen College pupil. “I’m hoping this opportunity will give me the confidence to push my ideas through and manage teams effectively, which will be crucial in any of the careers I pursue.”

Meanwhile Swathi, who grew up in Kerala, India, before moving to Worcester for her studies, has high ambitions too. “I am excited to do the Student Leadership Programme to further develop my leadership skills and gain the tools necessary to drive meaningful change within the healthcare sector,” she said. “My experiences as a student nurse and an advocate for student welfare and inclusion have shown me the importance of effective leadership in overcoming challenges and promoting a culture of equity and diversity.”

The 23-year-old aims to be an Advanced Clinical Practitioner specialising in oncology, particularly haematology. “I believe this programme will be instrumental in achieving this goal,” she said. “This opportunity will enhance my leadership capabilities, equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage healthcare teams and advocate for patient and student welfare.”

Swathi has a background of leading during her time at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. She is the student representative for Pre-registration Nursing and Student Councillor for the School of Nursing and Midwifery. In these roles she said she had have actively promoted diversity and inclusion through organising socio-cultural events and leading a Study Buddy programme. Her efforts saw her become a finalist in the Student Nursing Times Awards for the Mary Seacole Award for Inclusion and Diversity.

First photo: Jake Shaw, Second photo: Swathi Suresh