Working in Mental Health?

[ShhBoom]

I'm really interested in working in mental health, but i don't want to be a nurse. Does anyone know what the best way to go about it is?

A close relative of mine has suffered with mental health problems for my most of my life, meaning i have spent lots of time in Secure units etc, so i have some experience of what they are like! I have also worked in a residential home so i have some experience of caring for people.

Do i have to have qualifications? Could i be a care assistant without any qualifications, and then work towards qualifications when i'm working?

I have looked at training to be a nurse, but it seems to take 5-6 years, and i don't live within travelling distance of a uni.

I'm 22 if that makes any difference! I'm a full time mum to my nearly 3yo DS and have had 2 jobs since he's been born. (I decided to stop working as i'm a full time carer for my ill relative too, and there wasn't enough hours in the day!) He'll be starting pre school in April and i'm hoping to work part time.

Have a look on NHS jobs for support worker/health care assistant/social therapist/rehabilitation assistant positions. Those would all be roles you could apply for without any qualifications. (Many ask for NVQs, but in my experience they are not actually essential). Maybe try one of those jobs and see whether it is for you, if so maybe reconsider doing nursing training as it would provide you with a better career and the chance to move above a band 4 salary. Good luck. :)

Fantastic, thankyou! It's a relief to hear I don't have to do years of training first!