Course summary

The Foundation degree in Mental Health and Wellbeing is primarily aimed at those working or wishing to work in the mental health and wellbeing arena, or for those who wish to enhance their skills in the health and social care sector. The programme is suitable for individuals from a variety of organisations and settings, including both statutory and voluntary services. It is ideal for anyone interested in supporting the psychological wellbeing of individuals, families, and their support networks. Although this is an academic programme of study, the programme aims to – • Provide students with the opportunity to develop specific knowledge, skills, and values relevant to the context of mental health and social care of individuals with mental health issues. • Provide opportunities for students to develop key skills in preparation for professional progression and lifelong learning within the sector and / or further study. • Critically engage students in the social, cultural, moral, legal, and political context of mental health work. • Promote reflection and reflective practice and enable students to assess, plan, implement and make sound judgements in care delivery in accordance with the core values of mental health. • Develop interpersonal and communication skills and enable students to identify, use and communicate relevant information effectively. • Further develop skills and strategies necessary for partnership working with a range of service users, services, professionals, and groups across the care sector through the application of core values which underpin practice. This course is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within mental health and wellbeing. It is designed in a way that progressively prepares students for a career in a range of mental health settings and is underpinned by strong relations with a wide variety of community partners in fields such as addiction, suicide prevention, domestic abuse, mental health issues and mental illness in community settings, residential care homes and the local NHS trust. The programme provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions. Students who successfully complete this course may progress to Mental Health Nurse training or work in areas including health and social care services across a variety of settings, including specialist dementia units and assisted living facilities. Other roles may include work with Public Health, suicide prevention, addiction or pastoral care roles in schools and colleges. If you wish to continue studying beyond this programme, it will provide you with a strong academic springboard from which to progress. Course progression routes could include progression to a BSc in Mental Health Nursing, BSc in Health and Social Care or a BSc in Mental Health and Wellbeing.