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  • Introducing Rochdale Health Alliance's Enhanced Access Services

    Welcome to our inaugural 'Our Services - In-Depth' series! Today, we're diving into one of our most essential offerings: Enhanced Access Services. These services represent a vital extension to GP practices, providing flexibility and convenience to patients across Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale (HMR). What are Enhanced Access Services? Enhanced Access Services are designed to extend the standard services offered by GP practices. They are tailored to accommodate individuals with busy schedules, making it easier for them to access healthcare without disrupting their work or family commitments. It's important to note that Enhanced Access is not a walk-in service; appointments must be made through your GP practice reception. Booking Your Appointment If your GP practice doesn’t have any appointments available, they should offer you an appointment with the Extended Access Service. They will handle the booking process for you, ensuring that you receive the care you need in a timely manner. You may not see your usual health professional and your appointment will be at one of our locations within Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. What to Expect The Extended Access Service has a range of appointment types available. These may include: GP Appointments : Consult with a General Practitioner to address your medical concerns. Long-Term Condition Reviews : Receive comprehensive assessments and support for chronic health conditions. Health Checks : Monitor your overall health and identify any potential issues early on. Cervical Smears : Vital screenings to detect early signs of cervical cancer. Phlebotomy (Blood Taking) : Convenient blood tests to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Appointments are available during various times, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and even bank holidays. Whether you prefer face-to-face consultations or telephone appointments, our clinicians are here to accommodate your needs. Why Enhanced Access Matters The significance of Enhanced Access Services extends beyond mere convenience. In an era where local GP practices are often inundated with patients, these services play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on healthcare providers. By offering extended hours and additional appointment options, Rochdale Health Alliance ensures that patients receive timely care without overwhelming their primary care physicians. Looking Ahead Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and invaluable information from Rochdale Health Alliance. Together, we're committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services that prioritise accessibility, quality, and patient-centric care. For further inquiries or to book your Enhanced Access appointment, don't hesitate to contact your GP practice. We're here to support your health and well-being every step of the way. 👨‍⚕️ Going The #ExtraMile Rochdale Health Alliance - NHS Backed and Trusted. #NHS #RochdaleHealthAlliance #PrimaryCareAcademy #Healthcare #Employability #HealthcareRecruitment

  • The Amazing Traits associated with ADHD

    Here are some positive traits that are associated with ADHD... If you have ADHD, you’ve probably faced your fair share of challenges, but did you know it also comes with some incredible strengths? From moments of intense focus to bursts of creativity, ADHD can equip you with unique abilities that many people don’t have. Let’s explore some of these superpowers and how they can help you thrive. Hyper-focus: Your Secret Weapon Have you ever noticed that once you get into something, hours can pass by in what feels like minutes? That’s hyper-focus, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you have. Many scientists, artists, and creators with ADHD have built successful careers because they can become fully absorbed in their work. When you find something you’re passionate about, this ability to focus intensely can lead you to do truly remarkable things. Resilience: Your Strength in the Struggle Let’s be real, dealing with ADHD isn’t always a walk in the park. You’ve probably felt frustrated or wondered why some things seem harder than they should be. But here’s the thing you don’t give up. You keep going, learning from setbacks and finding new ways to push through. That kind of resilience is a strength many people admire. Every time you rise above challenges, you’re building a stronger, more capable version of yourself. Pressure: Where You Shine Do you find yourself getting more done when the clock’s ticking or a deadline is approaching? That’s because many people with ADHD work best under pressure. Without that urgency, it can be hard to focus or make decisions. But when time’s running out, your brain kicks into high gear, and you produce amazing work. It’s like a superpower waiting for the right moment to activate. Humour: Bringing Laughter Everywhere You Go If you have ADHD, chances are you’ve got a great sense of humour. Whether you’re the one cracking jokes or just finding the funny side of everyday situations, humour seems to come naturally. That’s why you’ll often find people with ADHD in comedy, using their quick wit and unique perspective to bring laughter to others. Life might have its tough moments, but finding joy and laughter is something you’re great at. Creativity: Your Natural Outlet People with ADHD often feel drawn to creative outlets because it helps quiet the mind. Whether it’s painting, playing music, writing, or even baking, these activities help bring a sense of calm. When you immerse yourself in creativity, you’re not just expressing yourself you’re entering a zone where you can focus and feel at peace. And when you tap into that hyper-focus, your creativity can lead to truly amazing results. Remember, having ADHD isn’t just about managing challenges; it’s about unlocking the incredible strengths that come with it. You’ve got talents that can set you apart and help you excel. Embrace those superpowers and let them work for you!

  • HART Nurses + Triangle of Care

    What is Triangle of Care? There are several complex social and health inequalities often experienced by those who are homeless. Effectively tackling these requires a co-ordinated multi-agency response, to both prevent and tackle the harms associated with being and becoming homeless. Social relationships are essential for a human thriving. Throughout one's life, the warmth and quality of one's social relationships have a profound effect on the development of one's sense of self-worth. They can improve our physical and psychological well-being and buffer against the effects of stress, increased depression, and anxiety. Homelessness can cause isolation through a lack of social and health support. The collaboration of health professionals is extremely important to encourage the inclusion of the homeless population. In Rochdale Heywood and Middleton, we have a large cohort of people who come under the umbrella of homeless. Over the last four months, the HART nurses – (Homeless Alliance Response Team) have linked up with the Hepatitis C nurse team from North Manchester General Hospital, in a project called ‘ Triangle of Care’. “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.” Henry Ford. We aim to visit all hostels within the borough and other places homeless people attend. The HART nurse's role is to discuss general health and wellbeing, ensure people are registered with a GP, support with prescribed medication, gain consent to do a mini health check to include BP, pulse and weight and liaise with their GP. They also refer to other relevant services that may be required such as housing, Turning Point, and mental health. The HART nurses also chat, be a kind friendly face and arrange to see the person again if necessary. The Heptatises C Team The Hepatises C team provide support and comprehensive service, which includes an outreach assessment, anyone testing positive is fast-tracked on to treatment, counselling, education, medical assistance and support throughout the process. Working within the Hepatitis C Hep C) Elimination Programme What is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis virus. It can be very serious if not treated leading to cirrhosis and cancer, there are often no symptoms of Hep C at first. The cohort we are caring for can catch Hep C from contact with the blood of an infected person, such as sharing needles, sharing equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, razors, toothbrushes, tattoos, piercings, sharing self-harming tools, nail clippers and sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood. The usual treatment is initially a blood test, called an HCV antibody test to find out if someone is infected with the Hep C virus. The ones with acute hepatitis C virus are generally contagious, so by doing this test it can be treated with antiviral medication -taken for several weeks. There is a 95% cure rate. We have now completed testing in multiple hostels across the Rochdale borough, Petrus Hub and the Reach Out café (ROC), with a mixed level of attendance and several people have been identified requiring further treatment for Hep C. We aim to eliminate Hep C for the clients we deal with across the borough, as no one needs to live with or die from Hepatitis C. A new pilot initiative to check for liver cancer in high-risk communities has been rolled out as part of a major NHS drive to catch more cancers earlier and save lives. This has been set up by NHS England , this has led to the team doing the Liver Fibro scans contacting HART to see if they can link into the ‘Triangle of care’. It is felt that the cohort of clients we are capturing could be in the ‘difficult to reach’ people cohort and therefore, they are offering Fibro scans to at-risk individuals that would not be scanned as part of a routine Hepatitis C virus ODN work, alongside the Hep C team and HART within the Rochdale borough. By incorporating this team alongside the HART and Hep C team we aim to develop a strong rapport with these clients, which will encourage more people who otherwise would be reluctant, to come forward for potentially life-saving scans by performing a quick, non-invasive liver scan. FibroScans are offered to adults from the following high-risk groups (cirrhosis and liver cancer): • With, previously had or at risk of Hepatitis C/Hepatitis B • More than 10 years of excess alcohol consumption (this has now been modified to five years due to the broad scope) • With or suspected Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD) • With or suspected Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) • Other (Including Diabetes and HIV) Seven thousand fibro scans were carried out in the UK from June 2022 to January 2023 identifying over eight hundred and thirty people with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, a leading cause of liver cancer, with the majority of those identified referred on to further care. Checks are being offered in the community to adults with high levels of alcohol consumption, a current diagnosis or history of past viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic liver disease, as these factors increase the risk of developing liver cancer. NHS staff are visiting at-risk communities as part of the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme and the programme is being expanded to include a liver health check involving an on-the-spot fibrosis scan which detects liver damage. Around six thousand one hundred people are diagnosed with liver cancer each year, but the number of cases has doubled over the past decade and is expected to continue to rise. Currently, only one in three liver cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, but this programme will help catch more cancers earlier, giving patients a much better chance of surviving the illness. If caught early, patients have a 70-90% chance of survival for five years or more with treatment. Those who are deemed high risk will be provided with information about their level of risk and, where appropriate, will be referred to their GP. If needed, people will be referred straight into a six-month liver surveillance care programme, where they will be partnered with a peer support worker who will continue to check in, as well as offer guidance and help informed by people who have experienced liver disease themselves. Liver cancer can be hard to detect at an early stage and so these checks, for people who have been identified as higher risk, are an essential part of the NHS’s action to find more people with cancer, and in groups that may otherwise find it hard to access lifesaving tests. Collaboration within secondary and primary care is extremely important. Working together can only provide vital care to the people in the HMR borough, ensuring an inclusive approach can only enhance their take in engaging with health professionals and taking some responsibility for their health and well-being. Also knowing someone cares and is willing to support them can only help in their self-esteem, mental health and maybe a more positive outlook towards the future. Order a free and confidential home Hepatitis C testing kit: Hepatitis Team. North Manchester General Hospital. Call us on - 0161 922 3374. https://mft.nhs.uk/north-manchester-general-hospital/services/hepatitis HOMELESS ALLIANCE RESPONSE TEAM. (HART) Rochdale Health Alliance. Elaine stone. HART outreach nurse - 07741321844 elaine.stone11@nhs.net

  • October Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Middleton PCN Hub Made a Difference

    This October, Middleton PCN Hub dedicated its efforts to raising awareness about breast cancer, creating impactful moments for patients and staff alike. From informative workshops to hands-on demonstrations, here’s how we helped spread awareness and foster a supportive environment in our community. Breast Cancer Screening Awareness Day: A Day to Remember On Friday, October 18th, we hosted our Breast Cancer Screening Awareness Day at the hub, which was an inspiring day filled with learning and community spirit. Dr. Nowrin from Woodside Medical Centre joined us to deliver an insightful demonstration, showing both patients and staff how to check their breasts for potential signs of breast cancer. This valuable knowledge empowers everyone to be proactive about their health, reminding us of the importance of early detection. To enhance the experience, we offered complimentary hand massages throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to unwind while they absorbed information. These moments of relaxation served as a gentle reminder of the importance of self-care as part of overall health. Pedalling for a Cause: Our Journey to Snowdonia (and Beyond) For an extra touch of fun and fitness, we set up an exercise bike for staff to tackle a virtual journey from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. By the end of the day, we collectively “travelled” 170 kilometres – the equivalent of a round-trip from Middleton to Snowdonia, then up and back down the mountain! We even had 3 kilometres left over, which we jokingly dedicated as the final walk to the local pub. Our pedal-powered journey wasn’t just about the distance; it was also for a cause. We managed to raise £285.23, which will go towards supporting breast cancer initiatives. We couldn’t be prouder of the staff’s enthusiasm and commitment! Looking Ahead: Embracing the Living Well Model As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to announce that we will soon be implementing the Living Well Model in Middleton. This initiative aims to expand our mental health support offerings, allowing us to serve our community’s needs even more effectively. We anticipate launching this model in early November, which will create a more holistic approach to well-being within the community. October was truly a month of awareness, learning, and growth here at Middleton PCN Hub. From raising funds and spirits to gaining valuable insights, we’ve set the stage for meaningful changes in our community. Here’s to continuing our journey of wellness, one initiative at a time!  #PCNHub #MiddletonPCNHub #BreastCancerAwareness

  • The Apprentice Diaries: Month 13

    As I reach the milestone of 13 months into my content creator apprenticeship, October feels like a perfect month to reflect on how far I’ve come. Over the past year, I’ve developed a range of skills that now allow me to tackle everything from social media campaigns and recruitment posts to video editing and wellness initiatives. This month especially highlighted just how varied and rewarding my role has become. Here’s a week-by-week look at some of the work that filled my October and contributed to my growth. Week 1: Building Foundations and Creating Templates Starting the month strong, I dove into organisation and planning, opening each day with a round of emails and scheduling. I filled out forms, connected with collaborators, and created job templates for recruitment posts. Alongside these tasks, I developed a Wellness Wednesday post, worked on transcriptions for recruitment case studies, and joined an RHA Away Day to capture photos and videos. Documenting events like this taught me how to capture engaging content in real time, a skill that comes in handy when managing dynamic social media feeds. Week 2: Raising Awareness and Community Engagement Week two brought more opportunities to engage with awareness campaigns, especially for ADHD Awareness Day. I spent time researching and creating content to ensure the posts were both informative and relatable. Later, I visited Petrus to share donation updates on social media, filming and editing the event’s highlights for platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. This week also involved someone coming from Rochdale Business Awards to film me for the awards, I had to showcase my work in the clips and do a few poses, which was surprisingly fun. On Thursday, I filmed my very first episode of our diabetes podcast!! It was very nerve-wracking, but we got there. After all the planning and arranging dates back and forth emailing, I finally started to make progress on this. Following up on Friday, I spent the day at Middleton PCN Hub for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where they raised money for a breast cancer charity. It was. a great opportunity for me to capture a lot of content. Week 3: Podcast Planning and Content for Breast Cancer Awareness My focus shifted to podcast production in week three, where I worked on planning and editing podcast footage due to filming our second episode of the podcast but unfortunately been set back due to audio quality, I arranged a reshoot and used the opportunity to improve the content and refine my editing skills. I also focused on breast cancer awareness, creating a video that highlighted the importance of self-examination on your breast, which I shared across platforms. I wrote out a blog for ADHD Awareness Month and shared it on our social media, and throughout this week, I was networking and communicating with potential guests on future episodes for the diabetes podcast, which was very refreshing as it was a big step out of my comfort zone. This week taught me a lot about troubleshooting and adaptability, both critical in the fast-paced world of content creation. Week 4: Celebrations and Final Touches The last week of October was all about focusing on the diabetes podcast but still creating refreshing content for our social media. Lori, who was a guest on my podcast, sent me some information on diabetes that helped me so much with understanding the effects of diabetes, as I and Lori have been communicating through email, she has been a fantastic help with her network and the people she knows that could help with my project. So, I have been ringing and emailing more new potential guests yet again, stepping out of my comfort zone... check me out! I also received an email from Mary with the final additions to our booklet "What RHA Does Your Practice and Primary Care Networks" Finally, I finished this booklet, put it in a booklet format and printed it out ready for her to review. In the middle of the week, I started by celebrating community and cultural events. I created Halloween and Diwali posts and planned social media layouts for the rest of the month. I also completed a longer edit of the self-breast examination video with Dr Nowrin for YouTube By the end of the week, I completed a blog for Middleton PCN Hub and continued editing my podcast. October was a busy but fulfilling month, where each task felt like a new layer added to my experience. Whether creating awareness posts, engaging with the community, or capturing content for health and wellness campaigns, I see my confidence and expertise growing in every area. Here’s to building on this momentum in the months ahead and continuing to create content that informs, engages, and makes a positive impact!

  • Tips for Crafting Your CV and Navigating Job Interviews

    When preparing for a job search, your CV and interview performance are crucial in making a strong first impression. Here’s a guide to help you understand what to include in your CV, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to prepare for interviews effectively. Crafting Your CV: Do’s and Don’ts Your CV is often the first thing an employer sees, so it’s important to make it as clear, concise, and relevant as possible. Here’s what you should focus on: Do Include: - Name, Address, and Contact Details: Ensure these are up-to-date so employers can easily reach you. - Personal/Professional Profile (Optional): A summary that highlights your skills, experience, and career aspirations can give employers a snapshot of who you are. - Qualifications: List relevant qualifications, such as "5 GCSEs at grade C or above," to showcase your educational background. - Industry-Specific Training: Include any specialized training relevant to the job, like EMIS for healthcare roles. - Job History: Provide a summary of your previous positions, focusing on your duties and key achievements. Highlight experiences that align with the role you’re applying for. Don’t Include: - Date of Birth: This is not required and can potentially lead to age discrimination. - Names of Schools, Colleges, or Universities: Listing the institutions you attended isn’t necessary; your qualifications are what matter. - Reason for Leaving Previous Jobs: This information is usually not relevant on a CV and can be discussed during an interview if asked. Additional Tips: - Apply Promptly: Don’t hesitate to apply for a job you’re interested in. Many companies close applications early if they receive a large number of applicants, so acting quickly can be crucial. - Social Media: Ensure your personal social media accounts are private and free of content that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see. Interview Preparation: Key Strategies Preparation is key to a successful interview. Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready to impress: Be Prepared: - Bring Essentials: Arrive with a notebook, pen, and any notes or supporting documents you’ve prepared. Rehearse your answers to potential questions, and use your notes as prompts if needed. - Practice Makes Perfect: Anticipate common interview questions and scenarios, and practice your responses. This will help you stay calm and focused during the interview. Know the Venue: - Do a Trial Run: Familiarize yourself with the interview location ahead of time. This will help you avoid getting lost or being late. - Arrive Early: Aim to arrive a bit early. This shows punctuality and gives you a chance to compose yourself before the interview begins. Upon arrival, sign in with a staff member and ask for the person who will be interviewing you. Posture and Body Language: - Exude Confidence: Your posture speaks volumes. Stand tall, walk confidently, and make eye contact. - Handshake: If you’re comfortable, offer a firm but brief handshake. If you prefer not to, it’s okay to politely decline. Interview Attire: - Dress Appropriately: Always assume that professional attire is expected unless otherwise stated. Black trousers and a shirt or a plain top are usually safe choices. - Maintain Hygiene: Especially in healthcare or customer-facing roles, it’s vital to appear clean and presentable. Pay attention to your nails, hair, and clothes to ensure they’re tidy and appropriate. - Consider Style: Avoid clothing that might be seen as too casual or revealing, such as ripped jeans or skimpy tops. Answering Interview Questions: The STAR Method When responding to interview questions, particularly those about past experiences, the STAR method can be incredibly helpful: - SITUATION: Start by describing the specific situation or challenge you were faced with. - TASK: Explain what was required of you in that situation, focusing on your role. - ACTION: Detail the actions you took to address the situation. Highlight your contribution. - RESULT: Share the outcome of your actions, what you learned from the experience, and what you might do differently in the future. By following these guidelines, you'll be better prepared to create a compelling CV and navigate your job interview with confidence. Good luck!

  • This is Luke...

    Luke's role is a Practice Support leader in a GP Practice and this is his story of how he got a job in Primary Care... So, I originally looked into doing a dentist nurse apprenticeship but when the course was explained to me I didn't want to be on the clinical side as much and I then realised I wanted to work on reception. That's when I started to look at reception job roles and The Hive were hiring! I underwent 2 interviews and found out I got the position! I was employed as a receptionist in January 2021 when the pandemic was still very much at its height! I went in with very little knowledge of the NHS and the services that were provided but I wanted to have a job that had purpose and to help people as much as I possibly could. I soon realised after a year of being in reception and admin that I wanted to upskill and learn more about the business, so I set up a meeting with the Practice Manager and talked about my future with The Hive. Since then, I have been working my way up from a personal assistant to the practice manager and now to the practice support leader. My role is currently the 'Practice Support Leader' and I supervise the staff and ensure the workload is up to date. I also check policies and recently have moved onto complaints. I am also the first point of call for the staff to take some pressure off the practice manager. I remind the practice manager of any premises checks or training that is due to expire and book in for these to be completed. I train all new staff and I am starting monthly staff feedback 1 to 1s as part of my role to ensure staff are completely up to date with any new communications and services that have come into place. " My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT! " My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT! I would say though, that I do miss my days in reception as they are limited due to my workload. However, I do get to cover and jump on certain days. The job is very rewarding and you meet great people. It really does open your eyes on the NHS too and not to take things for granted. One thing I love about my job is that I love the flexibility and the trust that the practice manager and partners have with me. They allow me to come and go and know I will always get my work completed. I am free to trail new things and I am able to express concerns. I am comfortable in my position and I love the fact the staff are confident enough to come to me with any queries. #recruitment   #primarycare   #jobs   #stepintoprimarycare

  • This is Shamima's story...

    Meet Shamima and learn how she got a Job in Primary Care... Hello everyone, my name is Shamima, and I started working with RHA in June 2024. My journey into this role began at a local Jobs Fair. Over the past few months, I have been attending quite a few Job Fairs as I was out of work, trying to find the right opportunity. When I arrived at this particular fair, it was bustling with people. I made my way over to the Primary Care Nursing Team's stand and started reading through the materials they had laid out. I was waiting for Ruth, who was busy speaking with someone else at the time.   Now, I’m working in a role that I thoroughly enjoy. The team at RHA has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. Once Ruth was free, we had a conversation, and I told her about my previous experience in administration. To my surprise, she immediately suggested that she had the perfect role for me within RHA. She encouraged me to send my CV to the email address she provided, and from that moment on, things moved quickly. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the process to be so fast! Within just a few weeks, I went from attending the Jobs Fair to interviewing and being offered the position. It all happened in what felt like the blink of an eye.   Now, I’m working in a role that I thoroughly enjoy. The team at RHA has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. There’s such a positive and supportive atmosphere here, and it makes such a difference to feel like you’re part of a team that genuinely cares about one another.   Starting a new job can often feel daunting, but from the moment I joined, I felt supported. Everyone was so helpful in getting me settled in, answering all my questions, and making sure I had everything I needed. It’s not just about the job itself but the environment and the people around you that really make a difference. RHA is such a lovely place to work, and I feel lucky to have found a position where I can thrive both professionally and personally. I’m excited to continue growing with the team and contributing to the fantastic work they do here.

  • The Apprentice Diaries: Week 1

    How my first week went as a new Content Creator Apprentice ... Introduction I'm thrilled to share the incredible journey of my first week as a content creator apprentice at Primary Care Academy Rochdale Health Alliance. From navigating new responsibilities to soaking up knowledge like a sponge, it's been a whirlwind of excitement and growth. Day 1: Discovering my path I have always had a passion for creating content, whether it's writing, photography or video production. When I stumbled on this opportunity to become an apprentice in content creation, I knew it was the perfect chance to turn my passion into a career. The excitement was palpable as I eagerly applied and awaited the outcome. On my first day, I was nervous and buzzing with anticipation. I met my mentors, who welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to the team. They got me logged on and up to date with everyone and everything. We discussed the goals and expectations for my apprenticeship, setting the stage for the upcoming experience. It was such a relief being welcomed in such a conducive environment. I got stuck in adding the tasks and activities to my calendar that were planned out for this week. Day 2: The second day, I was so much more confident and relaxed. One of the most incredible aspects of being an apprentice is the opportunity to learn and discuss new ideas. I engaged in storytelling techniques by starting my blog and researching different areas of blogs. After writing about my first day on the blog, me and Joe (IT trainer) discussed the website and learned how to categorise and amend the database content. Whilst doing that I also added myself to the staff portal on the website and introduced myself by writing a little about me and my role. Day 3: The third day was all about planning collaborative Projects and Team Bonding Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Day three was dedicated to collaborative projects with Ruth, We brainstormed ideas, shared insights, and worked together to bring our visions to life. The camaraderie among us grew stronger, creating a supportive and encouraging environment. I arranged a discussion with Elaine (HART nurse) whose job is to help people who are homeless, we arranged a day for me to join her at the Petrus community in Rochdale and create content to raise awareness about her role and other's experience how they have overcome their struggles with addiction, so that people who have same struggles are aware of where they can get the support they need. Day 4: Learning the Ropes of Content creation as a content creator, organization is key. On day four, I delved into the world of content by scheduling a visit to Peterloo Medical Center to create content, I met up with two team members (Joe and Jack). Once we were in Peterloo we rearranged the room to get the perfect setting for our content, we set up lighting, a tripod and a camera. After we set up we had a read of the questions and let the people who we were filming get prepared and have a read through them and explained what we were going to be doing today. I learned how to curate, schedule, and analyze content across various platforms. It was eye-opening to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into maintaining a consistent and engaging online presence. Day 5: The final day of my first week was all about looking at the footage from yesterday's work. finishing my blog and brainstorming new ideas for upcoming events. Looking through the footage and discovering new ways to produce it. I and Joe looked at some new equipment that would be useful for content-creating days such as a gimble/ tripod and a microphone so the audio of the footage would be better. Throughout this week of my apprenticeship, I'm constantly encouraged to think outside the box, push boundaries, and experiment with new ideas. Whether it's brainstorming sessions, collaborative projects, or attending creative workshops, I'm honing my creative instincts and discovering my unique voice. Conclusion: As I reflect on my first week as a content creator apprentice, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunities and growth that lie ahead. Each day brought new challenges, but with each challenge came a chance to learn and improve. I can't wait to see what the future holds as I continue this exciting journey. Stay tuned for more adventures in the world of content creation!

  • The Apprentice Diaries: Week 2

    Hey everyone! It's Phoebe here, and I'm back with an update on my second week as a content creator apprentice. This week has been full of exciting opportunities and new challenges. I've been diving deeper into the world of content creation, learning the ins and outs of crafting engaging and informative pieces. Over the past few days, I've had the incredible opportunity to come along with my colleagues whilst they interview and help those find what they want in a job at Rochdale Training and capture some fantastic content along the way. The training sessions have been intense and exhilarating, pushing me to new limits and helping me improve my skills. From honing my technique to working on my endurance, every moment on the field has been a valuable learning experience. But it's not just about the training itself; I've also been capturing all the action on camera. Whether it's snapping photos or shooting videos, documenting my journey as a content apprentice has been a blast. I've been able to capture the energy, determination, and camaraderie of the team, creating engaging and inspiring content that I can't wait to share with everyone. One of the highlights of this week was working on a blog post about menopause awareness. It's a topic close to my heart, and I'm thrilled to have the chance to shed light on it. Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life, but it can come with its fair share of challenges. In my research, I discovered various ways to improve menopause symptoms and enhance overall well-being. From maintaining a healthy lifestyle to managing stress and seeking support, there are plenty of strategies to help navigate this transformative journey. Stay tuned for more updates on my content apprenticeship, and don't forget to check out my latest blog post on menopause awareness! Together, let's empower and support women through this incredible stage of life. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I'm excited to see where it takes us next. Keep an eye out for the awesome content coming your way!

  • The Apprentice Diaries: Week 3

    How my third week went as a Content Creator Apprentice... Introduction Join me on this exciting journey as I dive into the world of Content Creation. From blogs to videos, I'll be sharing my passion and creativity with you all. Get ready for some awesome content, tips and tricks along the way. Let's embark on this adventure together and make some amazing content magic happen! Day 1: setting goals Day one was filled with excitement and new opportunities! I started the day by brainstorming ideas for my next blog post. Then, I had a productive meeting with my team to discuss the content calendar and upcoming projects. Later that day I collaborated with the care home nurses to arrange a day I could join them on a visit to film and create content about what they do. I was buzzing with creativity and passion throughout the day, bringing my ideas to life. It was an amazing start to my third week, and I can't wait to share more about the rest of my adventures as a content apprentice! Day 2: Exploring new content creation techniques and tools Let's talk about day two of my third week! It was another exciting day filled with creativity and learning. I started the day by researching the latest trends in content creation to stay ahead of the game. It was breast cancer awareness day so I began to research and created a blog about breast screening is essential to get if you have been invited to an appointment and when you should get it checked, after creating my blog I prepared an Instagram post to advertise the blog and spread awareness on social media. Day 3: Collaborating with other workers within primary care and learning from each other Let's dive into day three of my third week. It was a day filled with exciting opportunities and creative exploration! I started the day by looking at my calendar and seeing what adventure I had planned for the day. I headed down to Middleton Hub located in the Middleton Shopping Center, so I had the chance to interview Kate Fisher to gain more information about the hub and what was its purpose. Keep up to date with the new blog on the Middleton hub and learn more about it, it is a new NHS service venue that will provide additional services that can be delivered including evening and weekend appointments from your nurse and GPs. Day 4: overcoming challenges and finding creative solutions The fourth day was filled with amazing experiences and learning opportunities at Juice Academy for those who don't know during the weeks I attend The Juice Academy for training within my Content Creator Apprenticeship. I learned valuable lessons and skills in my 1st session that will be useful and help me with building a brand. Their wisdom and expertise left me feeling inspired and motivated. In the afternoon I started to plan what I could post next on social media. learning techniques to boost the visibility of my blog and reach. It was a day of creativity, learning and growth. Day 5: Reflections on your growth and looking forward to the next week Day five was a day out of the office, working from home to finish my blog on this week and the health benefits we get from pumpkins I thought it was a good idea since it is "pumpkin season" I posted it on Instagram to share awareness and share information that would be knowledgable to our target audience. I began to finish off my Juice Academy playbook for my portfolio. After I ticked off my things to do on my "to-do list" I then looked in my calendar for next week and began to plan and arrange my days for next week.

  • The Apprentice Diaries: Week 4

    What I got up to this week as a Content Creator Apprentice... Day 1: So, let me tell you all about day one of my fourth week as a content creator apprentice. It was a day filled with creativity and productivity! I started my day at Carder Court to involve myself in the first training session with our new cohort at Primary Care Academy. the first session was such a success, I took a cohort group photograph that would be introduced on our social media and took separate photographs of each individual for their ID cards. During the sessions, I would take photographs and videos to then tweet on Twitter which is now known as 'X' to let our training academy be known. Throughout the day I would look through my calendar and see what tasks I need to complete, as it is men's mental health month I created some weekly content of topics that can help men's mental health I finished my first post and then added it to our calendar so it is ready and prepared to be posted on its due date. Overall, it was a day full of inspiration and progress. Day 2: Day two of my fourth week as a content creator apprentice was another exciting one. I attended the marketing meeting with Ruth and Jack, collaborating and bouncing ideas off each other is always a great way to generate fresh and exciting content, and we discussed how to enhance our strategies. After the meeting, I got busy with creating a new blog about men's mental health as it is our topic this month, I decided to create the blog so that when people see our posts on social media they can get information and help from our website which is a great way to present information visually and engage your audience. Ruth and I then took some photographs of the start pack Primary Care Academy bags that you get when you join our Academy. In the bag, you are provided with a Primary Care water bottle, a book, a pen, a stress ball, highlighters, mints and a keyring. After work, I went to purchase a new camera that would help me produce better-quality content. Day 3: Day three was a busy one, another day out of the office and joining our new cohort for the second session at Carders Court helping the candidates gain knowledge and testing their knowledge with tasks and quizzes that I helped advertise, I took videos and photographs of our progress throughout the day using my camera for its purpose. A special guest speaker shared his knowledge with the candidates that then led it to be an inspiring session! Later, I continued with my men's mental health posts and added them to the calendar also learned that optimizing my content for search engines is essential for reaching a wider audience I'm always actively seeking opportunities to improve my skills. Day 4: The fourth day was another productive day for me. In the morning, I attended a meeting where we discussed everyone's progress what we've achieved and what are our plans, we came up with a decision that we want to create a campaign and launch it in January so keep up to date! Conferences are a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and strategies in the industry, I gained valuable insights. In the afternoon, you collaborated with your team to create a social media campaign for our company to raise awareness we discussed our aim our target audience and different strategies to use to market it. It's always exciting to work on new projects and see your ideas come to life. Day 5: On day five of my fourth week as a content creator apprentice, I am enjoying my progress, working on exploring new ideas and new experiences. Today I'm working from home and finishing off my blog on my fourth week as a content apprentice, I'll be finishing my questionnaire for our future campaign and creating a video that explains what primary care academy is and what we offer to you when you train with us. I've got lots of plans next week, so keep up to date with my weekly blogs!

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