Nursing students provide ‘knockout’ support for mental health charity

One student is ‘pummelling’ the message about good mental health in Northampton following a ringside placement at a boxing and wellbeing centre.

All undergraduate Nursing students at University of Northampton (UON) receive Mental Health First Aid training as part of their degrees, giving them extra knowledge and skills when treating patients.

This training also comes in handy for charity The Frank Bruno Foundation. The Foundation provides Northampton with physical and mental health support structured around boxing and inspired by former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno, who has spoken about his own battles with mental health.

There has been a reciprocal working arrangement between the University and The Frank Bruno Foundation since 2021, with Foundation staff members visiting the University for training and development workshops.

Since the beginning of 2022, 12 Nursing students have also had practice placements at the Foundation’s centre in town, including final year Mental Health Nursing student Craig Janjua.

Craig sets the scene: “When I was young, young people would go out for the whole day because, after school, there was a safe place for you to go, such as the youth club. Now, with fewer youth centres open, there is a huge gap between when the school day ends and when children and young people go to bed that’s causing them to fall into bad experiences. I see places like The Foundation as ‘community hubs’ that bridge that gap, and combined with a mental health ethos, take young people’s services to the next level.”

Whilst at the Foundation Craig was kept busy, as he explains: “People come to the Foundation for a safe space to open-up about their mental health situation and any challenges they are experiencing. I was on hand, as all UON Nursing students are, because of our experience and knowledge and having completed Mental Health First Aid training. I was there if clients needed 121 advice, mapping out what may be holding them back and the help they may need, suggesting positive interventions for their day-to-day life and signposting them to other departments if necessary.

“I enjoyed the placement as I learn more from practical, hands-on things like this. The journey was even more enjoyable because The Foundation gained from having an experienced mental health aware person with them.”

Shortly before his placement concluded, Craig left a permanent reminder of his commitment to good mental health with a spontaneous act of kindness. He adds: “They Foundation has a breakout room, and I thought it would be a good idea to give it some extra cheer. So, I painted the FBF logo on one of the walls, which went down very well. It was totally off my own back, but they inspire people to do things on their own initiative, so I knew it was the right thing to do.”

James Wright, Mental Health and Well-Being Coordinator at The Frank Bruno Foundation, adds: “It’s a pleasure to have students such as a Craig from University of Northampton completing placements at The Foundation.

“The passion and enthusiasm they bring allows us to give them a placement of a different style of setting, where they can understand how mental health effects individuals within the community and how a holistic approach can add tools to their professional practice. We look forward to hosting many more student placements.”