Driven by her passion to deliver quality social care, Amy Milburn left her care home role during the Covid pandemic to return to learning because she ‘wanted to do more’ to help those in need.
Three years on and Amy, 29, has graduated with a first-class honours degree in social work from the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health and been named winner of its Excellence in Placement prize. Amy spent several months at the end of her studies with the hospice, working in the patient and family support team.
The University of Cumbria works with local health trusts, charities, and other partners to provide a range of placements across the health and social care network, helping to develop the workforce of the future.
Whilst on placement, Amy’s responsibilities included carrying out assessments and teaching Nursing Associates how to carry out certain processes. She also worked with people for whom English is not their first language and helped host a family support day for families and young people who access services and facilities at Jigsaw.
Supported by husband Kyle, Amy enrolled on the university’s BSc (Hons) Social Work programme when her youngest child was a year old.
“I’ve loved my time at university,” said Amy.
“It has certainly had its ups and downs, not just through the pandemic but particularly the last six months doing my placement and dissertation at the same time. The support I’ve had throughout has been great. I’ve never felt like I was on my own.”
Speaking about her time with the hospice, Amy added: “The hospice is such an amazing place to work, every single member of staff has been extremely supportive. One of the things I absolutely love the most, is when you arrive in the morning, everybody says good morning and is so friendly and welcoming.
“Another thing I have loved about having my placement in the hospice, is how approachable staff members are. There is no such thing as a silly question in Eden Valley Hospice, and everybody is willing to help you if you are unsure.
“The multi-disciplinary working been fantastic. I feel that at the hospice, every member of staff is treated as equal, everybody belongs and everybody’s opinion matters. Eden Valley Hospice have been fantastic in supporting me and my health needs, always ensuring my health and safety.
“I just wanted to end by saying a massive thank you, to all the staff, patients, and families at Eden Valley Hospice for all the opportunities, and I will take everything I have learned with me throughout my career.”
Photo: University of Cumbria/Johnny Becker
Wording shared with permission of the university