Last week, our second-year Health & Social Care students were treated to an inspiring and eye-opening experience as they took part in a dynamic guest speaker panel event.
We were thrilled to welcome five expert lecturers from the University of Greater Manchester and the University of Salford, each representing a key role within the health and social care sector. The panel included:
Jason Batty – Social Worker
Danny Schofield – Youth Worker
Sian Walsh – Children’s Nurse
Sally Aherne – Adult Nurse
Giliane McKelvin – Midwife
Throughout the session, students had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of each profession. They were encouraged to ask questions — and they certainly didn’t hold back! Some of the thoughtful and insightful questions included:
How do you handle stressful or emotional situations when caring for patients?
What are some of the biggest challenges when working across different professions?
How do you adapt your approach when supporting young people of different age groups?
The responses sparked engaging conversations and gave students a much clearer understanding of the differences and similarities between these vital roles.
One student shared:
“I found the session incredibly useful. It really helped me understand what each role involves and what skills are needed. It gave me a clearer idea of which career might suit me, and showed how each profession supports people in different ways.”
The event left a lasting impression not only on the students but also on the panel members themselves, who were full of praise for the group’s engagement, curiosity, and professionalism.
Sally Aherne (Adult Nurse) said:
“Thank you for inviting us to share our experiences. The students asked highly relevant and varied questions, and I hope our insights help guide their future career choices.”
Giliane McKelvin (Midwife) added:
“I really enjoyed the session and was genuinely impressed by some of the insightful questions towards the end. It was clear the students were engaged and interested — I’d be more than happy to take part again.”
Jason Batty (Social Worker) echoed those sentiments:
“The students asked well-thought-out questions and listened with real interest. It was a pleasure to be involved.”
This event proved to be a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with professionals, ask meaningful questions, and get a real-world glimpse into potential future careers. We look forward to hosting more events like this to continue inspiring the next generation of health and social care professionals.
Find out more about studying Health & Social Care at the Sixth Form at an Open Event
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