Student Guide: Mental Health and Wellbeing on Placement Introduction Placements are a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience in your chosen profession. However, they can also feel like a demanding time, bringing new pressures and challenges. This guide is here to help you prioritise your wellbeing throughout your placement.
Preparing for placement tips
Put key contact numbers in your phone. Take time to understand the organisation and team you are working with. Welcome any policies and information they give you to read.
Accept that being on placement can be tiring. It takes energy to be in a new workplace and the environment might be completely new to you. If this is the case, give yourself grace as you settle in and consider keeping your first few evenings free to recover.
Communicate openly with your placement supervisor about your wellbeing — this includes any longterm health conditions, caring responsibilities, and reasonable adjustments you might be entitled to.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, tell the person that you report to — whether that is your mentor, shift supervisor or PEF. If you don’t feel able to talk to them, please discuss any concerns with your PAC (Personal Academic Coach).
Log in at regular intervals to your University email account and respond to any communications from academic or support staff.
Your placement will provide you with valuable contacts and networking opportunities for future use. Prepare to make use of these.
It might sound obvious, but the more you get involved, the more experience you gain.
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