Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Counselling and Mental Health graduate praises support the university gives to students with disabilities
She chose her degree because she wanted to pursue a career in supporting others with their mental health.
“I particularly wanted to work with individuals with disabilities, or children and young people. Part of my degree involved practicing and role playing the part of a counsellor, enabling me to learn what my strengths and weaknesses are and to grow from them. It allowed me to become more empathetic and sensitive to what others may be going through, which is a huge help to me in my field of work.”
Olivia chose Leeds Beckett because the course stood out from all other courses that she looked at.
“The thing that really grabbed my attention was that the course was a mixture of practical and theory-based learning. The idea of practicing the skills I learn with other members of the course was something that really appealed to me. I also really liked the idea of practicing my counselling skills in a communication suite, where I was able to record my sessions, practice with my peers and received feedback from tutors.”
Olivia is visually impaired and said she found the university to be very supportive.
“The university was excellent with regards to learning. The tutors that ran my course gave interesting and powerful lectures, allowing for peer interaction and class discussion. I felt that if there was ever an aspect of the lecture I didn’t understand, then I could ask the tutors for support and they would be happy to help and go over anything to ensure I had a better understanding of the content that was being taught.
“The university was also very supportive when it came to supporting my needs as a visually impaired student. I am completely blind which means that resources, lecture materials and visual resources such as images needed to be adapted so I could participate as my peers could. At the beginning of the course, I explained what I needed from my tutors and they always ensured that they made their lectures accessible and included me at all times. An example of this was making their handouts accessible so I could access them on my iPad and describing visual aspects such as images so that I knew what was going on and had the same information as my peers.”
Olivia also received support from the Disability Advice Team at Leeds Beckett University.
“When I applied for my course, the disability advisor had a meeting with me where we discussed my needs and how these could be met. This included providing me with equipment so that I could access lecture materials, support with paying for taxi fares to and from university and providing me with a sighted guide – someone who could support me with navigating the university and ensuring that I could get to and from lectures safely.
“The support that the university gives to their students with disabilities is excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend Leeds Beckett to those I know with disabilities.”
During her degree, Olivia had the opportunity to take part in placements.
“I did a three-month placement at the organisation I now work for. I was volunteering there whilst undertaking my degree and the manager gave me the opportunity to do my placement there. During the placement, I carried our administration tasks such as answering the phone, talking and dealing with referrals, helping to run social groups that the organisation run, and providing befriending support to individuals living with sight loss. I learned a lot about myself, what my strengths were and what I needed to build on.
“I would recommend doing a placement to any student doing a degree. Placements really help to increase confidence and eliminate anxiety. It also prepares you for work and prepares you for any challenges that might arise.”
Olivia says don’t be afraid to ask for help and support if you need it.
“If you don’t ask, you won’t learn. One of my colleagues once mentioned that it looks positive when someone asks for help because it sends out the message that they are interested in the job and they want to improve their skills and provide the best service to the people they are working with. I wouldn’t be where I am now without my degree and the support from tutors, peers and the disability team. My degree has helped me become a better person and a better practitioner, and I thank all of those who have supported me along my journey.”
For more information about studying Counselling and Mental Health click here.
For further information about the support available from the disability team click here.