Therapeutic care Psychology module – South Tees NHS Foundation Trust

In 2013, eight psychology students from Teesside University started as volunteers in therapeutic care. They came wanting to make a positive impact and they did straight away. This group formed the foundation of our 533-strong volunteer community.

Since they started we have further strengthened our partnership with Teesside and, with the programme lead Jonathan Reay, we have developed 20 credit modules for second and third year psychology students. We are now three years into this successful partnership. Oncology, research, paediatrics and neurology all now have psychology students volunteering in their areas and involved in projects.

In 2018 the pain team had two students who went onto achieve second place for their poster at the national pain symposium. An epic achievement! This volunteering initiative has benefited patients, and provided a platform for students to learn and gain skills leading to jobs in this field. The partnership is strong and one that will continue.