Publish date: 4 August 2026
Results day stories: Jess, Mental Health Coordinator
Ahead of Results Day, we're showcasing the inspiring career journeys of colleagues across Northumbria Healthcare.
Meet Jess!
What is your job title and where do you work?
Mental Health Co-Ordinator at North Tyneside Talking Therapies.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
I always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I remember, then when I went into sixth form I took psychology because I always had an interest in evolutionary and forensic Psychology (basically finding out why do we do the things we do). I often watched crime documentaries and loved thrillers. My teacher Mrs Boyle was so engaging and fun and because of this I just fell more in love with the topic and went on to take it at Northumbria University.
I then went on to do a Master’s in Health Psychology at Northumbria University and worked part time in a NHS office. During this time, I also volunteered to be an assistant Psychologist at the RVI and a befriender for a charity. During my master’s I was lucky enough to get a job as an Assistant Psychologist at a medium secure unit at St Nicholas’ hospital and then went on to complete research across North East secure units as a Higher Assistant Psychologist.
Following this, I got a trainee post as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) with Newcastle University and trained to be a therapist in 2019. Since then, I have worked in the same service, became a supervisor and joined the duty team as a Mental Health Co-Ordinator.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
On a duty day, our day can range from accepting referrals, managing risk (suicidal ideation, risk to or from others), speaking to patients who are struggling on the waiting list and providing support, reviewing discharges and supporting other therapists in treatment decisions.
On a PWP day I have a set caseload of assessments and Low Intensity CBT therapy sessions, I also supervise other therapists and support them with their caseload. We have a monthly meeting to discuss service changes and training opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about working for Northumbria Healthcare?
I value making a difference in comforting people during their darkest times. It means so much hearing people say for the first time “I’ve never told anybody this before” and knowing you have gained their trust and can help them in getting the right support.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Career advice I would tell myself is to believe in yourself more, I was told when I started my degree only a certain percentage of people who take Psychology at uni enter a Psychology role at graduation and I really took this to heart and thought that wouldn’t be me. To also keep being brave and putting yourself forward for opportunities! I emailed multiple charities and psychologists for volunteering posts and once I got one this opened up so many doors. Also, you are so young, if you have a set back you have years and years to get to where you need to be, try and enjoy the journey more because you will look back and feel so nostalgic about this time in your life.
To discover careers at Northumbria Healthcare, click here.