Publish date: 4 August 2026
Results day stories: Louis Davies, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Ahead of Results Day, we're showcasing the inspiring career journeys of colleagues across Northumbria Healthcare.
Meet Louis!
What is your job title and where do you work?
My name is Louis Davies and I am a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) working for North Tyneside Talking Therapies, part of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far?
When I was younger, I didn't really know what I wanted to be when I grew up, other than a professional football player! When that dream didn't quite work out, I chose to study biochemistry at university because biology and chemistry were the subjects I enjoyed and did well in. Looking back, I realise just how difficult it is to make decisions at 18 about A-levels, university, apprenticeships or going straight into work. It's completely normal not to have everything figured out.
After graduating, I worked for a pharmaceutical company, contributing to the development of medicines for people receiving treatment for late-stage cancer. While I found the work interesting, I realised I wanted a career where I could see the positive impact I was having on people's lives every day. That led me to work as a Social Prescriber before training as a PWP.
Since qualifying, I've had the privilege of supporting people experiencing anxiety and depression, helping them develop practical skills to improve their wellbeing. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing people regain confidence and get back to doing the things that matter most to them. I'm now working towards my next goal of training as a High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist so I can continue developing my skills and support people with more complex mental health difficulties.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most. I carry out assessments with people who have been referred to the service and provide therapy for individuals experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Together, we explore how their difficulties have developed, identify patterns that may be keeping them going, and work on practical strategies to help improve their wellbeing.
Alongside clinical work, I work closely with colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds and continue developing my skills through ongoing training. It's a busy role, but it's incredibly rewarding to see the progress people make throughout their therapy.
What do you enjoy most about working for Northumbria Healthcare?
What I value most about working for Northumbria Healthcare is the emphasis placed on staff wellbeing. Like many NHS services, there are always pressures and demands, but I've always felt supported by my colleagues and managers. There's a real culture of teamwork, and I feel encouraged to continue learning and developing professionally while providing the best possible care for patients.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
I'd tell my 18-year-old self to trust your instincts and not worry so much about the expectations of other people. I'd also encourage myself to speak to teachers, careers advisers and people already working in jobs that interest me, because there's often far more than one route into a career than you realise.
Most importantly, I'd remind myself that exam results don't define your future. Very few people follow a perfectly straight career path, and every experience teaches you something valuable. I certainly never imagined I'd end up working in mental health, but I now have a job that I genuinely enjoy and feel privileged to do every day. Being trusted to support people through some of the most difficult times in their lives is incredibly rewarding, and I'm grateful that my journey took me here.
To discover careers at Northumbria Healthcare, click here.