Meet Owode and learn how she got a Job in Primary Care... When I was with Rochdale Training, I was doing customer service training when they called me about an opportunity with the NHS as a receptionist. They wanted to train people for the role, and even though I didn’t realise it was for Primary Care, I was really looking for an admin job at the time. I was desperate, to be honest. I thought I’d go through the process, and they’d hand me a job, but that’s not how it worked. They called me back for another customer service training session, and I didn’t get it at first. I had already done one, so I wasn’t sure why I needed to go again. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I ended up meeting some amazing people.   The process started with a test, and we were introduced to the customers. I wasn’t confident at first, but we started the training with a 2-week placement. I remember thinking, ‘Do I really know what I’m doing?’ because it was all still new, and I was nervous about what would come next. But the course itself turned out to be incredible. It wasn’t just about training us to be robotic workers; they supported me emotionally as well, which made it a really good experience for me.   After I completed my 2-week pre-employment placement, Ruth, one of the trainers, suggested I apply for the ARIS role, which involved 4 weeks of training. That turned out to be fantastic, and now, I’m here today working at Peterloo Medical Centre.   There are so many benefits to working in Primary Care. Before this, I worked in Secondary Care, and the night shifts were exhausting, especially since I had a child. I wasn’t getting enough sleep, and it was tough balancing everything. When I transitioned into Primary Care, I had no idea it would be so flexible. That’s been one of the best parts because now I can work around my sons' schedules. When I got the job at Peterloo, they asked me what hours would work for me. I told them, and they were completely supportive. Now, I work from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, which is perfect I can drop my kids off at school and pick them up after.  "I honestly wish I had moved into Primary Care sooner. " The flexibility here is outstanding, something I’ve never experienced before. I honestly wish I had moved into Primary Care sooner. The team is supportive in every way. I remember once I had an emergency at my son’s school, and when I told them, they said, ‘No problem, go take care of it.’ It was such a relief and took a huge weight off my shoulders. It’s just really nice working here.   #recruitment #primarycare #jobs #stepintoprimarycare

Meet Shamima and learn how she got a Job in Primary Care... Hello everyone, my name is Shamima, and I started working with RHA in June 2024. My journey into this role began at a local Jobs Fair. Over the past few months, I have been attending quite a few Job Fairs as I was out of work, trying to find the right opportunity. When I arrived at this particular fair, it was bustling with people. I made my way over to the Primary Care Nursing Team's stand and started reading through the materials they had laid out. I was waiting for Ruth, who was busy speaking with someone else at the time.   Now, I’m working in a role that I thoroughly enjoy. The team at RHA has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. Once Ruth was free, we had a conversation, and I told her about my previous experience in administration. To my surprise, she immediately suggested that she had the perfect role for me within RHA. She encouraged me to send my CV to the email address she provided, and from that moment on, things moved quickly. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the process to be so fast! Within just a few weeks, I went from attending the Jobs Fair to interviewing and being offered the position. It all happened in what felt like the blink of an eye.   Now, I’m working in a role that I thoroughly enjoy. The team at RHA has been incredibly welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with. There’s such a positive and supportive atmosphere here, and it makes such a difference to feel like you’re part of a team that genuinely cares about one another.   Starting a new job can often feel daunting, but from the moment I joined, I felt supported. Everyone was so helpful in getting me settled in, answering all my questions, and making sure I had everything I needed. It’s not just about the job itself but the environment and the people around you that really make a difference. RHA is such a lovely place to work, and I feel lucky to have found a position where I can thrive both professionally and personally. I’m excited to continue growing with the team and contributing to the fantastic work they do here.

Scarlet's role is a receptionist in a GP Practice and this is her story of how she got a job within Primary Care... The process of getting this job began when I applied through Rochdale Health Alliance. I was referred to them by Middleton PCN Hub, which provided me with their contact information. I spoke with Rachel a few times, and she helped me apply for a couple of jobs, eventually leading me to the position I have now. Before this, I studied medical science in college and finished in June. While working at a chip shop and a pub, I realised I wanted a career rather than just a job. With my family’s history of working in the NHS, I had always been interested in it, but I knew I preferred the non-clinical side. I wanted to focus on communication and helping people in other ways, which led me to pursue a receptionist role. I wasn’t planning on attending university, so I was eager to start my career and see where it could take me. Now, I’m in a job that I really enjoy, where everyone is welcoming and supportive, which is a big improvement from my previous jobs. My job search had been frustrating, as I applied to many places and often didn’t hear back or received a rejection without any feedback. However, applying through Rochdale Health Alliance was different they provided feedback and helped me secure an interview, which was invaluable. #stepintoprimarycare #primarycare #primarycareacademy #rochdalehealthalliance #thisismystory

Azra's role is a receptionist in a GP Practice and this is her story of how she got a job within Primary Care... The recruitment process began when I attended a job fair in Rochdale, where I handed my CV to Rachel. Shortly after, she called me to ask what kind of work I was looking for and asked a few more questions about my background. She called back soon after to inform me that she had found a suitable role at a local GP surgery and that they would be in touch for an interview. The surgery contacted me within two days, which made me quite nervous, as I hadn’t been for an interview in 25 years. Despite Rachel not being available that day, I attended the interview and, a few days later, received a call offering me the job. Rachel played a pivotal role in the process, as I didn’t even apply for the job; she matched my skills to the opportunity. The process moved quickly, and while I was anxious about the interview, it went smoothly. Rachel’s efficiency and support made a huge difference, as she ensured I stayed a priority, which isn’t always the case when applying for jobs. Having worked in banking and customer service before, I found this experience refreshing. I wanted to focus on something for myself, as I had spent years prioritizing my family. Now that my son is going to university and my other children are grown, I felt it was time to use my skills and keep myself busy. #stepintoprimarycare

Oh wow, what a year! Let's dive in this September... September has been a busy and productive month for me, receiving some fantastic news about being shortlisted as a rising star with JCI Manchester and Finalised for Apprentice of the Year Rochdale Business Awards, I am literally kicking my feet and squealing right now What amazing news!!!! This month has been full of new challenges, achievements, and learning opportunities, my role has expanded into various areas, from creating social media content to working on recruitment campaigns and even contributing to podcasts. Here’s a look back at what I’ve been up to this month. Week 1: The month began with setting important tasks. I had a one-on-one with Ruth to finalise our e-poster by finally sending them off and planning out a marketing strategy. One highlight was creating a set of top tips for CV making, which I then shared on social media. These posts aimed to help job seekers enhance their chances of success during recruitment. I also began working on interview tips and prepared for sexual health awareness content. Another exciting project was writing a bio for the upcoming awards, which involved collaboration and feedback from Ruth. Additionally, I started working on a storyboard report and delved into a Google Analytics course to enhance my skills. Week 2: In the second week, I spent time working on a variety of content, including Wellness Wednesday posts, interview and CV tips, and social media templates. A significant part of my week was dedicated to case studies by arranging visits to Windermere GP surgery with Rachel and gaining information from the people we have successfully recruited face-to-face, my role was to ask questions about the process of how they got their role within Primary Care when doing this I mostly record with voice memos and then listen to it when I get back to the office and write what was said down which is so much easier in case I have missed any key information out. Then I worked on transcribing voice memos for Owode’s story and started writing a blog post based on that. I also focused on improving Shamima’s case study, giving it more clarity and coherence. This week, I also began preparing for a recruitment campaign video, which involved scripting, filming, and editing the “We Are Hiring” content. I was able to collaborate with several team members to finalise and send off posters for various campaigns. Week 3: Week 3 was packed with planning for upcoming events and completing multiple tasks. I took part in a job fair, where I not only captured photos and videos but also posted about the event on social media. This was a great experience to connect with people and promote our job vacancies. I spent a good portion of the week listening to voice memos from case studies, including Azra, Scarlet, and Mandy, and turning those transcripts into readable stories. This allowed me to dive deeper into storytelling, making sure the case studies were engaging and impactful. Week 4: As the month continued, I moved forward with plans for a diabetes podcast. I coordinated with Lori, and Zoe to find suitable speakers and worked on securing locations for filming. Another exciting development was receiving a shortlist nomination for the Rochdale Award, which was a proud moment for the team and me. I also started working on content for World Homeless Day, which included creating posters, organizing a donation drive, and collaborating with Elaine to bring awareness to the cause. Alongside this, I worked on new recruitment strategies and continued refining content for social media. Closing September: By the end of the month, I had completed multiple blogs, including a story for Scarlet, and posted them across social media. I finalised posters for upcoming events, including World Homeless Day and flu jab awareness, for our HART nurses. While also taking part in planning for the next podcast episode. This month has been incredibly rewarding, filled with opportunities to develop my content creation skills while contributing to meaningful projects. I’m looking forward to October, where new challenges and exciting projects await.

Luke's role is a Practice Support leader in a GP Practice and this is his story of how he got a job in Primary Care... So, I originally looked into doing a dentist nurse apprenticeship but when the course was explained to me I didn't want to be on the clinical side as much and I then realised I wanted to work on reception. That's when I started to look at reception job roles and The Hive were hiring! I underwent 2 interviews and found out I got the position! I was employed as a receptionist in January 2021 when the pandemic was still very much at its height! I went in with very little knowledge of the NHS and the services that were provided but I wanted to have a job that had purpose and to help people as much as I possibly could. I soon realised after a year of being in reception and admin that I wanted to upskill and learn more about the business, so I set up a meeting with the Practice Manager and talked about my future with The Hive. Since then, I have been working my way up from a personal assistant to the practice manager and now to the practice support leader. My role is currently the 'Practice Support Leader' and I supervise the staff and ensure the workload is up to date. I also check policies and recently have moved onto complaints. I am also the first point of call for the staff to take some pressure off the practice manager. I remind the practice manager of any premises checks or training that is due to expire and book in for these to be completed. I train all new staff and I am starting monthly staff feedback 1 to 1s as part of my role to ensure staff are completely up to date with any new communications and services that have come into place. " My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT! " My advice to anyone considering a career in Primary Care I would say GO FOR IT! I would say though, that I do miss my days in reception as they are limited due to my workload. However, I do get to cover and jump on certain days. The job is very rewarding and you meet great people. It really does open your eyes on the NHS too and not to take things for granted. One thing I love about my job is that I love the flexibility and the trust that the practice manager and partners have with me. They allow me to come and go and know I will always get my work completed. I am free to trail new things and I am able to express concerns. I am comfortable in my position and I love the fact the staff are confident enough to come to me with any queries. #recruitment   #primarycare   #jobs   #stepintoprimarycare

Here are some positive traits that are associated with ADHD... If you have ADHD, you’ve probably faced your fair share of challenges, but did you know it also comes with some incredible strengths? From moments of intense focus to bursts of creativity, ADHD can equip you with unique abilities that many people don’t have. Let’s explore some of these superpowers and how they can help you thrive. Hyper-focus: Your Secret Weapon Have you ever noticed that once you get into something, hours can pass by in what feels like minutes? That’s hyper-focus, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you have. Many scientists, artists, and creators with ADHD have built successful careers because they can become fully absorbed in their work. When you find something you’re passionate about, this ability to focus intensely can lead you to do truly remarkable things. Resilience: Your Strength in the Struggle Let’s be real, dealing with ADHD isn’t always a walk in the park. You’ve probably felt frustrated or wondered why some things seem harder than they should be. But here’s the thing you don’t give up. You keep going, learning from setbacks and finding new ways to push through. That kind of resilience is a strength many people admire. Every time you rise above challenges, you’re building a stronger, more capable version of yourself. Pressure: Where You Shine Do you find yourself getting more done when the clock’s ticking or a deadline is approaching? That’s because many people with ADHD work best under pressure. Without that urgency, it can be hard to focus or make decisions. But when time’s running out, your brain kicks into high gear, and you produce amazing work. It’s like a superpower waiting for the right moment to activate. Humour: Bringing Laughter Everywhere You Go If you have ADHD, chances are you’ve got a great sense of humour. Whether you’re the one cracking jokes or just finding the funny side of everyday situations, humour seems to come naturally. That’s why you’ll often find people with ADHD in comedy, using their quick wit and unique perspective to bring laughter to others. Life might have its tough moments, but finding joy and laughter is something you’re great at. Creativity: Your Natural Outlet People with ADHD often feel drawn to creative outlets because it helps quiet the mind. Whether it’s painting, playing music, writing, or even baking, these activities help bring a sense of calm. When you immerse yourself in creativity, you’re not just expressing yourself you’re entering a zone where you can focus and feel at peace. And when you tap into that hyper-focus, your creativity can lead to truly amazing results. Remember, having ADHD isn’t just about managing challenges; it’s about unlocking the incredible strengths that come with it. You’ve got talents that can set you apart and help you excel. Embrace those superpowers and let them work for you!

This October, Middleton PCN Hub dedicated its efforts to raising awareness about breast cancer, creating impactful moments for patients and staff alike. From informative workshops to hands-on demonstrations, here’s how we helped spread awareness and foster a supportive environment in our community. Breast Cancer Screening Awareness Day: A Day to Remember On Friday, October 18th, we hosted our Breast Cancer Screening Awareness Day at the hub, which was an inspiring day filled with learning and community spirit. Dr. Nowrin from Woodside Medical Centre joined us to deliver an insightful demonstration, showing both patients and staff how to check their breasts for potential signs of breast cancer. This valuable knowledge empowers everyone to be proactive about their health, reminding us of the importance of early detection. To enhance the experience, we offered complimentary hand massages throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to unwind while they absorbed information. These moments of relaxation served as a gentle reminder of the importance of self-care as part of overall health. Pedalling for a Cause: Our Journey to Snowdonia (and Beyond) For an extra touch of fun and fitness, we set up an exercise bike for staff to tackle a virtual journey from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. By the end of the day, we collectively “travelled” 170 kilometres – the equivalent of a round-trip from Middleton to Snowdonia, then up and back down the mountain! We even had 3 kilometres left over, which we jokingly dedicated as the final walk to the local pub. Our pedal-powered journey wasn’t just about the distance; it was also for a cause. We managed to raise £285.23, which will go towards supporting breast cancer initiatives. We couldn’t be prouder of the staff’s enthusiasm and commitment! Looking Ahead: Embracing the Living Well Model As we look toward the future, we’re thrilled to announce that we will soon be implementing the Living Well Model in Middleton. This initiative aims to expand our mental health support offerings, allowing us to serve our community’s needs even more effectively. We anticipate launching this model in early November, which will create a more holistic approach to well-being within the community. October was truly a month of awareness, learning, and growth here at Middleton PCN Hub. From raising funds and spirits to gaining valuable insights, we’ve set the stage for meaningful changes in our community. Here’s to continuing our journey of wellness, one initiative at a time!  #PCNHub #MiddletonPCNHub #BreastCancerAwareness

As I reach the milestone of 13 months into my content creator apprenticeship, October feels like a perfect month to reflect on how far I’ve come. Over the past year, I’ve developed a range of skills that now allow me to tackle everything from social media campaigns and recruitment posts to video editing and wellness initiatives. This month especially highlighted just how varied and rewarding my role has become. Here’s a week-by-week look at some of the work that filled my October and contributed to my growth. Week 1: Building Foundations and Creating Templates Starting the month strong, I dove into organisation and planning, opening each day with a round of emails and scheduling. I filled out forms, connected with collaborators, and created job templates for recruitment posts. Alongside these tasks, I developed a Wellness Wednesday post, worked on transcriptions for recruitment case studies, and joined an RHA Away Day to capture photos and videos. Documenting events like this taught me how to capture engaging content in real time, a skill that comes in handy when managing dynamic social media feeds. Week 2: Raising Awareness and Community Engagement Week two brought more opportunities to engage with awareness campaigns, especially for ADHD Awareness Day. I spent time researching and creating content to ensure the posts were both informative and relatable. Later, I visited Petrus to share donation updates on social media, filming and editing the event’s highlights for platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. This week also involved someone coming from Rochdale Business Awards to film me for the awards, I had to showcase my work in the clips and do a few poses, which was surprisingly fun. On Thursday, I filmed my very first episode of our diabetes podcast!! It was very nerve-wracking, but we got there. After all the planning and arranging dates back and forth emailing, I finally started to make progress on this. Following up on Friday, I spent the day at Middleton PCN Hub for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where they raised money for a breast cancer charity. It was. a great opportunity for me to capture a lot of content. Week 3: Podcast Planning and Content for Breast Cancer Awareness My focus shifted to podcast production in week three, where I worked on planning and editing podcast footage due to filming our second episode of the podcast but unfortunately been set back due to audio quality, I arranged a reshoot and used the opportunity to improve the content and refine my editing skills. I also focused on breast cancer awareness, creating a video that highlighted the importance of self-examination on your breast, which I shared across platforms. I wrote out a blog for ADHD Awareness Month and shared it on our social media, and throughout this week, I was networking and communicating with potential guests on future episodes for the diabetes podcast, which was very refreshing as it was a big step out of my comfort zone. This week taught me a lot about troubleshooting and adaptability, both critical in the fast-paced world of content creation. Week 4: Celebrations and Final Touches The last week of October was all about focusing on the diabetes podcast but still creating refreshing content for our social media. Lori, who was a guest on my podcast, sent me some information on diabetes that helped me so much with understanding the effects of diabetes, as I and Lori have been communicating through email, she has been a fantastic help with her network and the people she knows that could help with my project. So, I have been ringing and emailing more new potential guests yet again, stepping out of my comfort zone... check me out! I also received an email from Mary with the final additions to our booklet "What RHA Does Your Practice and Primary Care Networks" Finally, I finished this booklet, put it in a booklet format and printed it out ready for her to review. In the middle of the week, I started by celebrating community and cultural events. I created Halloween and Diwali posts and planned social media layouts for the rest of the month. I also completed a longer edit of the self-breast examination video with Dr Nowrin for YouTube By the end of the week, I completed a blog for Middleton PCN Hub and continued editing my podcast. October was a busy but fulfilling month, where each task felt like a new layer added to my experience. Whether creating awareness posts, engaging with the community, or capturing content for health and wellness campaigns, I see my confidence and expertise growing in every area. Here’s to building on this momentum in the months ahead and continuing to create content that informs, engages, and makes a positive impact!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year. In this blog, I will be reflecting on what I have been up to in November and December... As 2024 drew to a close, November and December marked two of the busiest and most rewarding months in my journey as a content creator apprentice. From producing podcasts to designing impactful campaigns, each day brought new challenges and opportunities to grow. November November kicked off with a focus on podcast production, a significant part of my workload during these months. I worked on editing episodes, adding intros, outros, and graphics, and creating trailers to generate excitement. It was rewarding to see these projects evolve, from initial planning to polished episodes ready for release. I collaborated with team members to refine content and ensure every detail aligned with our professional standards. Managing these tasks alongside filming and organising feedback sessions highlighted the importance of time management and attention to detail. Awareness campaigns were another major focus. November saw the creation of content for Anti-Bullying Week , Purple Tuesday , and Remembrance Day , ensuring we addressed important issues with thoughtful, engaging posts. I also took the lead in designing and branding the HART newsletter. This involved formatting content, adding visuals, and collaborating with colleagues to produce a polished final product. Alongside this, I covered the Stepping Stone Awards , capturing photos and videos to highlight the event’s successes. Balancing creativity with administrative duties, I stayed on top of emails, meetings, and task organisation to ensure every project was completed on time. November was an incredible month for recognition in my apprenticeship journey. I was honoured to be nominated for two prestigious awards. First, I attended the Manchester Young Talent Awards , where I was shortlisted among other talented individuals. Although I didn’t win, the experience was inspiring and provided an opportunity to connect with other professionals in my field. Later that month, I had the privilege of attending the Rochdale Business Awards , where I was thrilled to be named Apprentice of the Year ! Winning this award was a proud moment that reinforced my dedication and hard work over the past year. December In December, the festive season brought a mix of creativity and collaboration. I helped with Christmas decorations, created engaging content like a Christmas Jumper Day poster , and scheduled holiday-themed posts to keep our social media channels vibrant and festive. Meanwhile, the podcast journey continued, with the release of episodes 2 and 3 and preparations for episode 4. Resizing files for YouTube uploads and fine-tuning edits to meet professional standards presented challenges, but it was rewarding to see a positive response from our audience. I also worked on health-related campaigns, including Stop Smoking  and Foot Awareness posters for HART , creating impactful content to reach our audience over the holiday period. Capturing and editing footage from Lori’s diabetes workshop further developed my technical skills, while designing campaign briefs and submitting self-study logs honed my organisational abilities. Throughout these months, I gained valuable skills in advanced editing, content strategy, and project management. I balanced creative tasks like designing posters and videos with administrative responsibilities such as preparing campaign plans and completing reports. Collaboration with colleagues and external partners helped me refine my communication skills and enhanced the overall quality of our projects. As I reflect on these months, I am proud of how far I’ve come in my apprenticeship. Managing multiple deadlines, producing creative content, and contributing to impactful campaigns have all been the highlights of my journey. Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited to continue developing my skills, building my portfolio, and taking on new challenges. Thank you for following along with my journey I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings in 2025! Watch our new Diabetes podcast series and don't forget to like, comment & subscribe! Episode 1: Episode 2: Episode 3: Episode 4 out soon keep up with our social media post on: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rochdalehealthalliance/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HMRPCA/?locale=en_GB

Our next SBWA for Admin/Receptionist will start with an information session on 15th November 2023 and training starting on 20th November 2023. Register with Rochdale Training and take the first step to a new career in Primary Care! Information Session: Wednesday 15th November 2023 (9:30am to 12:00 noon) (please confirm attendance via email to Rochdale Training.) Start Date with Rochdale Training: 20th November 2023 (3 days per week) APPLY NOW! Contact the recruitment team on 01706 631417 or recruitment@rochdaletraining.co.uk For more information call 01706 631417 More information can be found here:

We are running an introduction to Adult Social Care Sector Based Work Academy starting on 26th September 2023. Come along to our information session on 20th September at 9:30am to find out more! Book directly with Rochdale Training: recruitment@rochdaletraining.co.uk; phone 01706 631 417 Find more information here: