After graduating within weeks of each other, the daughter and dad duo are now both working at The Harbour hospital in Blackpool run by Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT), though on different wards.
Their shared passion for helping others led them both to pursue careers in mental health, though they followed different paths to reach their goal.
“I love my job and I feel so lucky to be able to share this experience with my dad. I feel immensely proud of myself and my dad, it feels special to have both seen how hard we’ve worked to get here.
“I’m excited for the future and the positive impact I will have on people, I love knowing I’m making a difference and helping people live better and reach their full potential and I know my dad feels the same.”
Stevie-Leigh graduated with BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) in 2023
Stevie-Leigh was inspired to work in the profession after struggling with her mental health in school and seeing loved ones experience the same.
“The support I gained was pivotal in developing an understanding of myself and those around me.”
The 21-year-old worked in her first community care role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I adored looking after those in need and saw how the pandemic impacted the community’s mental health and knew I wanted to make a difference, even if just to one family. From that I decided to do a mental health nursing degree at Edge Hill University.”
She praised the variety of placements she was able to work on while at Edge Hill – acute hospital settings, liaison team, nursing homes and community services – and the opportunity to hear from experienced nurses who shared their expertise and experience with students.
“Safe to say, I’m grateful for the whirlwind of a journey that led me to my role.”
Her proud dad Steven undertook a trainee nursing associate course and completed a registered nursing degree apprenticeship.
“I have always had an interest in mental health but wasn’t sure what opportunities would be available for someone like me who didn’t have any previous qualifications in nursing or mental health.
“It can be daunting starting a new career path later in life but I have been supported and encouraged by my peers and managers at LSCFT to follow my dreams and it has led me here and I couldn’t be happier.
“Myself and Stevie-Leigh are both really passionate about helping others, it must be a trait that runs in the family!”
Steven Jewell
Chris Oliver, LSCFT Chief Executive, said their shared passion was inspirational.
“It is amazing to see Stevie-Leigh and Stephen complete their studies simultaneously and continue their mental health nursing careers with us; care and compassion clearly runs in their family.
“We are extremely lucky to have them working with our older adult service users and I personally can’t wait to see what else they go on to achieve with us.”
Chris Oliver, LSCFT Chief Executive
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health) is one of a variety of nursing specialisms available within Edge Hill University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the largest providers of health, social care and medicine education in the North West of England, with some of the best facilities for students in the country across bases on the Ormskirk campus, St James’ Manchester, Aintree University Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
January 4, 2024
