Posted by 
A new mental health qualification using advanced technology is set to launch in Preston this September.
Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, based at Preston College, will use virtual reality training and simulation to simulate patient scenarios.
The new qualification aims to address rising mental health issues in the city which are believed to have been increased by the pandemic.
It also aims to help as the profession is ‘struggling to deal’ with the number of residents requiring the service.
Read more: Pre-school in Ashton-on-Ribble receives ‘Good’ Ofsted rating ahead of September expansion
The two-year foundation degree will offer students the chance to gain roles in counselling, therapy, research positions, community outreach or advocacy.
The first intake of 10-12 people will begin this September, with digital learning underpinning their course.
Mick Noblett, vice principal said the college worked with the NHS and mental health service to ensure the course delivered the skills they need.
Read more: Neighbours raise concerns over Penwortham Girls’ High School rebuild
He added: “There’s a two-year waiting list for young people to access mental health services in the area. We’re an area in crisis and that needs to be addressed.
“We’ve worked hard to make sure that what we’ve developed is what the sector wants and needs so that we can help solve the skills shortages in health and social care.”
Investment from the Institute of Technology partnership has gone into providing virtual reality equipment, which learners can use to move around an ‘ambulance’ to carry out tasks. There are also simulation suits, ’dummy’ patients in beds and more.
Read more: Preston Samaritans opens new facility on Navigation Way
Dawn Parkington, curriculum lead for adult health said: “Our equipment offers learners a real insight into the struggles their future patients will go through, because a lot of students perhaps don’t realise people can be at these points in their life. Through using virtual reality equipment we can offer an insight into clinical areas they don’t have access to in college from day one.
“Not only that, but digital technology in patient settings is changing and we need to keep up with that so that our learners are prepared for what’s out there.”
Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology is a partnership of seven colleges and three universities designed to offer technical training to boost workforces and help the economy.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
