Just had an email this afternoon to let me know my placement application papers have just been sent to the same local authority I was placed with last year. I don’t know if me forwarding the email from the placement team to my personal tutor (and course leader) for her information had any impact on this decision, but I’m happy anyway!
In some ways, I’m even happier. The authority I was with last year was a good one, and held lots of additional peer support and reflective practice sessions for students; mental health care in this area is provided through integrated teams in which the social workers are seconded from the local authorities to a (very large) mental health trust, so I will still be placed within the same trust, just a different geographic area.
This has a few advantages too- I know the area well, having finished my placement there only a few short months ago. The difference this time is that I will be driving rather than using buses however, which is even better! I’m also familiar with all the main trust and council buildings, and organisational structure too, which will be useful, and I am acquainted with a lot of the third sector agencies that can offer extra help to clients too.
This morning I was quite despondent about this situation; this evening I feel far more positive again. If nothing else, this course has certainly been a lesson in how to deal with a rollercoaster of emotions and stress!
