Laura Hendsbee

I have held a position as a Teaching Assistant at a SEND school in Northumberland for the past year, where I work with children who have a variety of high-level support and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. I am an incredibly warm and personable individual, with a unique empathetic perspective due to my own lived experience of mental health issues. I feel an enormous motivation to do well and prove my capabilities in a long-term psychological career under the guidance of experienced professionals after performing exceedingly well in my studies and current place of employment. I feel passionately about equity and supporting those with additional barriers in succeeding independently in whatever unique goals they have. 

Personally, I enjoy reading (scary) books and going to the gym whenever I can. I have also recently started learning how to play the electric guitar and I am trying to learn some Polish. A typical weekend for me comprises seeing my friends and then coming home to read a book with my two cats: Pixie and Duke. Self-care is very important, as I preach to all the kids at my current work. 

I have held a position as a Teaching Assistant at a SEND school in Northumberland for the past year, where I work with children who have a variety of high-level support and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This position has been incredibly rewarding, both in what it has taught me and the rapport I have grown with the children. The children I work with have been through a lot, and face a plethora of challenges in and out of school, so it is important to me that they feel safe, understood and free to be themselves while under my care. Sometimes, a child may present challenging behaviours or have difficulties expressing complex emotions; I meet this with patience, affirmation of boundaries and an adaptation of their learning environment to fit their needs. For example, I may sit with a child and draw out their timetable, highlighting lessons that they feel necessitate additional support, utilize the sensory room or even just have a cup of tea together. In my school, the approach revolves around finding positive strategies that motivate the child over negative reinforcements. Furthermore, I am always observing the children for any causes for concern and in doing so, I have successfully put forth various children for interventions including phonics, friendship-building and social skills. 

I have recently graduated from Northumbria University, achieving a first-class honours degree in BSc Psychology with Criminology. I gained a comprehensive understanding of mental health theories and practices; having the chance to collaboratively and independently complete projects and deliver presentations. My studies covered modules on cognitive-behavioral therapy, mental health assessment and intervention strategies; providing me with a solid foundation in evidence-based practices. Additionally, I undertook training in a voluntary position with Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland as a call and email handler for the helpline. In this position, I developed interpersonal and active listening skills, including the practice of open, compassionate communication without judgement.