Meet new customer service apprentice and mental health campaigner, Bradley Littlewood. We asked him to tell us more about why he chose an apprenticeship and the support he is getting in his new role. Bradley suffers with his own mental health challenges but is passionate about using his experiences to support others. We were also keen to find out about his work to help people with mental health problems thrive.
Bradley explained how college and his employer, Beacon Medeas, who sell compressed gas to hospitals and healthcare providers, are supporting him to develop his skills and achieve his goals:
Why did you choose an apprenticeship?
“With my mental health problems, I realised I needed a change and this apprenticeship seemed to offer me the chance of developing lots of important skills at the same time as being in an environment where I could manage my health too. When I saw the opportunity I thought it would be a great career to have.”
How has it been so far?
“I started my apprenticeship just over 3 months ago and it is going really well so far. Staff here have been really supportive and they work really hard to show how important it is to work in a team as much as develop us as individuals. I have caught on really quickly and I am settling in really well.”
What kind of support have you had from college?
“I have always had support from college since studying there full time. Now as an apprentice, I am working closely with the LEAP mentors. My mentor, Jo, has provided me with an amazing space to just talk and work out why I am feeling the way I feel. It is especially important not to compress your feelings. It has built a very strong mental space for me.”
What kind of tasks do you do in your apprenticeship?
“I do lots of little jobs as an apprentice and I know that they are helping me to build good skills for the future. This could include things like invoicing, planning jobs or doing time sheets for example. I am developing knowledge that I know will help in anything I do.”
What have you been doing at college to educate other people about mental health?
“My end goal is to become a speaker and writer on mental health issues. Jo recognised that I have had a rough time with my mental health but she saw I could teach others and raise awareness of mental health because there is still a lot of stigma about it. She invites me into college to talk to staff about my experiences and my story. She saw I have been involved with Men-talk, a local charity who support others with mental health problems, and also invited me and the founder of the charity into classes to talk to students. We were able to handout some of the wristbands we have designed. These include a barcode to help people access a website full of information and advice on a range of mental health issues.”
You have been sharing your experiences outside of college too haven’t you?
“Yes, as well as working with Men-talk, I also volunteer with MH:2K in Derby which is an absolutely brilliant charity. As part of that, I did a speech to the head of mental health provision in Derbyshire, with some of the other people working in the charity, and following that we have been asked to present to the Local Government Association for Mental Health. This event is hosted by Roman Kemp. The plan is that we are going to work with him to give our opinion about how we can raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma. Our goal is to show people it is ok not to be ok.”
What support do you get from work?
“Work have been absolutely fantastic with me, especially regarding my mental health. My colleagues allow me time to talk and they help to motivate me. My current manager is also really supportive to the point where she even helps me to get the medical appointments I need. They give me time off to do my volunteering because they know it is something I am so passionate about. Ultimately, I know they want me to feel and do better in life so they have based this apprenticeship on my progression in the company and as a person as a whole.”
What would your message to other people who might see their mental health problems as a barrier?
“Don’t stop believing in yourself, because your circumstances don’t change who you are. You change who you are and no matter what you do or feel like you haven’t done – you will have still accomplished one or two things to build yourself up from. It is about building the foundation for yourself but not being afraid of rebuilding until it is right for you. I think people with mental health problems should take pride in acknowledging their condition and finding ways to make it less of an enemy. There is always something there for everyone you just need to look.
I would say to any other apprentice, or future apprentice, if you feel like you need help, get it. Don’t suffer. There are people and organisations out there to help and it will give you such a voice.”
Getting the support you need.
Bradley asked us to share a list of organisations and places to turn to for mental health support. Click on the links below to find out more:
College also has it’s own counsellor and a range of support services for students and apprentices. Find out more here