Katy Collins

Emotional Health Worker at a children and families mental health charity

I have been trying to move into mental health support for a number of years and I think that the MA and the knowledge I have gained on it has been instrumental in getting my dream job.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity

In 2016 I did a Higher Level Teaching Assistant course with Leeds Trinity through HLTA North and I enjoyed the course so much that I decided to enrol on to the Foundation degree in Supporting Learning and Additional Needs. I loved going back into education and so I decided to carry on and top up the Foundation degree to a full BA(Hons) which I was proud to pass with a First in 2019. 

When I saw that Leeds Trinity were offering a Masters in Mental Health in Children and Young People I had to apply as this was an area I had been trying to get into for a while.  I also wanted to continue my studies here as I had received such fantastic support on the BA that I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. 

How my time at Leeds Trinity has helped my career

When I started studying at Leeds Trinity, I was a Learning Support Assistant at a specialist SEN school for boys with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. I later moved into a lead tutor role and I have recently been offered a position as an Emotional Health Worker at a children and families mental health charity which is a direct result of getting my BA and studying for my Masters.

Returning to education

Studying for my degrees whilst having a busy job and three children has been a challenge but an enjoyable one! I have had to be very organised and dedicated, and my husband has been a great help.

Enjoying the course

The amount of learning on the MA has been fantastic and the lead tutor has a wealth of knowledge about children’s mental health. I’ve learned about mental health in context, and legislation and laws around mental health, which is very applicable for my role. I chose the Supporting Families module which I have never really studied before, and I have learnt a lot about early help and family interventions which again has been extremely useful in my job. 

Support from my tutors and peers

All the tutors have been so approachable and understanding about the challenges of working and having a family and they have offered support in lots of different ways. We have been given advice and support around potential career changes. Another layer of support that I couldn't have managed without have been my fellow students. I have made friends for life at Leeds Trinity and we have really pulled together to support each other.

My advice for prospective students

I wholeheartedly recommend the MA Mental Health in Children and Young People. I would never, ever have thought that at 40 I would be so close to finishing a Master’s level qualification. It takes a lot of hard work, but it is worth it in the end!

Our Foundation and Professional Practice degrees

If you already work with children, young people and families and are looking to gain a higher education qualification, our work-based learning degrees offer an alternative route to studying for a degree. Visit Foundation and Professional Practice degrees for more information.