Gaining Real-World Insight into Mental Health Services: My Experience at Montrose Health Group

Summer Ludlam is a Psychology graduate from Sheffield Hallam University. As we celebrate Volunteer Week, step into Summer's experience with us at Montrose Health Group, where she spent the final months of her degree volunteering and gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of an outpatient clinic.

During my final year studying Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University, I have been really grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with Montrose Health Group. Over the past four months, I’ve had the chance to work within the clinic, supporting the admin team as well as gaining experience alongside the business and marketing side of the organisation. This has given me a genuine insight into how a mental health service actually runs day-to-day, which is something you don’t fully see through a degree alone.

What I’ve valued most is how much this experience has helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. It’s one thing learning about psychological services academically but being able to see how this translates into real-life settings has completely changed my understanding. I’ve developed a much clearer awareness of the processes behind client care, and how important the administrative and organisational side is in making sure everything runs effectively and ethically.

Alongside this, I’ve had the opportunity to sit in on triage discussions and communicate with different psychologists, which has helped me build confidence in a clinical environment and develop my professional communication skills.

Throughout my time here, I’ve grown a lot in confidence, both personally and professionally. I’ve become more comfortable communicating in a professional environment, working as part of a team, and taking on responsibility. It’s also helped me feel more certain about the direction I want to go in, especially in working towards a future assistant psychologist role.

The team at Montrose have been a big part of that. They’ve been genuinely supportive and encouraging creating an environment where I’ve felt comfortable asking questions and learning. It’s made a big difference to feel trusted and included, rather than just a volunteer. I’m really appreciative to now be continuing with Montrose in an admin role, and I’m excited to keep learning and developing further within the organisation.