I know that my safety comes first, but

[nicole333]

Thanks for the update Emma and good for you for sticking with the process that can take a long time to wade through. It's amazing how locked doors can seem so different from preconceptions, but just remember if you feel you need to ask a member of staff anything at anytime, just do it and don't be nervous. We're generally a friendly bunch across the board, and interestingly tend to share the same kind of sense of humour.

I hope you enjoy it as much as the clients will.

 

[Elaine143a]

Well it's taken a long time and a lot of hurdles but I finally went to visit the unit and met a couple of ladies in there. I have an interview with a governing body to discuss further issues and I wld be wearing a tag at all times which did make me feel more comfortable but all in all it was quite a pleasantly eye opening experience, the staff seem approachable and constantly alert, a step closer but I am also taking it a step at a time :0) x

Emma, after closing my salon last year, I now work in a police custody suite. About 50% of detainees have some form of mental illness - ranging from ADHD type illness / depression etc right up to severe suicidal attempts. You will be surprised at your abilities to deal with these people. Many of your existing clients may have a mental illness without you (and possibly themselves) realising it - remember some of the strange behaviour / comments some of them exhibit that you just "deal with"? That's (sometimes) mental illness!

Do not worry too much about working with these patients. The staff will be VERY supportive of you, and it is their job to ensure your safety - they will be trained to deal with the patients and will usually be able to spot erratic behaviour before it escalates.

It may help to undertake a short "self defense" programme - learning very simple techniques to increase your confidence - but I'm sure you won't need it.

I find working with people with mental illness extremely hard, but very rewarding - sometimes they just like to "talk". Don't take anything personally.

I am NOT a mental health expert by any means, (and don't pretend to be), but it's not as scary as most people think.

If you want any help or advice, please feel free to pm me xxx

 

[emma84]

Thank you to everyone who has replied, I'm 2 days away from a lovely relaxing 2 week holiday but as soon as I am back I start my training for the centre, nervous and excited are the emotions at the forefront, but she who dares wins, always look on the bright side of life and you don't know if you don't try are also at the forefront :0)

 

[MrsHBeauty]

I used to work in a home for adults with learning difficulties, their abilities, disability and levels of violence were on a huge scale.

I was so nervous starting there but it was a very rewarding job, knowing you could make such a difference by just being there. I had to do in house training for self defence/restraining etc and various other in house training. But getting going was the best for my confidence.

I worked at that home all throughout my pregnancy with my oldest, up until 4 weeks before he was due, but sadly never returned. In a way it's good otherwise I would have never stumbled into beauty!

 

[emma84]

Well here is an update I am starting my first trial session this Friday for 2hrs to see how it goes and if it all goes according to plan I will be doing this once a month, wish me luck