Marilyn Booth: BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine

Full Name: Marilyn Booth
Graduation Year: 2011
Course Studied: BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine
Job Title: Therapeutic Activity Coordinator
Employer/Organisation Name: NHS

What are you doing now you have graduated from the University of Lincoln?: After graduating from The University of Lincoln I started my private practice in Health Care and established a business that goes into Care and Mental Health Establishments throughout Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire delivering fun and engaging Health, Fitness and Wellbeing programmes. In this time, I have delivered over 2,157 individual sessions to over 33,355 individuals in over 50 different Health care establishments, that cater for a wide range of mental health disabilities, care, physical, learning disabilities and brain injuries units, palliative care, and patients with Multiple Sclerosis. I was working closely with each single establishment and considering a patient’s medical history, ability, care plans, I could tailor each session to their individual needs and requirements. Enabling them to get the best results from each session.

During this time, I then qualified as a GP Referral Instructor and Nutritional Advisor which enabled me to work more in depth with patients who have more complex needs. Once an individual care programme was complete, I would train the staff in the structure and developmental rationale in the ‘How and Why’, the safety of the Individual so as not to cause harm and distress, and the execution in how to deliver the programme in a fun and engaging way so the Individual can get the most out of the session. This could be extended into larger therapeutic groups, which has helped to encourage social inclusion, mental stimulation, social interaction and break down any negative mental barriers with staff.

Then the Covid Pandemic hit which made it impossible for me to deliver sessions during this period of time. Due to my degree and medical training that I received during my time studying at the University of Lincoln I was able to work as a private contractor working along side nurses and doctors delivering patient care for vulnerable patients and patients suffering with covid.

Currently I am working as a Therapeutic Activities Co-Ordinator for the NHS in a locked Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit. My daily duties consist of creating and delivering a robust therapeutic activity timetable for group patient work and one-to-one. These plans focus on the individual’s recovery and rehabilitation treatment plans that have been collaboratively comprised with the service user and the Occupational Therapist (OT). Within my current role, whilst I do work closely with the Occupational Therapy team, I have the autonomy to build upon the therapeutic programme on the unit allowing me to be holistic and rounded in my approach. To meet our service user’s needs, I pay exceptional detail to the service users I work with, monitoring and supporting their mental health needs. As part of my role, I will proactively ensure high standards of communication following any activities I complete ensuring effective handovers about the service users. If any concerns are noted surrounding the service users’ mental health, I ensure that I communicate these observations to help the Multidisciplinary Team to continue ongoing formulation of that person’s mental health relapse prevention plan. I have utilised skills in psychoeducation, healthy living groups, core stabilisation skills to enable a robust therapeutic programme, which is shared between the Multidisciplinary Team. This allows for a consistent and effective part of an individual’s treatment care plan during their stay in this setting. Whilst working in a diverse Mental health setting, my confidence and knowledge has expanded to be able to recognise and understand a variety of mental health conditions. My experience in this environment supports my ability to establish assessments and goal setting with service users who have presented with challenging needs. Where needed I can also grade the activity and adapt this dependent on service user’s needs. E.g., building up someone’s levels of exercise by taking them on graded levels of walks.

Being part of a Multidisciplinary Team has allowed me to demonstrate and apply gold standards of communication skills when working with other professionals, and to assist with formulating and delivering an individual’s treatment plan. Working as a single mum within a locked rehabilitation unit, has required me to be exceptionally organised and have awareness of my own limitations. Over the years, I have been able to show I can cope with high levels of stress, whilst still working with commitment and compassion towards others and myself which I use daily in supporting my team as our Staff Wellbeing Champion where I am responsible for creating and delivering wellbeing sessions and support.

How did your time at the University of Lincoln support your career?: Having studied a BSc (Hons) Herbal Medicine I understand the sacrifices and commitment that I would have to undertake, especially with coursework and assignments. Whilst completing this training I also had to complete up to date research using scientific medical data to validate my findings. This degree provided me with in depth learning surrounding anatomy and physiology, differential diagnosis, along with all the hands-on knowledge and practical placements that was required as part of my learning. During my studying I was also nominated for Student Rep and Student Year Rep which helped build my confidence and allowed me learn how to do public speaking and deliver presentations.

What inspired you to study at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: The University of Lincoln is an amazing place to study. It has a very robust and active student support and wellbeing facilities that cater for students with disabilities. Graduating at Lincoln Cathedral is something that is truly remarkable and memorable. The University of Lincoln as a high standard of lectures and it resources and facilities are second to none.

What was your favourite thing about being a student at the University of Lincoln (or one of its predecessor institutions)?: My time studying at the University of Lincoln enabled to me to gain a skill set that would set me up to achieve starting my own company and then moving on to employment working for the NHS. I met some amazing individuals that became close friends of mine.

What would you say to a prospective student thinking of applying to the University of Lincoln?: The University of Lincoln is an amazing place and a beautiful city. With a friendly fun family atmosphere, you will be made to feel welcome the minute you say yes. On your journey you will enhance your skill set, this will combine with your learning will make you an attractive candidate for future employers. And remember it’s a marathon not a sprint. Relax you’ve got this.

If you could give our current students any top tip for after graduation and their careers, what would it be?: Don’t be afraid, you have the knowledge and the skill set go for it. Aim for the stars and build your dreams! Don’t look back, look to the next horizon. And make your Lincoln family proud.