Exploring Healthcare Careers: The University of Salford hosts successful Creative Forces event

The event aimed to inspire and educate children aged 11-16 from schools across Greater Manchester about career opportunities in the fields of health and social care.

A diverse group of over 60 children attended, each with their own unique backgrounds, aspirations, and interests. The event specifically targeted children who have a parent, carer, or family member in the UK Armed Forces, as well as those who are looked after, have carer responsibilities, or possess a keen interest in pursuing a career in health and social care.

Throughout the day, a wide range of engaging workshops were on offer, providing hands-on experiences and valuable insights into various aspects of healthcare.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the University of Salford's state-of-the-art simulation suite, witness CPR and resuscitation demonstrations, and experience lifelike emergency situations through a realistic 999 call simulation. Other workshops included Medicine Management, Field Medics Demonstrations, Observation Skills and Roles in Primary Care, Choking Child Demonstrations, It's a Bugs Life - Biomedical Science Demos, and an Ambulance Tour.

The feedback from the children was overwhelmingly positive, with one student remarking, "I had a great time! The workshop leaders made it fun, interesting, and easy for me to understand."

Teachers who accompanied the children also expressed their satisfaction with the event, with one teacher stating, "We all thoroughly enjoyed the event, and the students were highly engaged, asking loads of questions. They're already asking if they can come back next year. The event was exceptionally well-organized and provided our students with valuable life skills."

The University of Salford, NHS England, and the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services are proud to have collaborated on this successful event, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and nurturing their interest in health and social care careers. The positive feedback and enthusiasm from the attendees reaffirm the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future workforce of the healthcare industry.

Victoria Coomber, Armed Forces Engagement Lead at the University of Salford, said: "We are thrilled to have hosted the Creative Forces event in partnership with NHS England and the College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services. This event provided an incredible opportunity for young minds to explore the vast possibilities within the health and social care fields. We believe that inspiring and engaging children at an early age can ignite their passion for making a difference in the lives of others. The positive feedback we received from the attendees reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals."