NHS England Partners with DanceSyndrome to Promote Careers in Learning Disability Nursing
NHS England has joined forces with DanceSyndrome, a charity based in Lancashire, to launch a new film series aimed at encouraging individuals to consider a career in Learning Disability nursing. The films showcase how people with learning disabilities can lead fulfilling lives with the right support, and highlight the rewarding nature of working as a Learning Disability Nurse.
Commissioned by NHS England, DanceSyndrome has created a series of short, informative videos to coincide with Inclusion Week (Monday 23 – Sunday 29 September 2024), a national campaign raising awareness about the need for greater inclusion in the workplace. The campaign’s theme for 2024, “Impact Matters”, emphasizes the potential for each person to make a positive impact in their workplace.
This partnership aligns perfectly with DanceSyndrome’s mission to transform lives and create opportunities for people with and without learning disabilities through inclusive dance. Their unique approach challenges perceptions around disability and promotes inclusion in a groundbreaking way.
At the core of DanceSyndrome’s ethos is the belief that disability should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. Their inclusive dance sessions are co-produced, with people with learning disabilities taking visible roles as Dance Leaders. These leaders work alongside professional Dance Artists to create high-quality inclusive dance sessions for people with and without disabilities to enjoy together. The Dance Leaders are active members of their communities, regularly leading workshops, dance performances, and community activities.
One of these Dance Leaders, Jodie Turner, is featured in one of the NHS England films. Alongside her parents, she discusses the vital role that Learning Disability Nurses play in her life. The video also introduces Alice Waddington, who started her career as a trainee nurse caring for Jodie. Now a fully qualified Learning Disability Nurse, Alice showcases her passion for the job and takes viewers through a typical day in her life. The series also features other nurses who share their personal reasons for choosing a career in nursing and highlight the importance of the role.
Julie Nicholson, Managing Director of DanceSyndrome, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “When NHS England approached us for this project, we were thrilled to be part of it. Our mission is to change the way people think about people with learning disabilities and what they can achieve with the right support. We understand the importance of providing proper support in all aspects of a person’s life, and we highly value the role of Learning Disability Nurses and the significant impact they can have through their career.”
She added, “We hope that these films shed light on the importance of supporting people with learning disabilities and inspire us all to work towards a society that is truly inclusive and accessible. We are proud of these films because they showcase what good care looks like, the passion of those in the profession, and the need for more people to become Learning Disability Nurses. DanceSyndrome has always strived to extend our inclusive practices and impact beyond the dance world and into society, and we hope these films will inspire others to consider a career working with people with Learning Disabilities.”
Ellie Gordon, Senior Nurse for Learning Disability and Mental Health in the national Workforce, Training, and Education Directorate, shared her hopes for the films, stating, “I hope these videos will inspire individuals to consider a career working with people with learning disabilities and highlight the importance of creating a truly inclusive society. DanceSyndrome takes a unique and innovative approach to co-production, where people without learning disabilities lead the work and involve those with learning disabilities. These videos speak not only to individuals with learning disabilities but also to learning disability nurses.”
The film series can be viewed on YouTube by searching “DanceSyndrome”. To learn more about DanceSyndrome and their inspiring work, visit their website at www.dancesyndrome.co.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.