Mental Health Nursing at Alternative Futures Group
We are the largest health and social care charity provider in the North West, providing outstanding personalised support for people with a learning disability or mental health condition. We’ve been changing lives, creating independence and achieving great outcomes for the people we support for over 30 years.
Our mental health support
We provide support to people with their mental health in the community and through our six independent hospitals.
Community provision
Our enhanced supported living and outreach models provide the right level of support for each individual, while involving local commissioners, multi-disciplinary teams and provider partners where needed to promote independence.
Independent hospitals
We provide specialist mental health services at six CQC regulated hospitals across Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Here our dedicated multidisciplinary teams provide person-centred support for adults with complex mental health needs, with a focus on rehabilitation and recovery, reablement, crisis intervention and relapse prevention.
Current opportunities at AFG
We offer opportunities from student placements to Registered Mental Health Nurse roles (including a comprehensive and supportive preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses), and senior roles Senior Nurse Practitioner and Registered Manager roles. We also offer the opportunity for you to earn while you learn by becoming a Support Worker.
Current open vacancies at our independent hospitals:
How we support newly qualified nurses
Frances: my experience completing the preceptorship programme at AFG
“I would absolutely recommend AFG’s preceptorship programme. I had brilliant support during my placement and the preceptorship programme, and still do! One of the AFG values is ‘we take ownership’ and it really felt like everyone did, it wasn’t just something they said. I was supported by the whole team to succeed.
You are never made to feel stupid for asking something. I have done placements in other settings during my degree, and it often felt that the team were too busy to give you any support, but here people will always make time for you – even if they have to say they’re in the middle of something, they will come back to you.”
“I am proud to have completed the programme within 4 months and I have no plans to leave!”
Chris, Senior Nurse Practitioner: how we support newly qualified nurses through their journey and what to expect
“We have a robust programme which has had great success and feedback both from our preceptees and our staff team.
Our primary aim is to be person-centred in everything we do, and this of course includes supporting new colleagues so we will make sure that time is taken out to help that person develop. It’s not just about getting through a busy shift.
The programme covers all competencies for the role – medication management, understanding the mental health act, care planning and so on – initially with close supervision, which then reduces as the programme goes on. The programme takes around six months on average but can be shorter than this – Frances for example was finished within four. My advice would be: don’t be afraid to ask questions – whether that is to your preceptor or any of the other staff team.”
“They are there to support you and help you succeed.”
Meet John: A day in the life of a Registered Mental Health Nurse
Career development
We support our people with continued personal development in therapeutic practices, building skills and experience, and progressing in to senior roles.
We encourage development of all clinical and leadership skills, meaning that most senior and management positions are appointed from within the current structure.
Co-production
We’re passionate about encouraging our patients and colleagues to use their voice and work collaboratively to co-design new services and experiences.
We do this by involving people right at the very beginning, actively seeking insight and expert knowledge on what works best.
UMatter
Our internal benefits hub. Because – you matter. Here, anyone working for AFG can access:
- Opportunities to buy additional annual leave or sell
- 24/7 access to GP consultations for you and immediate family
- Access to an employee discounts portal providing deals for over 3,000 online and high street retailers (holidays, shopping, cinema, gyms etc)
- Access to virtual mental health consultations
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Access to health, nutrition and fitness consultations
Reward and recognition
We love to recognise and reward our amazing workforce.
This might be through our ‘Credit Where Credit’s Due’ peer-recognition scheme, our annual Celebrate Success Awards, or through one of our internal recognition campaigns such as Random Act of Kindness Day or Professional Care Workers Week.
We’re always looking for new ways to shine a spotlight on our people and thank them for the amazing work they do.
