Supporting our Community during COVID-19

Sophie Bassi is a Paramedic Science student and one of more than 50 Coventry University students to re-join the West Midlands Ambulance Service staff. She did her placement with them previously and was eager to re-join the team to help tackle the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Being at home wasn’t an option and with the skill set I developed on my course, I knew I could be of use. I definitely had to join WMAS and assist them.

It’s been absolutely manic but it’s going well and I have really thrown myself into the role. I’m trying to help out in other ways where I can too. I did a Vehicle Preparation Operative shift one night, which involves cleaning the ambulances. I cleaned 38 in one night and it has made me appreciate just how hard the people who clean the ambulances work so that we can get out there, do our job and help people.”

At what is no doubt a challenging time for every frontline worker, Sophie says that the support from everyone around her has been superb.

“I’m working alongside many Coventry University students, students from other universities and also people who used to work as paramedics who have re-joined frontline teams. Doctors, nurses and paramedics are all coming together in the fight against covid-19. We all have different experiences so it has been great to exchange advice and support now we’re all in the same situation.

This truly is a life changing experience and obviously a terrible situation for everyone but as a student I have got to look at the positives where there are any, which is that this experience is making us all better clinicians and more prepared for when we qualify as paramedics.

It makes me proud of the profession I have chosen and thankful of the support of all my student peers, NHS colleagues and the Nation getting behind us. It brings a smile to my face especially when I am on shift on a Thursday evening standing with NHS workers and seeing the support of the community with loud claps, cheers and smiles.”

Coventry University Volunteer Mentors work with focus list pupils who are disengaged or struggling with school, to boost their confidence, grades and behaviour. Since schools have closed, they have had to adapt quickly to continue supporting pupils remotely.

Georgina Sheldrake a Criminal Psychology student at Coventry University, is using technology to provide timely careers advice and support to her focus pupils.

I primarily work with year 11's, so we have been meeting remotely and focussing on careers. We discuss options for sixth form or college, how to write CV's, presentation tips and interview techniques. We have also been sharing recipes and recommendations on books or TV to boost morale and take care of our well-being.

The conversations we have had convey their nerves about sixth-form; they feel less prepared not having sat exams and are worried about the step up in workload and content within A-levels. It would have been easy for me to leave them to their own devices, but by still being there, my pupils do not feel abandoned and know they still have a support network.

I am proud to still be supporting students and it's also keeping me connected to my placement. I am learning how to lead and mentor remotely, and find creative and innovative ways to communicate.

Chris Trzebinski is studying Psychology and has turned to music to keep pupils engaged and make the most of lockdown to learn something new.

I’ve been using Instagram to help students with their singer-song writing. I create ten minute videos to explain about song lyrics and music, then after each session I give pupils a task they can go away and practice themselves.

Pupils share their lyric writing via emails and I have been giving them feedback and pushing them to improve their lyric writing. It has allowed them to try something new and keep them feeling connected despite the current challenges. Supporting pupils during these difficult times and helping them while we are all in isolation makes me feel proud of myself. I am excited for more students to get involved and would like to do it again on a different topic!