50 Voices for 50 Years: Dorota’s Placement Experience

This year marks an important milestone for North Staffs and Cheshire Mind as we celebrate 50 years of supporting the mental wellbeing of local communities. As part of this milestone, we are sharing a series of 50 Voices – stories and testimonials from those we’ve helped and worked with throughout the years.

 

Our most recent voice comes from Dorota, who recently completed a university placement with our Supported Housing Team.

 

During her placement, Dorota worked alongside our Housing Manager, David Allcock, and supported work focused on housing options for people preparing to move into independent living. She researched housing associations and supported housing providers across Staffordshire, gathering valuable information on accommodation available to Mind service users, including access to one-bedroom independent apartments.

“It has been an eye-opening experience, showing me the range of housing support available.”

On her first day, she was given a tour of our housing provision across Stoke-on-Trent, which included newly refurbished one-bedroom apartments ready for residents. This helped bring her research to life and gave her a clearer understanding of the support available.

 

Dorota reflected: “During my placement, I’ve learnt so much about different housing associations, but also supported housing providers. It has been an eye-opening experience, showing me the range of housing support available through North Staffs and Cheshire Mind and the difference it makes in helping people move towards independent living. There is so much support that can be suitable and adaptable to anyone facing homelessness.”

 

Working with the Housing Team, Dorota created a range of resources, including an internal booklet for staff, an accessible external guide for service users, and a practical guide with tips and advice for the housing application process and moving into new accommodation.

 

She added, “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to complete my university placement at North Staffs and Cheshire Mind. I’ve really enjoyed my time and developed my skills and confidence throughout the experience. I’d highly recommend that other psychology students come forward and apply to do their student placement here.”

 

Alongside her placement, Dorota has also signed up as a cheer volunteer for the Manchester Marathon on 19th April, continuing her commitment to giving back.

Dorota’s experience reflects the value of placements in building skills, confidence, and real-world impact. As we mark 50 years of North Staffs and Cheshire Mind, this voice highlights the importance of collaboration and the positive impact placements can have within our services.

 

Have you worked with us or had an experience you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your story – please get in touch at reception@nsmind.org.uk.

 

Posted on: 16th April 2026