2. Here at Forward Leeds we are going to shine the light on each of our staff.
Demonstrating the diversity within our team and showing the huge variety of
roles and responsibilities of all of our amazing staff!
We would like to introduce, the wonderful, Vandhna Sharma.
"My name is Vandhna Sharma, and I am a Senior CAMHS Practitioner at
Forward Leeds Platform Young People’s Alcohol and Drug Service. CAMHS
stands for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service. Leeds CAMHS work
with young people up until the age of 18 years with long term, serious and
complex mental health issues. Two days a week I am seconded to Platform,
providing mental health assessments and interventions on an outreach basis.
This involves working with young people, families and other professionals
involved in their care.
I have previously worked at The Leeds Addiction Unit, Base 10, T3 and South
Leeds Community Drug Treatment Service. My work at Platform is great way
of combining my 7 years CAMHS experience and substance mis/use
employment background.
MY ROLE
- Mental health assessments
- Brief therapeutic interventions
- Refer on to an appropriate service such as CAMHS, IAPT, The Market
Place, pastoral care and the clusters.
- Consultation, training and support to the Platform staff
CASES I SEE
- Low mood
- Anxiety
- Emotional regulation
- Self-harm and suicide
- Eating difficulties
- Psychotic symptoms
- Autism
- ADHD
My work involves managing risk, whilst engaging and supporting vulnerable
young people with complex needs. Like with any role there are challenges -
which are made worthwhile when you get to see young people become
emotionally resilient, empowered to manage issues and enjoying life."
