BSH's Early Career Forum was convened in 2021 to implement new nonclinical membership benefits to support those at the start of their careers. They represent the multidisciplinary team, including physician associates, nurses, and scientists.

They have been working on several projects, more information on each follows below. If you are early in your career and have ideas you would like the Early Careers Forum to consider, then please contact our Head of Engagement [email protected] to discuss.

Mentoring

BSH are currently trialling a mentoring platform. Members from the entire MDT, at any point in their career, can support one another in their career growth and development.

Sharing knowledge and expertise is fundamental to our progress both as individuals and for the profession. Developing a mentoring relationship can be a fulfilling and productive way to achieve this.

Why might you want to be mentored?

  • Guidance on professional development and career advancement
  • The opportunity to develop new skills and professional knowledge
  • Gain impartial advice and an alternative perspective
  • Have a non-judgemental sounding board for your ideas
  • Advice on developing strengths and overcoming weaknesses

Why might you become a mentor?

  • “Give something back" and provide support to others
  • Gain opportunities to work on new and exciting challenges
  • Develop leadership skills

The platform matches mentees with mentors possessing their desired interests, skills and expertise and vice versa. If you are interested in joining the trial, please contact [email protected] – we are particularly interested in hearing from people working in the wider MDT. Mentoring is a rewarding experience for both participants, so let's get started!

Early Careers Achievement and Undergraduate Achievement Award

*NEW*: Early Careers Achievement and Undergraduate Achievement Award

This is an exciting new award created by the BSH Early Career Forum. Each Award has a prize value of £1,500, plus expenses to attend the 2024 BSH Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM).

These two awards will be for projects or ideas in service improvement, leadership, and workforce rearrangement. Applicants are encouraged to think broadly and innovatively. The aim of this prize is to foster professional development in students and people early in their careers and encourage reflection on how everyone can contribute to improvements in healthcare regardless of career stage.

The submission should relate to, or have the main focus on, haematology.

Eligibility

This award is open to BSH members and non-members.

For the Undergraduate Achievement Award:

The prize is open to all healthcare students completing an undergraduate degree in their field.

For the Early Careers Achievement Award:

The prize is open to doctors in training, nurses and other healthcare professionals at a maximum of four years post qualification.

Application process and timeline

Applications open on 5 November, and will close at 23:59 on 15 January 2024. The winners will be notified by the end of February and invited (and funded) to attend the BSH ASM in April to receive the award.

The application can be of any media (including, but not limited to, an essay of no more than 2,000 words, a video, an interview, a recorded presentation)– to be submitted by email to the Head of Engagement at BSH no later than 15 January 2024. Applicants need to state which category they are submitting for (undergraduate or early career).

For any questions, please contact the Head of Engagement: [email protected].

Grant and Abstract writing advice

The Early Careers Forum have created the following two documents, giving hints and tips on how to write a successful grant application or abstract submission.

Help to write your Abstract document 

Help to write your Grant application document

EXTERNAL RESOURCES FOR CAREER AND WELLBEING

The Early Careers Forum have compiled a list of external, helpful resources to support you in your career, especially if you're in the early stages.

We hope they will aid you in developing your career and soft skills and managing your mental health and wellbeing.

We encourage you to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates and additions. If you would like us to add any resources, please email [email protected]

Education and career support
NHS Practitioner Health - Health Education England

Health Education England offers support to trainees and doctors of any grade via 13 regional boards.

The support includes:

  • training workshops
  • career advice, coaching and mentoring
  • exam preparation
  • occupational health and counselling services
  • communications skills and language support
Health Education England - Professional support resources

Health Education England (HEE) offer professional support resources usually coordinated through a Professional Support Unit (PSU) or Professional Support and Wellbeing Unit (PSWU). These units cover all of HEE's regions.

Health and wellbeing
NHS mental health helpline (England and Wales)

The NHS mental health helpline is a confidential helpline run by Samaritans to support healthcare staff with mental wellbeing.

Trained advisers can help you with signposting and confidential listening.

England: 0800 069 6222
Wales: 0800 484 0555
Text: FRONTLINE to 85258

The phone line is open 7am - 11pm, seven days a week, while the text service is 24/7.

NHS bereavement support line

The NHS bereavement support line for healthcare workers is operated by Hospice UK.

It is a confidential service to support you with bereavement and wellbeing issues relating to loss experienced through your work.

National: 0300 303 4434

Open 8am - 8pm, seven days a week.

NHS mental health and wellbeing hubs (England)

NHS mental health and wellbeing hubs provide health and social care staff working in England rapid access to assessment and local evidence-based mental health services and support where needed.

Support is confidential and free of charge.

Supporting our NHS people (England)

NHS England’s Supporting our NHS people webpage provides information about and links to support available to NHS staff, the health and wellbeing programmes in place, and a selection of how-to guides.

NHS Practitioner Health (England)

NHS Practitioner Health is a primary care-led mental health assessment and treatment service established to care for NHS professionals. They provide services to practitioners in England.

Looking after you too (England)

NHS England offers individual coaching for all staff working in the delivery of primary care services, specifically those employed by the NHS or working with an NHS funded employer delivering an NHS funded primary care contract.

A skilled and experienced coach will work with you to discuss any area of your wellbeing you would like to address. They will listen, ask questions and support you to develop practical strategies to cope with your situation and stay well.

The initial session lasts up to 45 minutes, delivered virtually, either by video or telephone, and further sessions may take place depending upon the initial conversation between you and the coach.

NHS support line for Filipino staff (England)

A team of fully qualified and trained professionals – all of whom are Tagalog speakers – are available to help NHS staff on the NHS Support Line for Filipino Staff.

The support line is available for when you’ve had a tough time, are feeling worried or overwhelmed, or maybe you have a lot on your mind and need to talk it through. Tagalog speaking specialist counsellors and support workers are available for confidential discussions about any anxiety or emotional issues you may be experiencing, a bereavement, or if your wellbeing has been affected by witnessing trauma as part of your work.

You can book a consultation by calling 0300 303 1115 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. The assistance is available from anywhere in the country and is provided by Hospice UK.

BMA wellbeing support services directory

The British Medical Association (BMA) have an extensive wellbeing support services directory.

Mind

Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

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