Alison Jones
“36 years I have now served in the NHS and still proud to be a nurse. I would not alter this if I had my time again. I have experienced a work family, especially as I stayed within the same trust all my career.”
Alison Jones
Liaison and Diversion Practitioner, Health and Justice Service, Integrated Offender Management
Read about Alison’s experience as a Mental Health Nurse to discover what it’s really like to work for us.
Alison Jones
Liaison and Diversion Practitioner, Health and Justice Service, Integrated Offender Management
Alison began her nursing journey in 1988. She now works in police custody and court as a Liaison and Diversion Practitioner in North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare.
What made you want to become a Mental Health Nurse?
I followed in the same career as my mother. I had seen how much she enjoyed her job.
Have you overcome any challenges along the way? If so, are you happy to tell us more about them?
Over the years I have seen multiple changes in the way we approach mental health. I saw the closure of the huge hospitals and transformation of services and, although difficult at the time, I feel the transformation was necessary and long overdue.
What advice would you give to others considering a career in Mental Health Nursing?
36 years I have now served in the NHS and still proud to be a nurse. I would not alter this if I had my time again. I have experienced a work family, especially as I stayed within the same trust all my career. I have made some very good friends. I even met my husband of 21 years, who still works as a healthcare recovery worker in Substance Misuse.
I feel there are so many opportunities nowadays to have an exceptional career progression. Moving through banding and the opportunity for career development. I have the job of my dreams and I know that there are so many university students studying forensic psychology because they see that as the ideal profession; but believe me, train as a mental health nurse and head towards forensics. You can always do the psychology element later.
Where and when did you start your nursing journey?
I trained in 1988, I had wanted to follow my mother’s footsteps. I was unsure which type of nursing to go in to at the time, however the old style of Asylum (St Edwards Hospital, Cheddleton) had always been a part of my local community and I felt comfortable around people who endured mental health difficulties. Being a qualified nurse was a profession, something to be proud of and something the general public had respect for.
I was lucky, as during this time I was paid to train as a student nurse. I received weekend, bank holiday and night rate of pay. I can remember following a Programme called ‘CARERS’ where we experienced Community, Adult, Rehabilitation, Elderly, Research and Specialist placements.
How would you explain your role to someone who doesn’t know anything about it?
I work in police custody and court. In a Multi-Disciplinary Team. I assess for vulnerability of a person passing through the justice system. The team was set up following the Lord Bradbury Report. We screen people who have been arrested on alleged or charged offences, in order to assist the individual and justice pathway. Yes, I do have to stand up in court and defend my assessment at times with prosecutors and defence solicitors. However I do find that after 5 years this isn’t as daunting as it was, as you do start to know the solicitors you face in the courtroom.
What is the best thing about your job?
Being privileged to step in to people’s life, when they are at their most vulnerable, and making a difference to their life, not matter how small.
Next steps / Where do you want to go next in your career?
I retire in June 2024, but will be returning on reduced hours. I am returning as being a nurse has been a part of me since the age of 18, not sure who I would be without that purpose.