Dave, Social Worker and Approved Mental Health Professional

My first experience of social care began at home. I grew up in a small residential home for people with learning disabilities, run by my parents. It was more than just a workplace - it was a community. I also spent time at a nearby local authority residential care home, where 22 people lived. As a young person, I’d often use their games room, forming early connections with the people and environment that would later shape my career.

In the 1990s, I went to university to study forensic pathology. After completing my degree, I returned home and received a call from a day center asking if I could cover for sickness. I said yes and I stayed. That opportunity led me to become a Care Assistant, and I gradually worked my way up through various roles.

I joined a community team in the disabilities department as a Social Work Assistant, and later pursued my social work degree, qualifying in 2015. But my passion for learning didn’t stop there - I completed my Consolidation Programme for Experienced Practitioners (CPEL) and became a Practice Educator. A colleague then suggested I consider the AMHP role, which opened a new chapter in my career.

As an AMHP, I work under the Mental Health Act to assess individuals who may need urgent mental health support, including possible detention in hospital for their safety or the safety of others. It’s a role that requires compassion, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of mental health law.

Unlike my long-term work in disability services, AMHP duties are short-term but incredibly impactful. I listen to people’s stories, assess risks such as self-harm or carrying weapons, evaluate their support networks, and help formulate a plan that balances care and safety. It’s a delicate decision-making process - whether to detain someone or find alternative support.

This work has taught me to be:

• Open-minded and inquisitive - always seeking to understand the full picture.
• Patient and resilient - especially in emotionally charged situations.
• A strong communicator - with a focus on active listening.
• A collaborative professional - working across agencies to ensure the best outcomes.
• Thoughtful and decisive - weighing up complex information to make informed choices.

One memorable case involved assessing an 18-year-old experiencing severe schizophrenia. It was heartbreaking to see someone so young in distress, but they had a strong family support network. After a short hospital stay for observation, they returned to education and are now thriving. Moments like these remind me why this work matters.

• Part 1.2 Understanding health and well-being.
• Part 1.3 Early intervention and prevention.
• Part 2.1 care provision in Wales.

Here are some reflective questions learners can use to deepen their understanding:

1. What early experiences can influence someone’s decision to work in social care?
2. How does the role of an AMHP differ from other social care roles?
3. Why is active listening important in mental health assessments?
4. How does multi-agency working benefit individuals receiving care?
5. What does Dave’s story teach us about resilience and lifelong learning?