Viniana had been unable to work for some time after bting medically discharged from the military, and due to being unable to return to her previous role was looking for other options. Having done coaching and mentoring in the past, when Viniana found out about the training from Release Potential and the benefits attending the course would give her, she joined the course to help improve and expand on her previous experiences. Viniana initially found the course difficult as it had been a number of years since she had to do any work of this nature, but once she got into the swing of things she was able to open up and complete the course! Since completing the course, Viniana has gone on to start work as a Healthcare Professional, and has even been able to utilise the skills and knowledge from the training within her working life! Congratulations, Viniana!

What were you doing before you started the programme?
After working as a Paramedic in the military for 21.5 years, I was medically discharged in June 2024 after a 2 year period of rehabilitation where I was housebound. I was unable to return to my role so needed to consider other options. Once I improved slightly I started to think about the future.

How did you find out about the training?
I attended Birmingham Library for an event where lots of different employers and training providers were showcasing jobs and courses available. This was the first time I had attended an event like this and was feeling very nervous and didn’t know what to expect.

Why did you decide to join?
I was initially drawn to the Release Potential table due to the brightness of the stand and the yellow logo. Laura from Release Potential shared some details of the course with me and helped me understand the benefits of attending. The elements around Coaching & Mentoring were really interesting. I had done some coaching and mentoring before with students around paramedic training whilst working, and also via South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) and thought the course would increase my knowledge.

What did you think of the training? How did it help you?
Pulling all of the information together was difficult as I hadn’t done this type of thing for some time. Structuring how to do this was initially hard, but the course made what I was being shown, make sense. The routine was great and it aligned with how I had previously operated. The format of the day was so helpful and I started to look forward to it despite it being challenging. The coaching plan and answering questions were difficult to begin with, but once I started to do this, my confidence improved. I loved the day to day lessons and speaking to people in the group. It made me realise I needed to push myself, move on and progress. The deadlines really pushed me to succeed. The Masterclass content was excellent and it really made a difference. I also enjoyed sharing experiences with others and hearing theirs.

Were there any barriers or obstacles you had to overcome?
I had issues with confidence and completing tasks to begin with.

What are you doing now?
I’m a Healthcare Professional working within Custody for Mountain Healthcare. This aligns with some of my previous work experience.

What impact has the training had on your life?
The training really helps me in my current role to give the relevant support which enhances my patients life and helps them move forward. The Coaching & Mentoring course content, really allowed me to rethink my approach. I had done Coaching & Mentoring for a long time but now the way I do it is completely different after doing the course. I ensure I have a structured approach in place to enable me to provide the appropriate support. The course was a lifeline and gave me an opportunity to open up fully.

What are your plans for the future?
I love the job I’m doing and hope to finish the remaining elements of my University Course then I would love to go into an actual Coaching &Mentoring or Counselling role so I can really make a difference to others. This type of support can be life saving to some and I can relate to it very well.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the training but wasn’t sure?
Do it. Absolutely do it. It may not be exactly what you think it is but the programme structure allows you to bring yourself and your experience into the course.