Gerald Namwaza
Study Type: Adult and Community
Study Location: Ilkeston
Subject Studied: Access to Higher Education
Derby College was career gateway for mental health nurse practitioner Gerald
As a mental health nurse practitioner, former Derby College student Gerald Namwaza-Banda is in a senior caring role which allows him to make a real difference to people’s lives
A band six nurse, he works for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust assessing the needs of people referred to its Bradgate Mental Health Unit at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.
With a MSc in mental health as well as a BSc in nursing, Gerald, with the support of his employer, is about to begin a part-time mental health PhD at Lancaster University.
Gerald was a teacher in his home country of Malawi but discovered his true calling after coming to England to be with family in 2008.
When he first arrived in Derby, Gerald got a job in a care home. He went on to work as a care assistant in a hospital after gaining NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care at Derby College.
Certain of his new career path, Gerald successfully applied for an adult learner loan so he could pursue a nursing degree.
He said: “I’ve wanted to be a mental health nurse practitioner right from when I first came to Derby and entered the caring profession.
“I’ve now achieved that ambition, but without college none of it would have been possible. I love my work and I often think about my time at Derby College.
“If I hadn’t enrolled there back in 2014, I wouldn’t be where I am now; it’s provided a gateway to a whole new career.”
Gerald’s main objective is to make a difference to outcomes for people with mental health problems.
He added “What’s most rewarding about my work is seeing people recover and finding that despite their issues they can still do things they enjoy. My job is to instil hope.
“As a society we need a change of mentality; one which challenges stereotypes so we can fight the prejudice, fear and stigma that still surrounds mental health.”
Gerald is also keen to help motivate and encourage others on their career journeys and is happy to share his experiences with Derby College health and social care students.
I’ve now achieved that ambition, but without college none of it would have been possible. I love my work and I often think about my time at Derby College.