Lurgan Nurse-in-Training Champions Mental Health and Adventure

Kathryn Edwards, a 32-year-old Senior Nursing Assistant from Lurgan, is making strides in her journey to becoming a Registered Mental Health Nurse through her studies at The Open University. Working in a secure forensic unit, Kathryn provides care for males with intellectual disabilities, but her passion extends far beyond her professional role.

Inspired by a desire to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, Kathryn pursued her degree after witnessing the rise of mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I wanted to support individuals during their most vulnerable moments, especially as mental health issues became more prominent," she explains. The flexibility of The Open University allowed Kathryn to balance her work with her studies, giving her the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Kathryn’s commitment to mental health is deeply personal. After losing a close friend to suicide and her grandmother passing away within a short period, she sought support from her academic assessor at the OU. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to provide compassionate care to those struggling with mental health issues, especially those too afraid to seek help. "This has fueled my passion to be there for others, offering support when they need it most," she says.

When she’s not caring for patients or studying, Kathryn embraces her love for adventure. She has a particular fondness for the Mourne Mountains and recently completed the Seven Sevens hike over several days, a grueling trek that involves summiting seven of the highest peaks in the region. Her next goal? To complete the hike in a single day.

In addition to her love for hiking, Kathryn is an avid traveler, having visited Africa, America, Indonesia, Asia, and Europe. She credits her travels with enriching her perspective, which she brings back to her nursing practice. "Every destination offers something new to learn, and it’s helped me both personally and professionally," she says.

With her degree in hand, Kathryn looks forward to continuing her career as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, with a special interest in suicide prevention. "The Open University has provided me with the knowledge and skills I need to make a real difference in people's lives," she concludes, ready to take on the challenges ahead.