Danny Savage, Senior Mental Health Practitioner, Torbay, South and West STEP Team

Danny joined us in 2017 after moving down from London. Here, he shares his personal journey to training to become a mental health nurse and his life here in Devon.

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

I left school with no qualifications and both my parents were mental health patients, meaning my early life was quite different to other people. I became a carpenter and took an advanced level City and Guilds course to become a cabinet maker. Over time I got into teaching, which I really enjoyed. This lead me towards voluntary work mentoring young people and for the first time I started to consider a career change.

It had never occurred to me to do anything else but I started working for a homeless project as an outreach worker, where I encountered lots of mental illness. To me, working in this environment felt comfortable and natural, so I decided to go down the path of mental health nursing. I trained at Brighton University where I got on well and really enjoyed it.

Where would you like your career to go next?

Throughout my career, I have done various roles as a nurse. I really like what I do now - anyone coming into Devon Partnership NHS Trust (DPT) has opportunities and real career pathways ahead of them. It’s a great organisation for developing people. I’ve seen multiple colleagues become managers, as well as opportunities to progress into different roles such as training as therapists or prescribers.

Why did you decide to go into mental health?

From my own personal experience, the world of mental health was known to me and it felt completely natural to help people. Doing this role, you know that you are making a difference and you’re given real insight into people’s experiences.

What does being a nurse mean to you?

Being a nurse is fascinating. I feel as though I am constantly learning. It’s really nice to work though peoples’ crisis’ and to be there supporting them to become well again or manage their illnesses. You get the opportunity to build great relationships and it’s a fantastic job.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing people progress – even when it’s not always big progression, just taking little steps and people finding the answers that help them move forward. People finding a place where they can talk about where they feel. Another real highlight is when elements come up that I am not quite sure about and want to learn more – for example learning more academically about evidenced-based or helpful ways of being with people when they’re distressed.

What gives you the strength to keep going when dealing with an upsetting or difficult situation at work?

The fact that we’re looking towards making things better really helps you through the difficult times. My training really helps me to cope, cope along with my team mates. We also have a wide case load, so one person can be acute and working with them can be worrying, but then another can be doing very well, so you’re seeing different stages of recovery. You see them down the line feeling better and you get used to the ups and downs.

What is it about Devon that makes you feel at home?

I moved here from a houseboat in London so felt my next move had to top the boat! I’ve spent time here with my children over the years so it felt familiar – I was actually born here. I find Devon folk really nice and friendly. Devon is so interesting, as well as being stunning. We have moorlands, woodlands, rivers everywhere, amazing beaches and stunning scenery. I’ve lived here a few years but I still feel as though I am on holiday.

Where in Devon is your favourite place to visit?

My favourite spot in Devon is Fishcombe Cove near Brixham, along the coast, where there are just a couple of tiny coves. There is a little tiny tea hut down there, I used to take my kids and it’s now one of my favourite places. I also love Teignmouth estuary, which is just a stone’s throw away from my home.

What do you think makes Devon a great place to live?

Devon is a great place to live because it has such natural beauty and also has good opportunities. There is affordable accommodation, clean air, a low crime rate and lots going on. It just feels like a much nicer pace of life than anywhere else and I just love being by the sea. After my move, I was so happy to be here, and I found a job immediately with DPT –  plus there are lots of jobs and opportunities within DPT.

What support does DPT give you as a Nurse?

"I am dyslexic and the Trust has given me great support. They’ve provided good technology and the managers recognise that it makes the job harder, are aware of it and are always supportive. The Trust has been encouraging and helpful."

Of all the trusts in the country to work for, why did you choose Devon Partnership Trust?

I worked within the community with an agency as a Care Coordinator and was persuaded to join the Trust after having a great experience working here and getting on well with the team in the Specialist Early Intervention in Psychosis Team (STEP). We built up a rapport and I liked where I was working. I felt at home and this is a great organisation and role.

Describe what it’s like working with your team

I love my team. It’s a really supportive environment and we all look out for each other. I’ve been lucky to have good managers the whole time I’ve been working for the Trust. Your team mates and managers are here to support you, listen to you and look out for you. From the outsetI have had a lot of fun with colleagues and I think it’s important to have humour and fun at work. We do a serious job and we know how to look after ourselves. We’ll regularly meet up and take part in murder mysteries, and are always pleased to see each other.