Widening access to older people’s clinical psychology: Piloting a summer shadowing programme in older adults services

Abstract

Within recent years, there has been an expansion of UK clinical psychology courses, additional psychological professions and increased attention to psychological wellbeing as part of the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS England, 2019). It has been an energetic time for clinical psychology and in turn, older adult clinical psychology. However, despite the expansion of training places, pervasive social inequalities have meant that for some a career in clinical psychology is less accessible, meaning that the psychology workforce is less diverse. This, in combination with lack of parity in investment for Older Adult Services, can mean older adults’ access to more representative psychological professionals remain hindered. The current paper explores a recent shadowing programme that our small psychology team and older adults’ mental health team piloted in the summer of 2023. Eight female students were able to complete the programme and provided insightful feedback on the experience. We reflect on future learnings and recommendations of setting up such projects in older adult services.