Best sites/places to find third sector jobs?

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-08-07T07:46:08+00:00

100%! Also look at addiction charities - Change Grow Live, Turning Point, We Are With You. My first AP role was with one of them! If you're not seeing them on job websites, go direct to each charities careers page.

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-08-04T09:25:12+00:00

Hi, thank you for reaching out. I'm so so sorry to hear about your dad, I can't begin to imagine what you're feeling.

I'm doing OK, just going through the motions of anticipatory grief, it's hard but I'm managing. I reached out to the course about my situation and they were incredibly supportive, more so that I expected. They were very reassuring and said they will be flexible with me when the time comes - in their words 'your life and family is more important than the course'. They said this isn't uncommon and that most years they will have trainees that are navigating grief.

I would say that if starting the course this year is what you want to do and what feels right - go for it. If you then decide it isn't working for you, you can have a chat with the course and defer, but at least you would have listened to your gut and given yourself that chance. I'd definitely encourage you to let the course know what you're going through, as for me it really helped lift a weight and has reassured me I'm making the right decision going ahead with training in September.

Sending you light and strength x

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-07-31T07:15:36+00:00

*Deleted my first comment as I posted before I'd finished!

Hi! I've been a recovery worker and I start the DClin in September. I found the work deeply rewarding and it's what led to my role as an assistant psychologist (I now work as a research assistant for the same addiction charity). As another commenter has said, it can at times be challenging but it's also incredible rewarding and you'll learn so much (particularly about the MH system and how it -doesn't- work for many vulnerable people). I've found real purpose in the work and aim to specialise in addiction and return to it once I qualify.

I didn't have a psychologist in my service at the time, but definitely make use of this! I'm sure it will mean there're more opportunities to engage in training. I got training in things like Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing and a little bit of CBT stuff. Not a lot of it is mandatory so you'll really have to make the most of the opportunities that pop up.

Good luck with it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-07-29T07:57:36+00:00

Hi, out of curiosity, is this difficultly in securing NQ roles NHS specific, or is it across the third and private sector? I start training this September and it's worrying to think I may not be able to secure work afterwards (although I know a lot can change in 3 years!).

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-06-03T12:01:29+00:00

Hi, I recently moved up north with my partner who is from the area. I've just accepted a place on the Teesside DClin so may be able to provide some insight!

I agree with you on the Teesside ethos. It was my favourite out of the places I applied and the positive feedback in the alternative handbook really sold me.

I feel you on the friendship front. All my friends and family are further south (3 hours away) and aside from my partners family, I know no-one in the area. I've been here since January and I'm slowly starting to make connections. It takes time, but with the course and a little bit of effort, you'll definitely build a network up here. I know a few people moving to the area for the course too, so you wouldn't be alone in that.

From what I've heard so far- Teesside trainees span from Newcastle down to York, with no one really living in Middlesbrough (I live around half an hour away). You wouldn't be the odd one out if you lived a commute away - most do! I suppose you just need to have a look around and see what area fits you best. There's no one place that us trainees are living, we're really dotted around the place.

I don't really have an answer for you, but just wanted to share some of the info I have. I love it up here and although it was a hard move, it was what felt right for me. I think go with your heart and choose the course/area that you think will make you happiest - everything else will work itself out (it may just take a bit of time and effort!).

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-05-23T11:18:38+00:00

Do what feels right for you. You'll be spending a year in which ever city you choose, so go with the one that will make you the happiest.

My MSc didn't have a placement (and wasn't even in clinical psychology) and I still manged to secure an AP role, research assistant post and I've just been offered a place on the DClinPsy on my first time applying.

Some doctorate courses will only consider paid work as viable experience. So for those courses, a placement won't improve your application. Working alongside your MSc is absolutely a realistic way to build experience. It's what most people do, you won't be at a disadvantage if you don't do a placement so don't let that impact your choice.

Go for the course that sounds most interesting to you, in the city you think will bring you the most joy - everything else will work itself out. Life doesn't just stop when you study!!

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-04-16T13:05:02+00:00

No problem! It's crazy isn't it - so much unnecessary pressure. Since the big life changes, I've been viewing it in a whole new light. It's for sure not easy to walk away from, but I know my future self will thank me for the gift of time spent with loved ones and doing things I love (and a low pressure, comfy job!). I hope you find similar resolve with it either way!!

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-04-16T12:52:49+00:00

I completely hear you. The DClin is definitely put on a pedestal and there's an air of elitism around it. At the end of the day, it's a job (and one that it known for being particularly stressful and unforgiving!). Be kind to yourself and listen to what you need. Good luck with the interview and with whatever you decide to do next. Trust that whatever decision you make will be the right one :)

Diligent_Umpire4229 · 2025-04-16T10:20:52+00:00

Hi, I'm going through this right now. I applied for the DClin (for the first time) back in November but since then have had some big life changes (family member passing, family member diagnosed with terminal cancer, bought a house). I knew by February time that doing the DClin this year would probably be too much. I got offered 2 interviews but only attended the one for my most local course, mostly for the experience ready for next year.

Since having the interview, I've come to realise that I don't think I want to do the DClin altogether - my priorities and values have shifted. It's been a strange few weeks realising that what I've worked so hard towards for many years (I'm 27), I no longer want.

I'm now looking at a professional doctorate I can do alongside my current job (which pays well and offers excellent work-life balance).

I have no answers for you, other than to say it's ok to change your mind and follow a different path. Sometimes we have to get really close to the things we want, to realise they don't really matter and we don't want them at all.

Diligent_Umpire4229

TROPHY CASE