At a Glance
- Tasks: Train to deliver mental health interventions and support service users.
- Company: Join The Big Life Group, a social business dedicated to equity in health and life.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic training environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum Level 5 qualification required; passion for mental health is essential.
The predicted salary is between 27776 - 30354 £ per year.
The Big Life Group’s mission is to fight for equity, in health, in wealth and in life. We are a social business delivering a range of services across the North of England, covering everything from mental and physical health, addiction and criminal justice, to housing, education, family support and much more. What links them together is the way we work – The Big Life Way.
We always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people, working with them on the things that matter most to them. Everything we do is designed and informed by the needs, priorities and strengths of people and communities.
Our values
- Courage: We stand up for ourselves, and the people and communities we work alongside, even when that makes us unpopular, or challenges accepted wisdom.
- Creativity: We find innovative solutions that work, never accepting the easy option or the status quo.
- Honesty: We act with integrity, speaking the truth to ourselves and others.
- Inspiration: We are inspired by the people and communities we work with and share what we learn from them to inspire others.
- Thoughtful: We act with care and compassion and work to understand people’s experiences. We take time to listen, reflect and continually learn.
- Valuing difference: We recognise and celebrate the unique qualities, gifts, insights and perspectives that different people offer.
Working at Big Life
At Big Life, work is more than a job – it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people and communities, making a difference every day. We fight for equity in health, in wealth and in life, and that commitment starts with how our staff.
Be yourself
We want you to feel safe, respected and able to bring your whole self to work. Difference is celebrated here, and our staff networks – from menopause to neurodiversity, LGBTQI+ and more – create space to connect and support each other.
Benefits that matter
We offer more than a payslip – you’ll find wellbeing support, 25-30 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, flexible working, and regular learning opportunities. Everyday perks include Blue Light Card discounts, savings schemes, cycle-to-work, free eye tests and more – little extras to make life easier inside and outside of work.
Recognised as outstanding
We’re proud to be ranked by Best Companies as one of the UK’s outstanding places to work, with a two-star accreditation in 2024.
A culture of trust and flexibility
Our people describe our culture as relaxed and supportive. You’ll be trusted to plan your own day, take breaks when you need, and work in a way that fits with your life as well as your role.
If you’re looking for more than a job - if you want to be part of a team that’s bold, creative and relentlessly committed to equity – then Big Life could be the place for you.
The basics
- Salary: £28,392 – NHS Band 4 entry during trainee year.
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week. 1 year fixed-term training contract. (There may be opportunity for continued employment thereafter)
- Annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 30 days after five years.
- Base: Although we provide opportunities for homeworking, this role is not fully remote. By applying for this post, you understand that you will be based at the University of Manchester for studying, as well as in one of the following areas, with the expectation of travel between offices and service-user venues, subject to service needs: Manchester, Stockport, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Cheshire East.
If invited to interview, we will ask you to list the areas in order of preference. However, we cannot guarantee you will be offered your first choice.
Line manager: Team Leader or Clinical Locality Manager
Closing date for applications: 17/07/26 (Please note this role may close early)
Interview dates: 3rd, 4th and 5th August (estimated). All interviews will be face-to-face in Manchester.
Role Start Date: You must be available to start in post on Monday 07/09/26.
We recognise that AI tools can be useful in supporting job applications, for example by helping with spelling, grammar, structure, or clarity. However, the content of your application should reflect your own skills, experience, knowledge, and ideas. You may be asked at interview to expand on or discuss any part of your application.
Reasonable adjustments: Do you have a disability or additional needs? Please tell us and let’s talk about what reasonable adjustments we can make to ensure our interviews are more accessible.
What you’ll be doing
As a trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, you will train to deliver NICE approved interventions for the treatment of common mental health conditions. You will work flexibly across your service area. Specific duties will vary from service-to-service, subject to service need. You will attend university as required. We work alongside several universities and the university you attend will be determined by the service area in which you are employed. You will be responsible for making the necessary travel arrangements.
Key aspects of this role will include the handling of service-user safety, the need to complete academic work in your own time, and the requirement to work alongside other services and professionals in a timely manner. The ability to manage your time efficiently is essential.
Those eligible for the undergraduate route must hold a minimum L5 qualification. You must also be prepared to complete a university entry essay prior to interview at the request of the university.
Note to applicants: we encourage applications from candidates whose first language is not English. Please be aware that for all entry routes, you must be able to show proficiency in the English language with a relevant higher-level qualification from a recognised English-speaking institution, or with a relevant standalone English proficiency qualification.
For the full recruitment pack including the job description and person specification, please visit: Vacancies Archive - The Big Life Group. You must use the person specification to align yourself to each point, in order to demonstrate your knowledge and experience.
Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) in Manchester employer: The BigLife Group
The Big Life Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across the North of England. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values diversity and personal growth. Our recognition as one of the UK's outstanding places to work reflects our dedication to fostering an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to our mission of fighting for equity in health, wealth, and life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) in Manchester
✨Get Involved with Local Psychology Groups
Join local psychology associations or clubs in your area. They often host networking events or workshops where you can meet professionals already working in the field. This is a great way to get insider information and showcase your enthusiasm.
✨Utilise Your University Career Service
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if you're still studying. They often have connections with local clinics and organisations offering trainee roles, so get involved in workshops and career fairs they organise.
✨Start a Psychology Blog or Vlog
Why not channel your passion into a blog or vlog? Share your insights on psychology topics that excite you. This not only builds your visibility but also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the field. Plus, it could attract the attention of potential employers, including The BigLife Group.
✨Don't Be Afraid to Reach Out Directly
Sometimes, it's all about who you know—or who you can contact! Don't hesitate to reach out directly to organisations you'd love to work with. Introduce yourself, express your interest in trainee roles, and even ask about potential openings. You'd be surprised at the opportunities that can open up just by being proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, your academic achievements matter! Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, your grades, and if you've been involved in any research projects or psychology clubs. All of this shows your dedication and passion for the subject—something that’s crucial for a trainee role at The BigLife Group.
Share Your Experience with People:Even if you haven’t officially worked in psychology yet, talk about any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs where you've interacted with people. Whether you've done tutoring, counselling, or even community engagement, it’s all relevant! We want to see how you've applied your knowledge in real-life situations.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Express your motivation for wanting to become a psychologist and why you’re excited about working at The BigLife Group. Focus on what you hope to learn from this trainee position and how it aligns with your career goals in psychology. Let your passion and personal touch come through!
Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you’ve got any certifications or have completed online courses relevant to psychology (like mental health first aid or counselling techniques), don’t forget to include them! They can set you apart from other applicants and show your initiative to learn even outside a formal setting. This is particularly important for a trainee role, where eagerness to learn is key.
How to prepare for a job interview at The BigLife Group
✨Brush Up on Your Psychological Theories
Since you're applying for a trainee position in psychology, it's key to demonstrate your understanding of core psychological theories. Revise the major theories and think about how they'd apply in real-world scenarios, which can pop up during case study questions in the interview.
✨Practice Active Listening Skills
Interviewer might assess your ability to interact with clients or colleagues, so practising active listening is crucial. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend where you practice summarising what they've said, which showcases your ability to engage constructively.
✨Showcase Your Motivation for Learning
As a trainee, they’ll be looking for your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Be prepared to share experiences that demonstrate your passion for psychology, whether it’s relevant coursework, volunteering, or reading specific books that shaped your interest.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
Psychoethical questions can come up, so think through dilemmas you might face in practice. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines in psychology, as being ready to discuss how you'd handle tricky situations can set you apart from other candidates.
