Ms PAULA KENNEDY

I joined the academic team at Edge Hill University in January 2020 as programme Leader for the MSc Children and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) and Well-Being. I am currently involved in developing and delivering programmes of teaching and learning specific to children and Young People’s Mental Health and Systemic Practice across disciplines. A registered nurse of over 25 years, my practice background began in community mental health nursing prior to entering Higher Education in 2004. 

Throughout my time in higher education my clinical practice has been maintained on an honorary basis. Working as a mental health nurse practitioner for a local NHS Trust in the field of adult community mental health services and Primary Care CAMH services; and as a training (2008) and qualified (from 2011) Systemic Family Therapist in Tier 3 CAMH services, specialist eating disorder services (outpatient and inpatient) and since 2015 Early Intervention Psychosis Services.

From 2015 to 2019 I worked as a project lead for clinical governance alongside the Nursing Executive Team and within a large local Mental Health NHS Trust. My role involved project engagement across disciplines. I completed projects related to Trust strategy and policy development, Medicines Optimisation, Safer staffing, Non-Medical Prescribing, Nursing Workforce Development and Advanced Clinical Practice.

I began a Professional Doctorate in Systemic Practice at the University of Bedfordshire in September 2016. My practice research focuses on 'the family's experience of psychosis' within early intervention psychosis services.

My research interests include mental health, children and young peoples health and well-being, systemic psychotherapy practice and systems leadership.