Two University of Worcester students have taken a step closer to becoming future healthcare leaders after securing places on a prestigious programme.

Mental health nursing student Jake Shaw and adult nursing student Swathi Suresh are among 60 students from across the UK selected for the Student Leadership Programme.

The initiative is designed to help the future nursing, midwifery, and other allied health professional workforce develop their leadership skills.

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The programme offers workshops, lectures, seminars, a coaching scheme, and an online community of practice where students can debate topics and share learning.

Mr Shaw, 23, from Stourbridge, said: "I’m hoping this will have a positive impact on me both professionally and personally.

"Broadly speaking, I’m looking to gain more skills in leadership.

"Specifically, I want to work on being more confident and assertive from the start when I begin leading a team.

"I hope this programme gives me the confidence to be my full self, right from the get-go."

Mr Shaw, who aims to complete a medical degree in psychiatry, added: "I’m aiming for a career in mental health care, where I can have a positive impact on the system and work to improve it because I believe there’s always room for improvement."

Ms Suresh, 23, who grew up in Kerala, India, before moving to Worcester for her studies, said: "I am excited to do the Student Leadership Programme to further develop my leadership skills and gain the tools necessary to drive meaningful change within the healthcare sector."

She aims to be an advanced clinical practitioner specialising in oncology, particularly haematology.

She said: "I believe this programme will be instrumental in achieving this goal."

Ms Suresh has a background of leadership during her time at the university, having been the student representative for pre-registration nursing and student councillor for the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

In these roles, she has promoted diversity and inclusion through organising socio-cultural events and leading a study buddy programme.

Her efforts saw her become a finalist in the Student Nursing Times Awards for the Mary Seacole Award for Inclusion and Diversity.