A CARE coordinator at North Cumbria Integrated Care has shared her story of being in the army reserves. 

This week the nation has acknowledged Reserves Day, which recognises the work that army reservists do. 

Abbie Wilkinson, 22, works with NCIC as part of the Your Health Matters Team. She has been a reservist for four years, with her role being a combat medical technician (CMT).

She said: “I joined the reserves through the college I attended. I was studying public services – from which I gained a diploma. We went away with the college to Altcar (Merseyside) for a couple of days.

"I enjoyed my time while I was away and applied for the reserves. I decided to join the reserves so that I could face new challenges and enhance my skills.”

Abbie serves with The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiments and is part of C Coy within the 4th Battalion.

Miss Wilkinson continued: "I am attached to an infantry unit. I am currently a CMT2 and am yet to complete my CMT1 course.

"In my job as a care coordinator, I work across seven GP practice surgeries in Keswick and Solway providing proactive care and support. I have worked for the trust for eight months."

The skills of being a reservist include conducting clinical observations, working as part of a team, and communication skills.

"These have all transferred well to my job in NCIC as part of my job I take patients' observations, work as part of a team, and communicate between my team, other teams in NCIC, and other third sector teams as well as my patients and their families," she said.

Abbie has offered advice for anyone thinking of becoming a reservist.

She added: "I would recommend the staff of NCIC to become a reservist, my managers have been great allowing me time off when needed, taking the time to understand what I will require each year, and supporting me when leave is approaching me to go away with the reserves."