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Healthreach

Launched in September 2018, HealthReach is a mobile outreach project designed to support access to health and life science careers and courses. We do this by inspiring, engaging and raising awareness of the variety of career choices in the health sector.

HealthReach offers interactive and experiential healthcare simulation scenarios and educational sessions, either virtually, in school, or on the University campus.

A range of exciting kit is used during the sessions, including age simulation suits, a 'foldaway ambulance', and an interactive, immersive classroom. There are also opportunities to learn vital first aid skills and learn about healthy lifestyles.

Activities with HealthReach can:

  • raise young people's awareness and aspirations regarding health career options
  • equip young people with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to make them more suitable and successful candidates for healthcare careers
  • attract young people from diverse backgrounds that reflect the local communities served by our healthcare providers.

Workshops are developed according to students' needs, linking to the curriculum at each Key Stage, and highlighting careers that are related to the area of study. Workshops use real-life case studies developed by, and delivered in collaboration with, health professionals.

'Foldaway ambulance' used in HealthReach workshops

It's not just doctors and nurses

Did you know there are more than 350 different roles in the health service? This workshop explores some of the many different career paths through the journey of a young man who has broken his leg. Students will have the opportunity to do a 'hands-on' practical activity using health equipment to explore different health careers.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: all ages, content can be adapted to age group
  • Session length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Max per session: 30
Biological mannequin with students working in the background

Measuring Health

This workshop gives students the opportunity to explore current health issues, what it means to be healthy, and how we can promote healthy lifestyles. This is followed by a practical activity where students can do some health checks of their own to see how healthy they are!

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: all ages, content can be adapted to age group
  • Session length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Max per session: 30

Patient Journey

Using case studies designed by current health professionals, students have the opportunity to follow a patient on their journey to recovery. At each stage of the journey students are challenged to carry out health checks, solve problems and design a healthcare plan for their patient.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: all ages, content can be adapted to age group
  • Session length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Max per session: 40

The body

This workshop covers a number of different systems in the body, including the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. In these fun, interactive sessions, pupils learn about how the body works by doing practical experiments, making and putting together models of different parts of the body.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: Key Stage 2 and 3
  • Session length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Max per session: 25

Values and Behaviours

This workshop introduces students to the huge variety of roles that exist in the health and care sectors. It allows them to explore the values, behaviours, skills and qualities required to work in the healthcare sector and how to evidence them. They are also given the opportunity to practise answering situational judgement tests used in healthcare recruitment.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: Key Stage 4 and 5
  • Session length: 1 hour
  • Max per session: 30
Students practising CPR on dummies during a HealthReach workshop

First aid

HealthReach can provide students with vital first aid skills. Sessions can range from basic lifesaving certificated courses to accredited first aid courses (there is a cost for certificated courses). Training can also be provided for teaching and support staff.

Courses delivered include: Basic Life Support; Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator); Emergency First Aid at Work; First Aid at Work.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: all ages
  • Session length: dependent on course delivered
  • Max per session: 24

oUTBREAK!

In a fun and interactive way, this workshop introduces students to harmful microbes, examines how they cause infections, how easily infections are spread, and what can be done to prevent the spread of infections and stay healthy. The workshop also touches on the subject of antibiotic resistance.

  • Available in school
  • Year groups: all ages, content can be adapted to age group
  • Session length: 1 to 2 hours
  • Max per session: 30

Further information

For details about any of the workshops on offer, or to make a booking, please contact HealthReach@reading.ac.uk

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2025/26
2026/27