From battling undiagnosed ADHD to taking on leadership roles in the classroom, Eve Erin Allsop’s Student Nursing Times Awards nomination shows how the right support can transform lives
Eve, a final year student who’s currently on placement at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM, a Trust that provides the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK), recalls her shock at discovering she had been nominated in the Student Nurse of the Year: Mental Health category. “I was absolutely thrilled. I put in a lot of work into the application and into university so being recognised for that was incredible. I know there are so many amazing students out there that I can’t believe it’s me. I’m incredibly pleased about it.”
Eve’s nomination feels especially pertinent given her earlier struggles in academia. She originally started a degree in Human Nutrition a few years ago but was unable to complete it due to struggles with undiagnosed ADHD. “I’ve always struggled with academia. Getting diagnosed later in my 20s and receiving proper treatment and support showed me how much someone’s life can change when they have the right help. It ties in so nicely with my degree now and cements my desire to make sure my patients have that same support and understanding.”
Growing up in a family of nurses - her mother is an adult nurse specialising in sexual health, her father a children’s nurse, healthcare was already familiar and “something that was always talked about dinner table conversations”. But it was in her late twenties that mental health nursing was a career she wanted to pursue.
“More and more of my friends were experiencing mental ill health and didn’t know how to access support so that drew me in. I was deciding between mental health and learning disability nursing, but ultimately it came down to my love of psychology and how it presents differently in people.”
Eve cites the support she’s had from University of Greenwich as instrumental in helping her thrive both academically and personally. “My lecturers are so knowledgeable and engaged and I know I can always ask for guidance if needed. When I compare my knowledge at the start of the course to now, it’s grown exponentially. The course is so in-depth and covers so many topics - it’s really fuelled my drive to learn more.”
Eve believes her nomination may be linked to the leadership roles she’s taken on throughout her training - roles she never expected to step into. “It wasn’t something that initially came easily to me, but I put in the work. I try to make sure everyone’s perspectives are heard and that our work reflects the whole group, not just me.”
During a simulated placement in a community ward meeting with actors portraying patients, she gathered reflections from her peers, created a presentation and helped the group share their learning with the wider cohort.
“It wasn’t a role I asked for - it was a position I found myself in. Other students recognised that I take a lot of notes, complete my work to a high standard, do extra reading and that I’m happy to support the group. I think that’s what people saw in me.”
Currently on her final placement, Eve hopes to remain at SLAM after graduation - a Trust she has trained with throughout her degree. “All the staff I’ve met are passionate, caring and supportive. It’s a really positive learning environment. Because they partner with universities, there are opportunities to observe clinical trials and see new service interventions in practice, which is fascinating.”
In the short term, Eve hopes to consolidate her skills as a newly qualified nurse. “I want to keep learning, keep improving my skills and provide compassionate, person‑centred care. Even if I make a difference to just one person, that would be incredible.”
Longer term, Eve is interested in specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions. “I find ADHD and autism really interesting, especially how it intersects with mental health needs. I also really enjoyed my perinatal placement, and how mental health can develop or change across a patient’s life.”
Eve is also considering pursuing further study. “I’m potentially interested in continuing my education and doing a Master’s degree. I’ve looked into nursing research, and I’m really interested in it - especially after doing my dissertation which was a literature review. I absolutely loved it. It strengthened my resolve to look into further education and research in the future.”
Ultimately, for Eve, the award nomination is more than recognition - it’s validation that she’s in the right career. “As soon as I realised I wanted to pursue Mental Health Nursing, I knew it was the right choice. The feedback I’ve received from Greenwich, NHS staff and patients means so much. It feels very much like a full-circle moment, especially after struggling with education earlier in my life. Being nominated really is the cherry on top.”
