Joanne Telford

Recognising the vital and substantial contribution our alumni make

After a very challenging upbringing and working as a carer for her nan, Joanne developed an interest in healthcare. After periods of unemployment and homelessness, she became a care assistant. A desire to have a greater impact on patient care led her to an access course which then led her to a 1st class BSc Adult Nursing degree which she completed in 2017. Less than five years post-graduation Joanne is a Diabetes Specialist Nurse and continuing her studies.

Passionate about promoting women’s health and raising awareness of diabetes

Joanne was born in November 1986 and grew up in a single-parent family in Kendal. Cumbria.  Her early teenage years were exceptionally challenging and at the age of 16 she found herself living with her older sister, Jemma, running a house, studying at college and working several part-time jobs to make ends meet. 

Originally enrolling on a beauty therapy course in 2003, Joanne transferred to health and social care a year later.  A lived experience witnessing the work of district nurses as she took on the role of her nan’s primary carer gave Joanne an insight into the support that can be given to ensure a dignified, respectful and peaceful death.  This was in 2007.

After a short time living in York, she returned to Kendal and a live-in job as a temporary bar manager.  Unfortunately, the pub closed and Joanne found herself unemployed and homeless.  After sofa-surfing with friends for a while she managed to get placed in a hostel that, whilst difficult, provided Joanne with a basic level of support whilst she reflected on what she wanted to do next.  An advert for a care assistant in a local residential home inspired her to apply and Joanne was able to pursue her passion for caring and nursing.  This opportunity also provided her with accommodation and the step up she needed to gain her own tenancy with a local housing association. 

In 2009 Joanne secured a job as Clinical Support Worker at the Westmorland General Hospital.  A year later she witnessed the support and care given to her grandad at the end of his life from the local hospice.  The day before he died, Joanne found out she was pregnant and in 2011 became the proud mum to her daughter, Ida May.

Joanne wanted to develop her skill for learning and have a greater impact on patient care.  In 2013 she completed the Access to Health and Social Care course at Kendal College which enabled her to apply to study full-time on the BSc Adult Nursing at the University of Cumbria.  Joanne’s confidence grew throughout the course and, despite her home being flooded in December 2015, forcing her and her daughter to move out while major repairs were carried out, she made excellent academic progress and graduated with a first-class degree.

Joanne’s first role was in practice nursing, which allowed her to develop her knowledge and understanding of women’s health and of diabetes.  She later moved into a part-time role in community nursing which gave her insights into other areas of healthcare, and additionally worked part-time in an online leadership role with a Covid-19 nurse team based in Bromley, Greater London.

It is all credit to Joanne’s diligence and strength of character that, less than five years after graduation, she is now a Diabetes Specialist Nurse within the University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Trust.  A significant achievement whilst being a single parent and overcoming several challenges, including major back surgery in the last year.

Joanne is passionate about promoting women’s health and raising awareness of diabetes.  In her spare time, she is part of the Community Nurse Ambassador Network and has participated in the NHS England and NHS Improvement “NextGen Nurse” project speaking to Year 10 pupils across the UK about why she became a nurse and inspiring others to enter the profession.  Joanne also spends time engaging with a local campaign for Anti-Racist Cumbria and has recently started studying a master’s degree.