2023-05-18 16:00:16
Harrogate interns win awards as they navigate the world of work
Charlize Barik, an intern working at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre in Harrogate, part of Harrogate Hospital, and Lewis Grayston, an intern working in the Sterile Services Department at Harrogate Hospital, have both won awards in Hft’s Project SEARCH Celebration Event, held today to highlight the incredible journeys interns and graduates on the programme have been on over the past 12 months.
Charlize and Lewis are both supported by national learning disability charity Hft and are enrolled on the DFN Project SEARCH employability programme.
Charlize was nominated for the Biggest Impact award for acting as an outstanding ambassador for Project SEARCH interns and having a positive impact on breaking down barriers with her unique perspective and insight.
Patrick Barker, Hft Employability Coach, says, “Charlize started her year with a placement in the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre and was involved in greeting patients and making them feel welcome by making them drinks or offering to help them locate help and support.
“As part of this role, Charlize was asked to think of subjects for one of the notice boards. She decided on LGBTQI+ and focused on inclusion to underline the fact that the centre welcomed everyone without exception. The display she created was widely praised, as it contained help-lines and details of specific pressure groups, as well as practical information.
“The manager of the Centre was incredibly impressed and was delighted by the response which directly led to at least one patient reaching out for help where previously they may not have done so.”
Charlize also gave a presentation relating to the work she had done to Harrogate Hospital’s diversity committee. Patrick adds, “the response to this was remarkable, and many present were moved to tears by her story, and by her determination to help others.
“Charlize’s Employability Coach feels that she acted as an outstanding ambassador for our interns and the positive impact they can make by breaking down barriers with their unique perspective and insight.”
Meanwhile, Lewis took home an award for Most Progress following a nomination for his hard work and determination throughout his time on Project SEARCH.
Lewis initially worked in the Medical Equipment Library within Harrogate Hospital, quickly becoming a highly-valued member of the team, before moving to his second rotation in the Estates team.
Patrick explains, “In February 2023 Lewis became aware of a post which had been advertised within the Sterile Services Department at Harrogate Hospital which he applied for, and he was successful in securing an interview. He then attended the interview and gave an outstanding account of himself and the skills he had learned. This led to him being offered the job!
“This is a remarkable testament to the hard work and determination Lewis has demonstrated throughout his time on Project SEARCH, and to secure employment less than halfway through the nine months of the programme constitutes a remarkable achievement.”
Lewis adds, “On the rotations I was on, I really enjoyed the opportunities I had to learn and make a positive contribution. I got a job half way through the time it normally takes to finish, and feel very proud of myself. I am really grateful for all the help I received as all the brilliant support and training has helped make my dream of having paid work come true. I will always look back and be grateful to Project SEARCH for the way it has helped me.”
With a similar sentiment, Charlize concludes, “I want to tell as many people as possible about Project SEARCH as it has been a life-changing experience for me which has made me feel valued and included.
“When I was at school I was told that I would never get paid work, or professional qualifications, but Project SEARCH has given me the confidence to know that I can do both. This has changed my aspirations about being independent and making decisions about my future, and I have just applied for a job at Harrogate Hospital.”
This is the second year that Hft has held the awards ceremony and this year 20 interns and graduates across England and Wales are being recognised for their commitment and hard work.
“Each and every intern is deserving of celebration – their journeys all involve learning a range of new skills, hard work and dedication. We want to acknowledge these achievements, and shine a light on the stories of the interns and graduates we are supporting,” says Bryony Dolby, National Programme Co-ordinator (Project SEARCH) at Hft.
“Hft is incredibly privileged to work with a wide range of supportive and inclusive partner organisations and a cohort of talented, hardworking interns and graduates. Our team of Employability Coaches works with partners to provide tailored support to interns and graduates to give them the opportunity to gain and develop the skills needed for paid work in their chosen career.
“Year after year we are blown away by the commitment shown by those we are supporting, their positive attitude and perseverance towards achieving their goals. This year has been no exception. Charlize and Lewis are well-deserved winners of their awards, as they have both shown how they have embraced contributing in the workplace, being professional and continuing their personal development.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
