2023-05-19 11:40:23
Wakefield interns win awards as they navigate the world of work
Three interns working across Wakefield have won awards for Most Progress and Creative Thinking 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.
Harrison Cook, Charlotte Daniela and Codie Belford are all supported by national learning disability charity Hft and are enrolled on the DFN Project SEARCH employability programme.
Both Harrison, who works as an Admin Assistant at ICS, and Charlotte, who works on a fast-paced ward at Pinderfields Hospital – Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust, won the Most Progress award following nominations for their professionalism and adaptability.
Kara Dewer, Employability Coach at Hft, shares Harrison’s story:
“Harrison appears and acts as if he is employed by the host business, not an intern on a work placement. For example, he is able to recognise how to finish work before moving on to another task, conversing with his colleagues, managing his time between all departments and effectively dispersing things to different colleagues, such as paperwork that was needed by someone.
“Harrison has now shown he is able to travel independently, which has also started to show in his personal life! He has been extremely motivated to find a job and is actively looking at job descriptions to support his development and understand where he needs to be.”
Harrison adds, “Project SEARCH has helped me to be a confident, hard worker and I have learnt how the working world works.
“I have enjoyed my time in Project SEARCH. I especially enjoyed working with a friendly and supportive team, having friends, tutor and job coach to support me whilst on the programme, going through the different rotations and watching my confidence and work and life skills grow.
“Project SEARCH has helped massively with my life skills such as catching the bus into town, talking to different people in and out of work, and going out shopping independently.”
Commenting on Charlotte’s time on the programme, Lesley from Ward 28 adds, “Charlotte is now more independent at home when preparing to go to work, making sure she is ready for each day. Before Project SEARCH, Charlotte didn’t travel by herself, but now has learned a route to the hospital and regularly chooses to do this independently.”
Charlotte adds, “Project SEARCH has made me more independent, built my confidence and helped me develop new skills. I have enjoyed being with lovely people, working hard but also having fun.
“I would recommend Project SEARCH to anyone as you get to experience real work situations, meet new people and develop new skills.”
Meanwhile, Codie, who works as a housekeeper at Pinderfields Hospital, took home the award for Creative Thinking for adapting to a role that fits her skills and building a great relationship with the team at the hospital.
Jodie from Ward 28 explains, “Codie has been learning many aspects of the role and has built up a great relationship with the staff team. Part of the role involves using a menu planner on an iPad. Navigating the technology has been no problem or barrier to Codie’s work, but she did find reading the menus to patients challenging. Codie suggested she could try the role of ward domestic as this was a role she felt would allow her to work more independently and still remain part of the same team.
“She has now taken up this role and is happy as she still gets to help the patient with drinks.”
Codie adds, “During my time on Project SEARCH, I have learnt so many things and it has helped me develop not only in my career but personally too.”
Codie says developing her time management and communication skills are two of the things she loved about the programme. She echoes the thoughts of Harrison and Charlotte and adds, “I would recommend Project SEARCH to anyone who is unsure of their future career path, as it gives you various departments to work in that require different skills and abilities which might give you a better understanding of what you might want to do in your future career.”
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. Harrison, Charlotte and Codie are all well-deserved winners of their awards, as they have all 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
