Trust supports DFN project SEARCH employability programme for young adults
The one-year internship programme, hosted by Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Barnsley Council and Barnsley College, is for young adults with learning disabilities or autism. It aims to develop skills and provide workplace learning for interns to support them to transition into future employment.
Employability facilitator Rebecca Miller-Andrews, who is leading the project on behalf of the Trust said: “As part of my role, I regularly work with partners to deliver inclusive engagement and employability initiatives, and I am passionate about leading the DFN supported internship programme. I was approached by the project SEARCH team to seek suitable placements to support the final rotation for their current cohort.”
The programme team expressed interest in the Trust’s catering, domestic/housekeeping and portering services, with three placement interns being allocated roles within our teams based at Kendray Hospital.
Rebecca continued: “I have previously worked closely with our facilities teams on other employability programmes, and they were very keen to be involved, quickly identifying suitable placements and mentors. I liaised with facilities support manager Katie Burton-Whittam to arrange an onsite tour and placement manager/mentor involvement session for our interns.”
Katie added: “I was delighted to support the project search initiative and other initiatives as they create equal opportunities for individuals to access employment. These initiatives empower the interns to reach their full potential which builds a skilled, diverse, and adaptable workforce.
“To support the teams who host our placements, I provided clear communication and guidance to assist team members to understand the goals and benefits of new employment initiatives. I ensured the teams had the tools and support needed to fully engage with any new initiatives. By listening to feedback from team members I can ensure new initiatives are implemented in a practical and inclusive way.”
Our trio of placement interns included Ellis (catering), Olivia (housekeeping) and Scott (portering and transport). They all worked closely within the teams, undertaking key roles and tasks to understand more about the service and supporting team members in their roles to care for staff, patients, and visitors.
Ellis joined the catering team under the guidance of catering manager Daniel French
“My time at Kendray Hospital has been a wonderful and intriguing time. After the first week, you really get to settle in. I gained lots of experience in preparing food, getting involved and feeling part of the team. It was also great to see and meet new people every day. Every single staff member brings a smile to your face and gives you the best experience. They don’t want 99% effort; they want 100% for the best for you and they support you all the way.”
Daniel said: “Ellis was a breath of fresh air for the team. He came right in and fitted in straight away with an amazing ‘can do’ attitude. We wanted Ellis to embrace the cooking, handle deliveries and feel the real catering experience at the Trust and he got involved without as issues or complaints. We threw him straight in the deep end and he swum right to the top. Ellis would be a terrific addition to any team.”
Scott joined the transport and portering team under the guidance of manager Graham Moss
“The team I work with are helpful and fun, I feel that I fit in well. Unlike an office setting, I enjoy that I can go out and about here on the hospital grounds and other sites. I like going out, keeping busy and enjoy doing practical tasks.”
Graham said: “When Scott started, he was very reserved but through a lot of time and effort from the staff he has now come out of his shell and is working well as a team member. He is now conversing more with the staff and now knows the daily routine very well. Scott always has a smile on his face and is very polite when talking to people.”
Olivia joined the housekeeping team under the guidance of manager Karen Low
“I am enjoying my placement and the experience here at Kendray Hospital. I have met lots of different people and everyone has been so kind and welcoming, and I have managed to fit in well. It was a challenge to work in a big team, and this has built my resilience. Everything was really organised, and information was readily available to me. I really enjoy taking the tea trolley out and getting to speak with service users and patients.”
Karen said: “Olivia has been refreshing to have, and she fitted in from day one. She worked closely with the team and got experience of ward work. Feedback from housekeeper and domestic workers about Olivia has been excellent, as she got involved and has been a real pleasure to have in the team. She got used to the rotas quickly, including changes, which gave direction to her work schedule and what’s involved in her role, in a changing environment.”
DFN project SEARCH tutor Helen Mangham commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with our colleagues at Kendray Hospital. They have made both staff and interns feel welcome. The experience has been managed with care and attention which has ensured that the placements have been successful. The interns have developed their skills in a supportive environment. We look forward to working with you in the future.”
Thank you to Ellis, Olivia and Scott for your efforts and hard work during your placements here at the Trust and thank you to our facilities and employability teams for making this happen. The Trust are hoping to continue and expand our opportunities to develop interns with a range of transferrable skills to support progress and transition into employment.
If you would like further information or have an interest in supporting future programmes by offering meaningful placement experiences across the Trust, please reach out to Rebecca Miller-Andrews by email on employability@swyt.nhs.uk.
