Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Patsy Stancer tells us how a summer temp job at YG has changed her career ambitions.
9 September 2019
“Hi my name is Patsy, I started working for Young Gloucestershire as an National Citizen Service (NCS) Administrator in May during my summer break from studying French at The University of Bristol. I’ve previously worked in lots of temporary admin roles, but working with YG is like nothing I’ve done before!
“My role had been to help plan and deliver the National Citizen Service Programme for over 1,000 young people across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire this summer. With so many young people taking part in NCS, it’s important to make sure that they and their parents/ guardians are up to date with everything, from medical forms to merchandise. This means the NCS staff team have been dealing with hundreds of phone calls and emails each week. I’ve also been involved in the recruitment of our seasonal staff; running interviews and processing lots of paperwork to get our delivery workers ready for the four week programmes. With so much to do, no two days are the same; it certainly isn’t your average desk job. My day could involve anything from processing DBS applications to looking after Buddy, YG’s therapy-dog-in-training.
“The thing that I’ve enjoyed most about my role has been the opportunity to meet and talk with lots of different people, including young people taking part in NCS. I was really happy to get away from my desk for a week and work with an NCS team on their social action project. One thing NCS certainly does is push young people out of their comfort zone. I must admit that even I was a little nervous to join in! I was joining the group two weeks into their programme so I was very much an outsider. The team had already been on 2 residential trips together including an adventure week in Devon which saw them bond over the challenge activities they faced.
“I surprised myself though, by getting stuck in straight away with the team’s social action project. As well as fundraising for two local charities the team provided activities and entertainment to a charity drop-in centre for people with cancer; which included redecorating a therapy room, bingo games, arts and crafts, a family fun quiz and of course lots of tea and cake. It was so rewarding to be part of their journey and in the short time that I spent with both their and my confidence soared as we realised just how much we could all achieve if we worked together and put our minds to it. The young people were really inspiring.
“It’s also been really interesting to learn more about Young Gloucestershire’s work outside of NCS, whether that’s the delivery of group development programmes or the more individual support like mentoring that YG provide. Young Gloucestershire also provide plenty of support to their staff, meaning that I’ve been able to grow in confidence. I have learnt about the importance of wellbeing and self-care at work and experimented with different working styles to find out what suits me.
“Working closely with all the different departments at YG has helped me understand more about youth work and its role in society as well as the behind the scenes work that goes into running a charity, inspiring me to change my university course to Social Policy and Management; something I’ve always been passionate about but never had the confidence to pursue until now.
“We are now at the end of NCS and currently preparing for our graduation event where our NCS graduates can reunite and celebrate with their teams as well as showing family and friends the amazing things they’ve achieved over the summer. I’ve been busy sending out invites as well as sourcing glitter paint supplies and photo booth props. I’ve learnt so much this summer, not only about NCS, but also the other work that Young Gloucestershire do to support young people. It will be bittersweet to leave Young Gloucestershire once summer is finished, I really will miss everybody and although I’m looking forward to returning to Bristol for my new course I know I probably wouldn’t be doing it without everything that I’ve learned and achieved here.”
Phoebe Long Has a Job!
28 August 2018
Phoebe joined the GEM Project with a catering qualification and plenty of volunteering experience, but was really struggling to find a job due to having High-Functioning Autism.
“I was really keen to find a job, but with needing some extra support in a role found this really hard. I was getting interviews but not being offered the job.”
Ione, her Navigator Developer, supported Phoebe through interview practice and completing an employability qualification and now Phoebe is working at Hubble Bubble in Gloucester as a waitress.
“I’ve really enjoyed my whole experience on the GEM Project, the 1-1 support has been great and has helped to find me a job that I enjoy. I even get to prepare some of the food such as their Freak Shakes!”
The GEM Project
30 July 2018
When I started work on The GEM Project in January last year I was extremely excited to get back to working closely with young people. The GEM Project is ‘Going the Extra Mile’ and is all about my being able to help those young people who really struggle with finding employment, education or training.
Being able to help and support somebody to change their life is always the most rewarding part of my job, so it was great for me to be involved in a project with the scope to offer a flexible and wrap around approach to building confidence and planning next steps.
GEM offers 1-2-1 with young people in a unique way to any other project I have worked on. Often, one of the biggest factors to young people engaging in education, voluntary work or even in their communities is actually getting through the door, and within this role I am able to meet young people where they are at, and go with them physically to help them take that first step.
One of my favourite parts of the project so far has been a project that we ran with GEM participants called ‘Mind, Monday and Me.’ This project was a 5 week programme combining therapeutic wellbeing learning and creative arts to offer people a toolkit of skills to help them improve their wellbeing. The group was open and honest about their mental health, which was humbling, and we have continued to meet long after the course has finished to spend time together being creative and offering a support network. Being able to offer a different approach to improving young people’s wellbeing is rewarding, and we are hoping to offer more similar group sessions based on the initial success of this pilot.
I have seen young people turn their whole lives upside down, gaining work, taking huge steps into education and voluntary work, all whilst tackling a whole range of other additional barriers like mental health, homelessness and physical and mental illness. Being able to be a part of someone’s success is always an honour, and I am excited to meet many more inspiring young people as the project progresses.
Alicia Pocock is Passionate About Helping Young People
24 July 2018
Hi! My name’s Alicia Pocock and I am one of the new Youth Workers in The Link.
I have worked with young people for around 3 years. I have worked in educational and summer camps delivering outreach youth work and running a youth club in a rural area. I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in a Secondary School in South Bristol. I now work as part of Young Gloucestershire in The Link.
I have always known that I wanted to work with young people but was never quite sure in what kind of setting. This is why I got into being a Teacher’s Assistant and am now a Youth Worker. I have always wanted to try and help make a difference to young people’s lives and I love being seen as a ‘trusted person’ by the young people I work with. I strive to make a difference in young people’s lives and help them develop themselves in whichever ways they want to. I also love the individuality and challenges that young people bring with them as it gives me an opportunity to build and develop myself whilst trying to help support them through different times in their lives. I find young people enthusiastic and don’t feel like they get given enough time or credit for the amazing individuals they really are. This is why I am so passionate about my job role because I am allowed to talk, laugh, advise and support young people on a daily basis and build positive relationships with them! Who wouldn’t want to do that?
I feel like there is far too much pressure on young people to be a certain way and succeed at school or college. Young people have to make decisions when they are still developing, learning and finding their way in the world. They are expected to know their lifelong career and make choices around this before they’ve even been given the guidance and experience in different work areas. Personally I disagree with this and I am really keen to make sure I give young people as much support as possible to allow them to grow and develop as they want to with all the options available to them. I believe young people can be successful in anything they want to be.
In The Link we can help and support with many different aspects of a young person’s life and I am part of a team who support young people to achieve their goals. We can help young people to build a CV and apply for jobs. We also offer an Employability Qualification for you to enrol and complete within The Link setting. We offer support in all areas that affect young people, and that includes housing advice, benefit and money advice, financial capability, advice in being a young carer, mental health support, counselling, mentoring, drug and alcohol misuse and help to find and secure employment, education or training.
I am loving being a new member of the team at The Link! The staff team are great and I feel like I have fitted in well. I think The Link is a really unique place for young people to come and be themselves. I have been asking young people about their experiences whilst they have been attending The Link and I have only ever had positive feedback. This is lovely to hear from the young people who come here. From hearing all of this it gives me great confidence in wanting to put my skills and knowledge into practice in The Link and carry on building and improving on all the services available here and seeing what other opportunities arise.
Feel free to pop in and say ‘Hello’ anytime, Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm. I would love to meet and have a chat with you!
Social Action Events and the Youth Board
16 July 2018
Hey! My name’s Stevie. I have the awesome job of being a Youth Worker for Young Gloucestershire. My background includes being an outdoor instructor, youth work from a variety of backgrounds, Senior Support worker within housing support & being a Cooperate Parent and now I’ve found my place with YG’s amazing team!
Part of what I do with YG is creating opportunities for young people to get involved and shape our services. I do this by making sure the young people I work with are having fun and meeting new people, but still learning in a fun informal way. These are called Social Action Events. These are carried out by individuals or groups of people working together to help out others who may need support. The point of these projects is to bring about social change that will benefit individuals, communities & even society. We are always keen to explore ideas and opportunities so do let us know if you want to get involved.
Another part of what I do is help the Youth Board on behalf of YG, which is pretty much run by the young people to do as they see fit. At the moment, the Youth Board are currently focussed on a research project, looking into the needs of young people in Gloucestershire.
This literally means that these guys involved already have the opportunity to mould the future of YG. Do you think that having a Youth Board full of young people would have more of an idea of what young people need than a bunch of adults? I reckon so! So, If you like what you’ve read here, why not get in contact with YG & get involved?