On Tuesday we hosted a showcase event for local employers to come and meet our students and tell them about the volunteering and career opportunities available to them in the local area.

The students are on Level 4 and are preparing for their volunteering experience which, forms the basis of their level 5 module Understanding Organisations in Health and Social Care.

The morning started with a talk from Kate Harrold who is a district public health officer at Stafford Borough Council.

Kate told us about the fantastic projects they have in place under their Health and Well Being Strategy

Health and Well Being Strategy at Staffordshire B.C.

They work in partnership with a large number of organisations delivering support for a large number of local organisations under the Health and Well Being agenda supporting individuals in a wide variety of settings.

One of the other speakers was Gaynor Morton from Approach who told our students all about this charity who provide services for the needs of older people with dementia or mental health needs and for adults who are socially disadvantaged.

Approach Café

They offer many support groups, from ‘Men in Sheds Care Group’ to ‘My Day My Way’ for individuals.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their day, they shared lunch with the employers and made some good contacts. They are now arranging to volunteer with one of the organisations and will spend one or two days per week for part of their level 5 out in practice. They will complete a reflective log for their asessment and then do a presentation for us at the end of next academic year. We are always impressed by the variety of services out there and how the students have engaged with their choosen group. One of the positive outcomes is that the students have a clear understanding of some of the future careers that are available to them.