In March 2019 I started working here at Young People at Heart as a Social Work Assistant. Before this role, I had worked in many different jobs and been unhappy in most of them. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I fit in. I had always been interested in the world of social work, and wanted a career that meant something to me, but I thought I had left it too late and couldn’t imagine going back to education after so many years of working. One day I just decided to go for it and I signed myself up to the Open University and enrolled in the Social Work degree course. I remember thinking how far off in the distance qualifying seemed and I wasn’t entirely sure I’d even make it the whole way through! Just a couple of months later, before my course had even started, I saw the job advertisement at Young People at Heart for the Social Work Assistant role and genuinely couldn’t believe my luck. I was extremely keen, I applied for the job immediately and even rang Gary to let him know how interested I was in the role! I came in for a couple of interviews and was over the moon when I was offered the job.
It took a little while for me to get comfortable in my new career. As someone who has not yet had children and has never worked with children and young people before, there were so many things I just didn’t know. I had no idea about car seats or routines and often had to ask for help and guidance! Luckily for me I had a supportive team around me who were happy to help and teach me along the way. I have learned so much over the years just from working with, and observing, the people who work here and I am extremely grateful to them for that. I was also learning a lot from my social work course which I was completing alongside working every day. It was challenging, and I found it difficult sometimes to study after a day at work, but I also loved ticking off the milestones as I completed each stage of the course.
As part of the social work course, I had to complete two placements: the first for 70 days and the second for 100. I completed both of my placements within Young People at Heart, supported organisation-wide by many members of staff. It was during these placements that I really got an insight into the social work role and what it would be like when I finally qualified! I really appreciated the experience I gained from doing these placements and felt lucky to work with people who have so much experience and who are so good at what they do! I often found myself thinking ‘I hope I can do that one day!’
As time went on my role started to change at work, and I took on some social work duties. This was amazing for my learning and really helped to prepare me for the transition into a social work role. The last year of my degree was really hard work, but I was incredibly fortunate to have been supported by Young People at Heart with extra time to complete my studies and advice along the way when I needed it.
I finally completed my degree and received my results on 17th July 2023. It was a great day and I was so happy (and relieved that it was over!) I attended my graduation ceremony on 17th November, surrounded by family and friends who all put up with me and my mood swings throughout my studying! It was an amazing day and I felt truly proud of myself and all that I had accomplished.
Now that I have qualified and received my Social Work England registration, I am starting my social work career as a Supervising Social Worker here at Young People at Heart. I still have a lot to learn along the way but this feels like a full circle moment, and I am just grateful that 25 year old me with no social work experience was given a chance! The practical experience I gained taught me way more than a text book ever could, and I look forward to continuing to learn throughout my career.
