29 Mar 2006 - A Social Work Student's View

How I came to be at the Wellspring

I am studying at Stockport College for my BA HONS Degree in Social Work, I am currently in my second year.

The condition of the second year is that as well as academic work, you must gain experience with regards to practice and this means taking on a placement to gain experience, knowledge and to work with people.

The placement officer at Stockport College asked me about the Wellspring as I had been on placement here before when studying A-levels in health and social care, he asked me if I would be interested in going back to the Wellspring for my social work placement. After a brief visit and an informal chat with Jonathan I decided it would be interesting to come back as I was impressed with the changes that the Wellspring had made in the last three years.

Coming to the Wellspring gives you the chance to work with a wide range of people with different backgrounds and different needs so therefore I think it gives you ample opportunity to gain knowledge in different areas and aspects relating to social work.

Having been at the Wellspring for a month I feel I have settled in quite well. The staff that are here have made me feel welcome and I already feel part of the team.

So far I have been building on my interpersonal skills and have been getting to know some of the members and feel I have built up a good rapport with some of the members, and the feedback from the members seems to be positive. I have also had the chance to act as an advocate for a couple of the members so far, this has entailed writing letters on behalf of members, liasing with other services on behalf of members, and visiting one of the members in hospital.

I am enjoying being at the Wellspring and look forward to the challenges ahead of me.

Sarah.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN DOING A WORK PLACEMENT AT THE WELLSPRING THEN PLEASE CONTACT THE PROJECT STAFF ON 01614776344 OR EMAIL thewellspring@btconnect.com