Bex’s placement at Rose Road
We are delighted to introduce you to Bex:
“I have been at Treloar College for 7 years now. Before I started at Treloar’s, I was very anxious because, except for a few residential trips with school and respite, I had not lived away from home.
“Being at Treloar’s has given me opportunities to meet different people: both peers and support staff. I’ve sailed a catamaran for my Duke of Edinburgh, and I went skiing. I live in a residential house at Treloar’s and enjoy going to work twice a week and being responsible for my own flat. In my spare time, I like to write short stories and go into town to get some shopping.
“Being at Treloar’s has helped me build my self-confidence, find my voice and advocate for myself. My most favourite memory of being at Treloar’s is winning the Boccia competition.”
Over the last year, Bex has been completing Treloar’s ground-breaking Supported Internship Programme which offers college students the opportunity to get experience working for an employer. This is a great opportunity for those students intending on doing paid or voluntary work after graduating from the college.
The one-year programme allows students to work 2-3 days a week supported by the Treloar’s job coach who helps the student to settle in and monitors their progress throughout the placement. The students are joined by their personal assistant (PA) on these placements. The rest of the time they are undertaking a programme of learning towards key independent living skills.
Here are Bex’s thoughts on her Supported Internship:
“Over the last year, I’ve been completing a supported internship placement at Rose Road, and I’ve really enjoyed this. I have been sorting out 500 DVDs for the new cinema at Rose Road. I have been helping out at fundraising and sat on a board meeting where we talk about the future of Rose Road.
“I’m leaving Treloar’s soon and plan to move home whilst we find my own home in my local area. I’m hoping I can also carry on volunteering with the team at Rose Road when I finish at Treloar’s.”
Here is the fabulous feedback from Beth at Rose Road on Bex’s placement:
“It has been amazing to see Bex’s confidence and communication skills develop whilst she has been with us. In the first few weeks, I think Bex was nervous to always say what she felt or maybe to always communicate with new people if she felt worried.
“Bex very confidently now moves around the Rose Road building independently, and during all of our events. She will chat to anyone, go anywhere and tackle any task.
“Bex is now very much a part of our Rose Road fundraising team, and we can’t imagine ourselves without her!”
We are so thrilled in what Bex has achieved in her time at Treloar’s: she will be leaving Treloar’s having developed the confidence and skills she needs to thrive, and we all wish her the very best for the next phase in her life.
We are always looking for local businesses to provide supported internships and work experience opportunities for our students. If you would like to find out more information about the Supported Internships Programme and how to get involved, please contact Charlotte Mills, Internship Coordinator at charlotte.mills@treloar.org.uk