Health and social care students turning workshop ideas into a reality

Health and social care students at Walsall College are preparing to take their work placements to another level through roles as workshop facilitators.  Carrieann Jackson, Priya Kaur and Samantha New will be delivering confidence-boosting workshops to service users at Rethink’s Centre in Bloxwich.

The activities will be part of Walsall Enablement Service, which is designed to help individuals build independence and improve their health and wellbeing.

Neelam Pallen, lecturer at the college said: “The students are going from pitching their workshop ideas to Rethink’s Walsall team to taking them centre stage.

“The excellent rapport they have with the staff team and service users has made them keen to do more to enhance their communication and leadership skills in a workplace setting.  It’s testament to how far they’ve each come since they first started their extended placements last December.”

The workshop topics showcased by the students to the Rethink team related to a Goal Jar, British Sign Language and food and mood.  They will be hosted by each student at the centre on alternate weeks during their placement days.

Chelsey Reade, Rethink centre administrator said: “This is the first time we’ve welcomed students on placement here and they’ve all been brilliant work with.

“We’ve impressed by the effort they put into planning their workshops.  They understand the importance of reaching out to our service users in a variety of ways that will help them become more empowered.   We’re confident the workshops will be well-received by everyone when they take place.”